 LGBTQ History Month
Art, music, literature and poetry have always been closely associated with activism and social change, which was the theme of this year's LGBTQ+ History Month! We have enjoyed promoting the great selection of novels, non-fiction and poetry which took centre-stage at our libraries this February, but did you know that our LGBTQ+ collection is available all year round?
Our staff shared their top picks on our social media channels and invited library members to browse the collection using our online catalogue and our eBooks and eAudiobooks, available Borrowbox now.
 Half Term Fun
There was plenty of fun to be had in our libraries this February half term! As well as our regular family sessions, we had some fantastic activities for a full week of stories and creativity. Including Fairytale Finger Puppets, drop-in crafts, Lego hour and Lego creations sessions. We hosted Climate Champions workshops,
friendship bracelets making and Rucksack of Rhymes with Wordsworth Grasmere. Wordsworth also joined us for Changing Seasons and New Beginnings and there were Pets, Pets, Pets at story craft.
Throughout the week youngsters were invited to drop in and swap costumes at our World Book Day costume swap. A fun filled time at Westmorland and Furness libraries.
 Creative Writing with Dave Cryer
Celebrating Young Talent with Tom Palmer. Prolific children's writer Tom Palmer wasn’t keen on reading when he was young and was struggling at school. His mum encouraged him to read about football in newspapers, magazines and books. Gradually he came not only to love books, but also writing. Tom is talking about his journey as an author and also is judging the first Cumbrian Young Writers' competition at Words by the Water festival.
We were delighted to welcome Dave Cryer to Penrith Library. Dave led a session with local school children. He talked about how we do creative writing and supported the children to get going on their competition entry. Fingers crossed to all the children who took part.
 National Theatre Collection 3 is here!
Westmorland and Furness Libraries now offer the National Theatre Collection 3 for free! Library users can access it on our public PCs. Simply log in and enjoy world-class performances, perfect for students studying plays or anyone who loves theatre. The National Theatre is excited to be bringing a brilliant and varied set of titles such as Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It, Wuthering Heights and Romeo and Juliet to members of the public, so they can also enjoy high-quality screenings by accessing the screenings themselves within the library.
 Holocaust Memorial Day
Westmorland and Furness libraries marked this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day in tribute to those affected by genocide. Held annually on 27 January. This year marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. This years theme was 'For a Better Future’. Encouraging communities to learn about the past and take actions to make a better future for all.
Our libraries displayed our collection of relevent books. There was an ‘intergenerational display’ in Penrith Library featuring 80 candle templates to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The display includes messages from primary school children, care home residents, library users and staff on how we can create a better future.
Councillor Matt Severn, Chair of Westmorland and Furness Council, said:
“Holocaust Memorial Day is a solemn on-going reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. Across Westmorland and Furness, we remember the millions of victims; the 6 million Jews as well as many other groups in society, murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators.
“We also praise the contribution made to our community by the Windermere Children, the Jewish children who came to the Lakes as refugees after the Second World War.
“It is essential for us to grieve, unite, reflect and learn about the past so that we can take action for a better future.”
 Books To Travel The World With
Africa, India, Japan, Italy, books can take you around the world. Want to explore the world with a great book? Then our selection of books to travel the world with is perfect for you.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
It would be the journey of a lifetime. ‘Women can be heroes, too’. When twenty-year-old nursing student, Frances “Frankie” McGrath, hears these unexpected words, it is a revelation. Raised on California’s idyllic Coronado Island and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing, being a good girl. But in 1965 the world is changing, and she suddenly imagines a different path for her life. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurses Corps and follows his path.
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Request to borrow here.
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The Crimson Fortress by Akshaya Raman
Four siblings. Two enemy territories. One long buried secret.
Without magic to protect Ashoka's borders, time is running out. The whole country is at risk from enemy territory Lyria, suspected to be experimenting with dangerous magic. And nobody feels the threat more so than Maharani Vira, who is desperate to prove herself a worthy leader. But finding the Ivory Key, her one hope of discovering a new source of magic, has only led to more mysteries to unravel. So when her own Council turns on her, Vira once again needs her siblings' help. If together they found the key, maybe together they can restore Ashoka to its former glory.
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here
Request to borrow here.
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Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
In 1969, two sisters from rural Việt Nam leave their parents’ home and travel to the bustling city of Sài Gòn. Soon their lives are swept up in the unstoppable flames of a war that is blazing through their country. They begin working as ‘bar girls’ in one of the drinking dens frequented by American GIs, forced to accept that survival now might mean compromising the values they once treasured.
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Request to borrow here.
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Tamarind & the Star of Ishta by Jasbinder Bilan
Tamarind never knew her Indian mum, Chinty, who died soon after she was born. So when she arrives at her ancestral home, a huge mansion in the Himalayas surrounded by luxuriant gardens, she's full of questions for her extended family. But instead of answers, she finds an ominous silence - and a trickle of intriguing clues: an abandoned hut, a friendly monkey, a glowing star ring, and a strange girl in the garden who calls herself Ishta. Slowly, Tamarind unravels a mystery at the heart of who she is ...
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Request to borrow here.
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 Red Any Good Books Lately?
We know what they say, never judge a book by its cover. But we just can't help falling in love with all these ravishingly red books.
The Exploit by Daniel Scanlan
When a deadly enemy reappears with a lethal new plan, it's up to FBI Special Agent Ericka Blackwood to stop him – but not before she overcomes the failures of her past. Following her harrowing encounter with predatory cybercriminal Dantalion, and her decision to pursue vengeance over duty, Ericka Blackwood hit rock bottom. Her only path to redemption is through the relentless pursuit of her elusive old enemy. But Ericka is not the only one seeking Dantalion, whose tastes for chaos and carnage have drawn him into the world of international terrorism. When an attempt to destroy a Pakistani jail alerts intelligence services that Dantalion has emerged from hiding, Ericka and her old FBI team are hot on the criminal mastermind's trail.
Which is exactly what he wants...
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Request to borrow here.
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Into the West by Mercedes Lackey
Baron Valdemar and his people have found a temporary haven, but it cannot hold all of them, or for long. Trouble could follow on their heels at any moment, and there are too many people for Crescent Lake to support. Those who are willing to make a further trek by barge on into the West will follow him into a wilderness depopulated by war and scarred by the terrible magics of a thousand years ago and the Mage Wars. But the wilderness is not as "empty" as it seems. There are potential friends and rapacious foes....
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Request to borrow here.
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Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White by Amélie Wen Zhao
Years ago, the Elantian colonizers invaded Lan's homeland and killed her mother in their search to uncover the Last Kingdom's greatest the location of its legendary four Demon Gods. Lan's mother devoted her life to destroying the Demon Gods, and Lan is determined to finish her mission. Yet, there are others searching for the gods, too.
Zen knew his soul was forfeit the moment he made a deal with the Demon God known as the Black Tortoise, but he's willing to lose himself if it means saving the Kingdom–and the girl–he loves. But to crush the colonizers who have invaded his land he needs more power than even a single Demon God can provide. He needs an army. And he knows exactly where he can find it–in the undead army his great grandfather lead decades ago.
The Elantians may have stolen their throne, but the battle for the Last Kingdom has only begun.
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
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 Library IT Drop-ins
Do you or someone you know, would benefit from digital support?
Come along to one of our regular Library IT Drop-ins. Bring along your charged up laptop, phone or tablet and get general IT support from helpful volunteers.
IT Drop-In Sessions are a great chance for you to ask questions about using a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or access general IT support & advice! Get help with your technology, made easy and enjoyable through our welcoming library drop-in sessions.
Ulverston Library- Tuesday weekly 1:00pm-3:00pm
Kendal Library- Wednesday fortnightly 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 10am to 11:30am
Barrow Library- Thursday- weekly 1:30pm- 3:00pm
Windermere Library- Friday fortnightly 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 10am to 11:30am
Regular Events and Activities
Explore a world of fun and learning! Are you ready for an exciting spring filled with captivating events and activities? Look no further than Westmorland and Furness Libraries! Did you know that alongside our exciting events, we offer a variety of regular groups and activities that cater to different interests and promote lifelong learning. Many of these regular groups are completely free, including Baby Bounce and Rhyme, Lego Club, Craft Club, Storytime, Knit and Natter, Chess Club, and many more.
Explore the wonderful opportunities available to you!
Check out our regular groups and activities. 👇
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Barrow Group Libraries - Walney, Askam, Ulverston, Roose, Dalton & Ormsgill
Penrith Group Libraries - Alston, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen & Shap
Kendal Group Libraries - Ambleside, Grange, Kirkby Longsdale, Milnthorpe, Sedbergh & Windermere
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Special Events
Check out our schedule of special events.
There, you'll find detailed information about each event, including dates, times, locations, and any additional requirements.
Please note that some events may have limited capacity, so we encourage you to book your spot early to secure your place. Don't miss out on the incredible experiences waiting for you and your family!
Download The Library App
Have you downloaded our library app? It's now ready for download! Access your library card digitally, renew items on-the-go, and scan any book, anywhere to check availability at your local library. We've incorporated your feedback to ensure it's packed with features you'll love! Available now on both Apple and Android devices - click the link to get started or search for CWF Libraries on the App Store or Google Play!
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected with us on social media! Did you know that Westmorland and Furness libraries can be found on across social media. Pop on over to your chosen platform to keep up to date and informed about all the latest happenings at Westmorland and Furness Libraries!
Join our growing online community and be the first to know about the engaging activities and resources we have in store for you.
Don't miss out - follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram today!
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