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 Welcome to Your Library News
Welcome to this month's Library newsletter. This April 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.
The Silent Reading Group
Launching
Wednesday 1st April 6pm - Penrith Library
A silent book club is a ‘no pressure’ book club where people meet to read their current book together in silence. There is no assigned reading or homework, and no mandatory discussion. This is a free monthly book club for over 18s
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An Evening with Writers Rump Authors
Thursday 16th April 6pm - Kendal Library
Come and join us 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.
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World Book Night Book Quiz!
Thursday 23rd April 6.30pm - Kendal Library
Who doesn't love a quiz? Why not join us at Kendal Library on World Book Night? Up to 5 people per team or come along and join a team on the night. Just follow the link to book!
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W&F Libraries Read Together
Last Friday of each month at 3 pm on Facebook
W&F Libraries Read Together is a new monthly digital book club for the National Year of Reading, and everyone is welcome.Every month, a Book of the Month will be selected from BorrowBox spotlight titles, which are available for simultaneous borrowing of eBook and eAudiobook downloads on BorrowBox. Aprils chosen book is House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A.Craig. Available in eBook and eAudio now on Borrowbox. Let's read together. Join us on the last Friday of each month at 3 pm on Facebook to chat about the chosen book in the comments!
Borrowbox is free for library members
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Author Alex Fallows & The Mountain Rescue
Wednesday 22nd April 7pm - Penrith Library
Join author Alex Fallows and Penrith Mountain Rescue Team doctor, Tim Sanders, for a special event. Alex and Tim will talk about real mountain rescues and how they inspired Alex's novel, Daughters of Blencathra.
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On The Trail Of Dracula with Calum Campbell
Thursday 30th April 7pm - Penrith Library
Join Calum Campbell to hear tales from a (slightly misguided) journey by bicycle to reach Dracula's birthplace. Expect some history, nice photos and a bit of humour too. A cycle touring adventure through Eastern Europe in the Mid 1990s
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 Kate Rawles’ inspiring talk
We loved welcoming you to Kate Rawles’ inspiring talk in Kendal Library - described by attendees as “absolutely marvellous,” “great, brilliant social value” and “very interesting and inspiring.” Many said the highlight was simply “Kate and her bike.”
We’re thrilled the event hit the mark, the atmosphere felt welcoming and that the cuppa was appreciated!
Your message was clear: “More of these, please.” And we couldn’t agree more.
Kate's book, The Life Cycle, is available to borrow from your local library.
 Grange Story Trail Launched
A story trail celebrating local folklore and history has taken pride of place in the grounds of Grange Library.
These fantastic clay and wooden planters will change with the seasons and were created by artists from Juneau Partners working with the local community and children from Grange C of E Primary School.
The wonderful Grange Soroptimists, who already look after the flowerbeds at Grange Library, will be tending the plants with guidance from Halecat Nurseries.
This evolving art installation was made possible with money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The first three storyboard subjects are:
The last wolf in England - killed at nearby Humphrey Head in around 1390 according to local legend. Folklore has it that the wolf descended from fells near Coniston where it had caused havoc among sheep flocks, and after it attacked a child in Cark the country-folk chased it to the end of Humphrey Head. A reimagining of the tale can be read in the 1906 book The Last Wolf by Mrs Jerome Mercier. A reference copy is available in Grange Library.
Sarah Losh (1785 -1853) - a Cumberland architect and designer whose most famous work is at St Mary's Church in Wreay, near Carlisle. You can find out more about her in the award-winning biography The Pinecone by Jenny Uglow.
Hampsfell Hospice - a well-known local landmark built in 1846 by the Vicar of Cartmel to provide shelter for travellers. The stone-built tower offers panoramic views across Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.
If you would like to contribute ideas to the future storyboard subjects please ask in the library for a form to complete.
 Celebrating World Book Day!
Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated World Book Day with us. We loved dressing up, welcoming lots of little people, visiting local schools and talking about books! Celebrating our favourite books characters is always fun and you can join in everyday at your local libraries. Whether its a newly discover character or someone you have loved all your life, remember to share the joy with everyone in your life.
 World Book Day School Visits
What a magical week at Kendal Library!
We just wrapped up a wonderful week-long celebration of World Book Day. It was incredible to welcome the entire Stramongate Primary School to our library
The children brought so much excitement, showing a true passion for reading and discovery. It was a fantastic highlight for the National Year of Reading, proving just how much stories connect us all.
We already can't wait to see everyone back at the library
 Happy Children Visit Walney Library
We love welcoming school's into our libraries! Feel free to contact your local library to arrange a visit
"Our lucky Reception children had the most fantastic time at Walney Library. They really enjoyed hearing lots of lovely stories, looking at books together and the wonderful book based crafts that were there for us to explore. A huge Thankyou to the fabulous library staff for such a Great little trip and to all our wonderful volunteers who helped us to get there. We really do appreciate it."
South Walney infant and nursery school
 Celebrating International Women's Day!
This International Women's Day, here at W&F Libraries, we're celebrating 160 years of Beatrix Potter. We've compiled a reading list of Non-Fiction about Beatrix Potter, all of which are available to request from your local W&F Library.Not only this, but we have a wonderful display about the iconic Peter Rabbit author up in our main libraries (Barrow, Kendal & Penrith) right now! Do pop by to take a look and learn more. Did you know you can also win tickets to the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness? Pop by your local W&F Library and take part in our Toddler Bingo, tick off the books you've read, and hand it back in.
 Reading in Unusual Places!
Reading is for all kinds of people in all kinds of places. This year of reading we are encouraging everyone to take a book or device to read or listen too with them wherever they go! our wonderful library staff had a great time taking their books with them on their travels. Have you ever read in an usual place?
We even got a response from Manchester Museum,
"I recognise that T. rex! We make readers (and South Cumbrians) very welcome"
 Green Libraries Book of The Month!
Westmorland and Furness Libraries are proud to be part of Green Libraries Campaign. Over the past couple of years we have been working hard behind the scenes, creating book lists, launching seed libraries and considering the environmental impact of our service more widely from looking into how we look after and dispose of our books to the type of packing tape we use. If you are interested in our work in this area look out for the green libraries logo.
Grow Something New with Our Seed Libraries!
Spring is the perfect time to start sowing, planting, and getting hands-on with nature—and our libraries are here to help! Penrith, Kendal, and Barrow libraries are proud to offer Seed Libraries as part of the Green Libraries Project, supported by our dedicated staff Green Champions.
Whether you're an experienced gardener or just beginning your green‑fingered journey, you can borrow seeds for free, nurture them at home, and—if you can—return saved seeds at the end of the season to help the collection grow.
You’ll find a wonderful variety of fruit, vegetable, herb, and flower seeds to inspire your planting. It’s a great way to support biodiversity, learn new skills, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of gardening.
Pop into one of our participating libraries today and pick up your seeds—let’s grow a greener community together!
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Things You Can Do by Eduardo Garcia.
What if we could help to save our planet through small habit changes in our homes? Learn what you can do right now to live a greener life your carbon footprint with this inspiring, accessible, stunningly illustrated book based on Eduardo Garcia's popular New York Times column.
Request to borrow this book here.
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 Books To Travel The World With
Ever picked up a book and been instantly transported? Through stories and real-life adventures, you can go to Paris, Egypt, India or Spain. The whole world awaits you with the turn of a page. If you love travel, then why not try our selection of books to travel the world with? Books can take you to far-flung places and on amazing adventures. For the year of reading, why not go all in and read about the places you love or would love to visit one day? Find our picks on Borrow Box here.
eBooks on BorrowBox
So many fantastic eBooks to borrow for free with your library card.
We Do Not Part by Han Kang, England by John Lewis-Stempel, The Lost Lover by Karen Swan, Until August by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Shanghai by Joseph Kanon.
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.
Black Wolf by Juan Gómez-Jurado, A Sicilian Affair by Susan Lewis, Butter by Asako Yuzuki, Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad and The Crimson Fortress by Akshaya Raman.
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 exploring the world there is a great choice including,
Coast, Caravan & Camping with Kids and Wanderlust.
Explore ePress here.
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 A Walk On The Wild Side
Are you a hike for miles or nip to the shops type of person? A wallow in the sunshine, bird spotting, flower picking, stone skimming person? Breathe in the air and take a moment for yourself. These books are for you. If you love walking, hiking, and exploring in nature, then why not go all in and read about it? For the year of reading, if you love exploring in the wild and wonderful, then read about it, go all in. Find our picks on Borrow Box here.
eBooks on BorrowBox
So many fantastic eBooks to borrow for free with your library card.
The Path of Light by Anthony Seldon, The Edge of Silence by Neil Ansell, Lone Wolf by Adam Weymouth, The Walking Cure by Annabel Streets and A Mudlarking Year by Lara Maiklem.
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,
Eleanor by Alice Loxton, The Genius of Trees by Harriet Rix, The Shetland Way by Marianne Brown, Lost Wonders by Tom Lathan and Living on Earth by Peter Godfrey-Smith.
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 a walk on the wild side there is a great choice including,
Landscape, BBC Wildlife, Country Walking, The Great Outdoors and Coast.
Explore ePress here.
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My Life and Books with Helen Phifer
Kendal Library – 13th June 2pm
Barrow Library – 19th June 6pm
Penrith Library – 25th June 6pm
Join Helen Phifer, bestselling writer of the hugely popular Detective Morgan Brookes series. As well as the Lucy Harwin, Beth Adams and Maria Miller series of books. Her debut novel, The Ghost House, featuring Annie Graham, went on to be a global bestseller. Helen is W&F Libraries Author Ambassador for The Year of Reading! Helen will be talking about her life and books at this not-to-be-missed event.
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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, 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!
👉 Follow us on Facebook
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👉 Follow us on Instagram
👉 Follow us on tiktok
👉 Download the library app
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