 Pokemon Club With Ash
Our Pokémon Club at Barrow Library had a great night listening to our special guest speaker, Ash. We all learnt a lot through his presentation and were amazed by his trading card collection. Thank you to everyone who came to the talk. We have had some excellent feedback about it and will hopefully plan another one in the future.
"Huge thank you to everyone who came and to the kids who were so attentive, polite and passionate about their collections. I always love visiting the Pokémon Club and can't wait to come back again!" Ash
"We always enjoy Pokémon Club. My children can feel at ease, and everyone goes out of their way to welcome my autistic son. We always look forward to special events, e.g. Ash visiting. Thank you, Shannon, for everything you do. We couldn't be without it." Parent
"We really enjoy coming to Pokémon Club. The staff are always so friendly. Ash's visit is a real highlight; he is so knowledgeable and patient with the children. my kids loved it." Parent
 Our Freedom Then and Now Comic Launch
Westmorland and Furness libraries were delighted to have been selected participants in a nationally recognised project, Our Freedom: Then and Now. This new UK-wide, locally-led arts and creative program has produced 60 new pieces of work reflecting on what ‘Our Freedom’ means to local people and their communities. Our project saw collaboration with amazing artists, poets and an archive center delivering fantastic creative workshops for young adults over the summer. Barrow Library was thrilled to welcome all to a Comic Book launch and Exhibition. Following our year-long community project, Our Freedom: Then and Now. This free and interactive event launched a new comic-art book created specially for Barrow Library by artist Lyndon White. Lydon discussed how this book was created and answered questions about his work. Limited signed copies of 'After The Fire' were gifted to the audience. We were also treated to a special guest performance by poet Caleb Staps, who shared a poetry performance of original works on themes of freedom and war. Followed by a special tea. Barrow Library was transformed into a space of shared memory and imagination, where stories of freedom—past and present—came to life.
Thanks to our project partners Cumbria Archives, Future Arts Centres and Lakes International Comic Festival. These sessions are possible thanks to a grant award. Delivered in partnership with Libraries Connected and Open Eye Gallery, supported using public funding by the UK Government through Arts Council England.
 Green Libraries Week 2025
We celebrated Green libraries across our libraries with drop-in activities, swap shops and our brilliant go green collection. Penrith Library had a very successful Stronger Together event. They welcomed author Emma Smallshaw and illustrator Sophie Feinhols to a special storytelling session and launch of their book Our Kingdom of Blue. Illustrator Sophie showed the children how to have a go at drawing Narwhals- unicorns of the ocean- and learn about how to look after our oceans and planet.
Integrate Cumbria worked with lots of natural materials to create crafts, and Peter Murphy was there to help with information for people regarding Careers Advice.
 Read Christmas Magazines Free On Us!
I don't know about you, but one of my absolutely favourite things in the run-up to Christmas is snuggling up with a festive magazine. Did you know that you can borrow all these great magazines and so many more for free with your library card? Why not check out a festive favourite edition now on BorrowBox?
 Summer Reading Challenge Winners Announced
As part of our Summer Reading Challenge this year, we held a schools competition. There were two categories - schools with 50 or under children and those with 51plus pupils. One school from each category in each of the Barrow, South Lakes and Eden groups with the most finishers of the challenge have received a bundle of books as a prize. Headteacher Lucy Middleton said,
‘The children were thrilled! ’
Our amazing outreach officers have been out and about, presenting the winning schools with their book bundles. Congratulations to Heron Hill School, Kendal, Grayrigg CE School, Kirkby Stephen Primary School, Temple Sowerby CofE School, Newbarns Primary School and Yarlside Academy.
Don't forget you can keep recording your reading on The Summer Reading challenge portal year-round. Why not carry on with The Winter Challenge now.
 Reading For Movember @ The Library
Our library staff had a great time choosing books to celebrate Movember. With a specially selected collection of the best books about men's health, including great stories, biographies and information. There really was something for everyone. Did you spot our mustache fantastic displays? Where everyone got a fabulous tash especially for Movember.
 We Took Part in Libraries Connected Time Capsule.
Westmorland and Furness Libraries were delighted to be included in, Libraries 175: A Snapshot of Library Life. 2025 marked 175 years since the Public Libraries Act - the landmark legislation that led to today's network of nearly 4,000 public libraries across the UK. The first public library was opened in Manchester on 6 September 1852 at Campfield. The archive of that day remains, including a visitor book signed by Charles Dickens. Libraries Connected wanted to create the archive for the next 175 years, so they created a unique snapshot of library life in 2025.
Between October 6 and 12 2025, Library staff were tasked with taking a photos that showed what your library service looks like today. These could have been a busy children’s storytime, a quiet reading space, a digital skills session – anything that captured the everyday impact of libraries. Our images will be included in a special photo book and sealed in a time capsule, ready to be opened in another 175 years – in the year 2200!
 Reading is a gift to open again and again...
Wolf Mountain by Alice Roberts
Embark on an epic journey, in the jaw-dropping adventure to the bestselling and highly acclaimed Wolf Road, based on real archaeological discoveries, from award‑winning historian and television presenter, Alice Roberts. The seasons are changing and Tuuli, along with her faithful wolf cub, Lupa, is on the move. Leaving her tribe behind, she sets out across the Tundra to discover a new world and find the family of Andar, the friend she has lost. The journey is hard, filled with ferocious animals and dangerous weather. But with danger everywhere, will Tuuli find who she is looking for?
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Request from the Library here.
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The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher
The Christmasaurus is a story about a boy named William Trundle, and a dinosaur, the Christmasaurus. It's about how they meet one Christmas Eve and have a magical adventure. It's about friendship and families, sleigh bells and Santa, singing elves and flying reindeer, music and magic. It's about discovering your heart's true desire, and learning that the impossible might just be possible.
Find BorrowBox Tom Fletcher eBooks here.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Request from the Library here.
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The Arctic Fox by Holly Webb
Evie is so excited to spend her Christmas holiday in Lapland – they’re going to visit Santa, go on a reindeer sleigh ride and watch the Northern Lights. She’s even dreamed about seeing her favourite animal – the arctic fox. Evie’s parents say this is unlikely, though, as hunting has left the species endangered. But when she hears a strange whining noise in the middle of the night, she follows the sounds and discovers a little arctic fox caught in a trap. Can Evie rescue him in time?
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Request from the Library here.
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Station Jim by Louis De Bernières
One evening in early spring, in the days when all the trains were driven by steam, a stationmaster found something abandoned on a train. Mr Ginger Leghorn is used to collecting up umbrellas and other lost property but he’s never found an abandoned puppy on his train before. He has no intention of keeping it but his five children – Alfie, Arthur, Beryl, Sissy and Albert – have other ideas and Jim is soon a much-loved, but often disruptive, member of the family.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
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 Snow Many Good Books!
The Last Song of Winter by Lulu Taylor
An island full of secrets. A truth that could change everything. 1940s: Young and romantic, Veronica cannot help falling in love, even with unattainable men like handsome film star Jack Bannock. Present Day: When Romy arrives on St Elfwy, now a bird sanctuary and retreat, she only has the enigmatic warden for company. As she devotes herself to understanding the lure of this beautiful, haunting place, she is drawn into the past and the tale of Veronica Mindenhall. The island hides stories of betrayal and loss, as well as redemption - but it is a perilous path to discover its secrets.
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Find Lulu Taylor Books in the Library here.
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The Winter Garden by Nicola Cornick
1605: Anne Catesby fears for her family. Her son, the darkly charismatic Robert, is secretly plotting to kill the King, placing his wife and child in grave danger. Anne must make a terrible choice: betray her only child or risk her family’s future. Present day: When her dreams of becoming a musician are shattered, Lucy takes refuge in her family’s ancestral home in Oxfordshire. Everyone knows it was originally home to Robert Catesby, the gunpowder plotter. As Lucy and Anne’s stories converge, a shared secret that has echoed through the centuries separating them, will change Lucy’s life forever…
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Find Nicola Cornick Books in the Library here.
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Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft
City-girl Ivy Heart has just turned thirty. She’s a chronic list-maker, married to her five-year plan, and can’t remember when she last had a Christmas off. This year is no different; PA to Lady Miriam Ballentine, Ivy has been tasked with bringing her estranged grandson home before Christmas Eve in return for a reference. With her dream job on the line, Ivy packs her bags for the snowy Scottish Highlands to track down the heir to the Ballentine estate.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Find Donna Ashcroft Books in the library here.
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Midnight in the Snow by Karen Swan
Involved in an accident that had devastating consequences for a bitter rival, Kit has never spoken about what really happened that day. Determined to find out the truth, Clover heads to the snowy wilderness of the Austrian Alps, sharing a romantic winter wonderland with a man who can’t stand her. But as she delves deeper, Clover finds herself both drawn to Kit, and even more convinced he’s hiding something. Is Kit Foley really as cold as he seems?
Find BorrowBox eBook here.
Find BorrowBox eAudio here.
Find Karen Swan Books in the library here.
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 Go All In. 2026 The Year Of Reading!
We are really excited to be getting ready for 2026 the year of reading. Everyone knows the benefits of reading: it expands your world, sharpens your mind. It might even make you more creative or successful. But we believe it's just a matter of shifting the focus. So for the National Year of Reading in 2026, we're bringing reading to where culture is. We believe reading is a powerful plug-in to the things you already love – a great way to go deeper into your existing passions. Put simply we say: ‘if you’re into it, read into it’. We’re asking the nation to Go All in and see how reading in all its forms can unlock more of what you love – whether it’s music, baking, family time, films, sci-fi or… anything.
Whatever you're into.
Get ready to GO ALL IN.
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! Find us on Trybooking
Check out our regular groups and activities. 👇
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Barrow Group Libraries - Walney, Roose, Askam, Ulverston, Dalton & Ormsgill
Penrith Group Libraries - Alston, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen & Shap
Kendal Group Libraries - Ambleside, Grange, Kirkby Longsdale, Milnthorpe, Sedbergh & Windermere
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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.
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