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 Welcome to Your Library News
Welcome to this month's Library newsletter. This July 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 Summer Reading Challenge Read To The Beat!
It's here! The Summer Reading Challenge has officially launched across our libraries! The challenge will be running all through the summer and we can't wait to greet old faces and meet new ones. Pop into your local library today to find out what we have planned! Visit your local library the lovely staff will sign up your child and give them a collector folder. Participants can borrow and read books, eBooks and audiobooks for their Challenge. They can read anything they like! They collect stickers and rewards along the way. Why not check out the activities on offer too?
Westmorland and Furness Libraries Summer Reading Challenge Events TryBooking
 Music Workshops with Get It Loud In Libraries
Inviting all children, as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026 to join us for music workshops with Get It Loud In Libraries! Participants will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar' or ,The Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, character building and a whole lot of fun!
Lakes Legacy Festival
There’s a very special event coming up at Windermere Library on Friday 31st July; the inaugural Lakes Legacy Festival! On the 160th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter, we are going to celebrate and explore her legacy; not just in literature but also in science, entrepreneurship, farming and conservation through a packed programme of workshops for children, a panel discussion, and a screening of the 2006 film ‘Miss Potter’. You can book your free tickets here
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 Explore The Read To The Beat Book Collection!
This year's official Read to the Beat book collection includes books about musicians, characters discovering music, sound science, cultural traditions, rhythm, storytelling through sound, breaking down barriers to music, creative expression and following your dreams. Get inspired for your very own musical adventure with this year's official Summer Reading Challenge book collection.
Check out BorrowBox here
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. July's chosen book is I Medusa by Ayana Gray. 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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 Booktastic Barrow 2026
We were delighted to be part of Booktastic Barrow again this year! Nearly 2,000 primary school pupils gathered to take part. The festival brought together young readers, authors and illustrators for a full week of children's author events dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of books. This years authors were the wonderful and inspiring, Onyinye Iwv, Jim Smith, Kate Pankhurst, Sarah Roberts and newly crowded children's laureate Patrice Lawrence! Children from schools across the area enjoyed live storytelling sessions, creative workshops and opportunities to meet an author. The children had been preparing for this event all year and were delighted to meet an author and take a signed book home to keep. Each child also received an invitation to continue their love of reading over the summer at their local library.
Voxblock Collection Launched!
Westmorland and Furness Libraries are delighted to be launching a brand new Voxblock collection. Voxblock is a brilliant way for our young members to get absorbed in classic stories! They’re a simple, screen-free audiobook player that can be found in Kendal, Penrith and Barrow libraries; perfect for long journeys and bedtime. Pop in to the library to find out more and try this brilliant new addition to our collection
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 What Books Are You Reading?
We asked our borrowers on Facebook, what they are reading and got a wonderfully varied response. As you can see in our collage image of the chosen books. Some great chioce here. Why not give some of these library community recommended reads a go yourself this summer?
The National Year of Reading
We're delighted to be taking part in National Year of Reading and we can't believe we are already half way though. The National Year of Reading have shared some of the amazing things achieved so far including, over 2.1million children supported through school and early years events. 40,000 new volunteers committed to champion reading for pleasure in their communities. More than 600,000 books, audiobooks and magazines distributed across the UK. 900 partners across sectors are encouraging the nation to Go All In on their passions.114 celebrity and author ambassadors have joined the campaign including Barrows very own Georgia Stanway, pictured!
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 National Year of Reading Events with Helen Phifer
Speaking of The National Year of Reading we were delighted to welcome our very own reading ambassador Helen Phifer to our libraries for author events last month. Helen was fantastic. She delighted a packed audience with stories all about her writing journey and her best selling books. We had a quiz, questions and refreshments and Helen kindly gave everyone a little keepsake to take home as well as signing books. An amazing time was had by all. Thank you so much to Helen for being our reading ambassador we are honoured to have you. Fine out more about Helen on her website.
Book Bingo is Back!
At Westmorland and Furness Libraries we want everyone to have fun over the summer as reading for pleasure is for all of us. Therefore we are delighted to announce that Book Bingo is back. For library members age 16 and over. Simply pick up a Bingo card from your library, complete at least four squares on the grid and hand your completed card into your library before the 19th September to be entered into a prize draw. Book Bingo is a fun challenge and a great way of getting back into reading or widening your reading choices. So why not have a go and pick something different to read this summer.
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 Green Libraries Book of The Month!
Save Our Species by Dominic Couzens
Whether you would like to learn how to build a bird box, dig a hedgehog tunnel or implement broader environmental changes in your community, this practical guide to saving our most endangered species will teach you how you can help on an individual, local and national level.
Focusing on thirty of our most loved and most ‘at risk’ inhabitants, this uplifting and hopeful book will give naturalists of any age the tools to respond to the SOS calls heard from their garden, local park and beyond.
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 Music To My Ears
Music is the soundtrack to our lives. A unifying force that brings us together and makes us feel. Travel back in time with the tunes of your youth or discover and the sounds of your future. If you love music, be it classical, pop, reggae or rock, then why not go all in this year of reading? There is no better way to immerse yourself in the things you love than to read all about them. Find our picks on Borrow Box here.
eBooks on BorrowBox
So many fantastic eBooks to borrow for free with your library card.
Lazarus by Alexander Larman, The Uncool by Cameron Crowe, Ozzy & Me by Stephen Rea, Mike Joyce - The Drums by Mike Joyce and Lin-Manuel Miranda by Daniel Pollack-Pelzner
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,
Simply More by Cynthia Erivo, Oasis by Iain Robertson, John and Paul by Ian Leslie, Judgement by Tulisa Contostavlos and Rebel Girl by Kathleen Hanna
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 Music there is a great choice including,
Mojo, Guitarist, Vintage Rock, Rolling Stone and Prog.
Explore ePress here.
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 Misfit Memoirs
Everyone loves a bad boy, the rebel with a cause. Get into the minds of your favourite misfits by reading their stories in their own words. So what are you waiting for? We say let your freak flag fly! Find our picks on Borrow Box here.
eBooks on BorrowBox
So many fantastic eBooks to borrow for free with your library card.
Boys Don’t Cry by Jamie Laing, I Shop, Therefore I Am by Mary Portas, A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern, Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams, Broken Biscuits: And Other Male Failures by Adam Farrer.
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,
Boy From the Valleys by Luke Evans, Myself and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, Shattered by Hanif Kureishi, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You by Miranda Hart, Naturally Tan by Tan France, What Have I Done? By Laura Dockrill
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 human stories there is a great choice including,
Dazed & Confused, AnOther, Psychologies and Cosmopolitan
Explore ePress here.
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An Afternoon with Paula Hillman
@ Ulverston Library
Wednesday 23rd September, 2:30pm
Join us for a fun afternoon with popular local author Paula Hillman. Find out about her writing journey and delve into the world of her newest mystery romance book The Silver Road. A perfect afternoon weather you are an avid Paula Hillman fan, new to her work or just love books and authors. Everyone is welcome. Paula will have books to purchase on the day. Tickets cost £2 including refreshments.
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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. 👇
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, Tiktok, and Instagram today!
👉 Follow us on Facebook
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👉 Download the library app
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