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 Welcome to Your Library News
Welcome to this month's Library newsletter. This March we are bringing you a curated collection of exciting updates, upcoming events, book recommendations, community spotlights, and much more. Whether you're an avid reader, a passionate learner, or simply love the welcoming atmosphere of our libraries, this newsletter is tailored just for you.
Stay connected, inspired, and discover new opportunities to feed your love for books and knowledge. Get ready to embark on a literary journey as we share the latest news and treasures from our libraries right to your inbox.
 160 Years of Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter is one of the most famous names in literature and is forever associated with the Lake District. Now the region is gearing up for a special celebration to mark the 160th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter. The author, illustrator, naturalist and conservationist is best known for her gentle tales of Peter Rabbit and his friends, and her creative legacy continues to inspire new generations. Pop into Barrow, Kendal and Penrith Libraries this Internation Woman’s Day to see our specially created exhibitions all about Beatrix Potter.
Walking the Offa’s Dyke National Trail
Thursday 5 March 7pm @ Penrith Library
Join us for tales about Walking the Offa’s Dyke National Trail-An adventure in Three parts with Calum Campbell. Enjoy an evening of tales from the trail, some (very) amateur history, nice photos and a bit of humour along the way. Calum has travelled a fair bit in his life, and this has tended to focus upon natural environments and involve some sort of journey. The Offa's Dyke walk is his most recent travels having completed it in 2026. Hedgehog bookshop will be showcasing books linked to this walk. £1 for refreshments.
Book your tickets here.
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Adventure in the Andes - Biodiversity Bike Ride
Saturday 14th March 2pm @ Kendal Library
Join author Kate Rawles at Kendal Library. Kate cycled the length of South America following the spine of the Andes – the longest mountain chain in the world – on Woody, a bamboo bike she built herself with bamboo from the Eden Project in Cornwall. The aim of her largely solo ‘adventure plus’ ride was to explore and champion biodiversity - what it is, why it matters, what’s happening to it and above all, what can be done to protect it.
Book your tickets here.
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National Theatre Online, Hamlet
Monday 16th March at 4pm @ Barrow Library
Barrow Library are proud to announce that we will be hosting our first National Theatre Online screening. We will be showing Hamlet by William Shakespeare and directed by Tinuke Craig. The runtime is 68 minutes and is suitable for all audiences ages 8 and above. No booking required.
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Kate Davis In Conversation
Friday 6th March 2pm @ Barrow Library
Join Kate Davis at Barrow Library. FLOW is a verse novel about 6 women and what they do to survive. an extremely ambitious narrative poem of breath-taking scope and empathy - a story that traverses vast spaces of land and time, centred around Kate’s Cumbrian home. Flow was published by Verve Press in 2025 and she’s currently working on a narrative non-fiction book and a new poetry collection based of small stories.
Book your tickets here.
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The Murder on the Disorient Express
Saturday 14th March @ Barrow Library 6pm
There's been a murder...
Join us at Barrow Library for a night of mystery where you can gather a team, dress up in your best 1930s attire (not compulsory but encouraged!) and see if you can solve the impossible puzzle of who murdered Hercules Pinot! £10 per ticket. Includes a token for one refreshment, which will be allocated on the door, with a paid bar also provided (Cash only). Ages 12+ advised.
Ticket price is subsidised by the Know Your Neighbourhood grant, provided by UK Government.
Book your tickets here.
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 Colour Monster @ Penrith Library
We had a great time celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week across Westmorland and Furness libraries. We are delighted to be showcasing the wonderful work of Brough Pre-School Nursery in a special display at Penrith Library. Inspired by the book The Colour Monster, the children have been exploring feelings through colour and creativity. It's absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your beautiful art with us.
 National Storytelling Week with Spirit Dog
It was a pleasure to welcome schools into Barrow, Kendal and Penrith libraries for National Storytelling Week. A big thank you to Chris and Steve from Artisan Creative for sharing stories and songs. We loved hearing Spirit Dog, a fascinating story about being brave, trusting friends and not giving up.
 Holocaust Memorial Day Display
Westmorland and Furness libraries marked Holocaust Memorial Day by showcasing our fascinating book collections and display. A special mention to St Catherine's Primary School, Cold Springs Care Home, and Integrate Cumbria who all came together to identify positive words for the future. They decorated and coloured them in to display across the entrance of Penrith Library, creating a beautiful and welcoming space. Integrate Cumbria wrote about kindness, generosity, and positivity, and how they feel they have been welcomed into the local community. And to honour the National Year of Reading, there is also a book - Words and Your Heart by Kate Jane Neal - which can be looked at by anyone who pops into the library.
 Speak Out Sistas
We were delighted to host The sisterhood for their inaugural Speak Out Sistas event. This powerful poetry and spoken word event saw woman come together and share they work to a packed out library audience. With performances by the amazing, Ann Grant, Sally Ann, Sarah Miller and Nicola Clay as well as wonderful open mike performances.
The Sisterhood said,
"Honestly last night could not have gone any better for our first Speak Out Sistas event. It was one of them “you had to be there” nights. Emotional, empowering, heartfelt, raw, resonant, impactful, uplifting, the list is endless and these women certainly left an impression on everyone who was there. Full house and full hearts. Thank you to everyone who came along and to all the performers and the staff at Barrow Library."
 Stronger Together Exhibition
Penrith Library were delighted to host The Stronger Together exhibition. A collaboration between Integrate Cumbria and Penrith Library. The exhibition showcased some truly wonderful artwork created with passion and creativity by the community members from 26 different nationalities.
 The World of the Honey Bee Display and Event
Penrith Beekeepers Association have put up a gorgeous display in Penrith Library foyer. It will be up from the 2nd - 13th March so do buzz on down to have a look and learn more about these fantastic insects.
There will also be a free talk by the Penrith Beekeepers Association about 'The World of the Honey Bee' on Saturday 7 March at 2pm. To book, pop into Penrith Library or give us a call on 01768 812100.
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 All The World's A Stage
All the world’s a stage and we are merely players. If you love theatre, drama or dance, then this selection of books is for you. We love these fabulous stories set in beautiful ballrooms and getting to know our favourite stars in their autobiographies. So for the year of reading, why not go all in, read the play of your favourite show or discover the journey of the world's best stars of stage and screen? Find our picks on Borrow Box here.
eBooks on BorrowBox
So many fantastic eBooks to borrow for free with your library card.
Dance of Resistance by Catherine Johnson, Best Foot Forward by Shirley Ballas, Sonny Boy by Al Pacino, Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz and Tiny Dancer, Big World: How to Find Fulfilment... by Janette Manrara
Explore eBooks here.
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eAudio on BorrowBox
Listen to the stories that inspired what you love. Our BorrowBox collection includes so great examples including.
My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke, Shakespeare by Judi Dench, The Paris Affair by Anton Du Beke, Making It So by Patrick Stewart and Finding My Own Rhythm by Motsi Mabuse.
Explore eAudio here.
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ePress on BorrowBox
Did you know that we have a huge collection of digital newspapers and magazines all available with your library account through BorrowBox. If you love film there is a great choice including,
Empire Magazine.
Explore ePress here.
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 A Sprinkle Of Joy
Are you a bake-off champion or a secret cookie eater? We have chosen a selection of brilliant books about baking. Love cake? Cafes? Or romances in chocolate shops? For the year of reading, go all in with the recipes and stories that inspired the cake you love! Find our picks on Borrow Box here.
eBooks on BorrowBox
So many fantastic eBooks to borrow for free with your library card.
Bake It Easy by Oliver Coysh, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore, A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal and Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree.
Explore eBooks here.
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eAudio on BorrowBox
Listen to the stories that inspired what you love. Our BorrowBox collection includes so great examples including,
The Teashop Girls at War by Elaine Everest, Bitter & Sweet by Amal Awad, The Cornish Cream Tea Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin, Sweet Temptation by Lucy Diamond and Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty.
Explore eAudio here.
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ePress on BorrowBox
Did you know that we have a huge collection of digital newspapers and magazines all available with your library account through BorrowBox. If you love baking there is a great choice including,
Good Food and Cosy Pudding Collection.
Explore ePress here.
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 An Evening With Writers Rump Authors!
Come and join as we celebrate the work of local authors and poets from the Writers Rump group. Poetry and prose from artists who count award winners and Edinburgh Fringe performers amongst their number! A licensed (cash) bar will be available.
Book your tickets here.
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. 👇
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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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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