 Attend one of our climate events to celebrate COP28
This year's United Nations' Climate Change Conference, COP28, will run from Thursday 30 November to Tuesday 12 December in Dubai. The conference aims to bring the world together to tackle climate change.
In July 2019, we unanimously declared a climate emergency. This declaration commits us to do as much as possible to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
Our latest CEAP was approved in September and demonstrates the planned steps on our journey towards achieving this goal, along with the current progress on each action.
As part of COP28 week, we are running two events at Wokingham Library, which will focus on our ambitious action plan, the work that we are doing to tackle the climate emergency locally and how you can help to play your part.
The climate emergency talks will be hosted by Executive Member for Climate Emergency and Resident Services Cllr Sarah Kerr and take place on:
To sign up, click on the links above or call Wokingham Library on (0118) 978 1368.
Climate Change: Facts, Fiction and Our Next Chapter
Professor Ellie Highwood from the University of Reading and Royal Meteorological Society is giving a talk at Wokingham Library later this month.
In the run-up to these important international discussions at COP28, come and hear the latest evidence on climate change and its impacts, learn how to spot misinformation and find out the most useful things you can do to play your part.
This event is being held on Wednesday 29 November, from 10.30am to 11.30am. It is free to attend, but places must be booked via our library events website.
 Work continues to bring a new library to Twyford
Twyford’s new library remains on track to open next year.
It will be located in the former Old Polehampton Boys school building, helping breathe new life into this listed historic landmark and bringing it back into community use.
The library will offer a fantastic new space with a large flexible conversion of the main hall and a new children’s library space.
Users will also benefit from other popular library features, including free access to computers.
 Sports theme continues for winter reading challenge
The Winter Mini Challenge is back, giving young readers the chance to earn prizes for finishing at least three books.
Organised by The Reading Agency, the challenge kicks off on Friday 1 December and runs until Monday 19 February. It will continue the ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ theme from the Summer Reading Challenge, which partnered with the Youth Sport Trust to keep minds and bodies active during the summer break.
This is a bitesize version of the main summer scheme, with children only needing to read three books instead of six. It is free, entirely online and children can unlock rewards as they progress, with lots of fun activities available on the dedicated children’s website.
Once your child has finished a book, get them to add it to their online profile. Reaching their reading goal will allow them unlock a limited-edition virtual badge and a special Winter Mini Challenge certificate to print off and keep.
Children can access games, book reviews, activities and content from top children’s authors and illustrators. For parents, there is also a Home Zone and Library Zone, which has more information and top tips.
 Competition for children to design a climate poster
We are inviting young people in the borough to design a footprint poster to inspire the community and highlight ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint to help tackle climate change. The winner for each age category will win a £20 book voucher.
The age categories include:
- Four to seven
- Eight to 11
- 12 and above
You can be as creative as you like. For example, you could draw around the biggest foot in your household and design a poster to show the different ways we can all play our part.
To take part, you will need to design your poster on an A4 piece of paper and drop it off at your local library by Friday 15 December, providing your name, age and parent’s email address.
Alternatively, on Saturday 9 December, you can pop into Wokingham, Lower Earley or Woodley libraries where you can create your poster. Visit our website to find your nearest library.
 Events for adults include book launch and health talk
Book launch: Linda Fawke
A local author and member of the Wokingham Writers Group is inviting you to join the launch of her new book.
Linda Fawke will be talking about 'Going Downhill – A Retiree’s Guide to Ski-Bumming' at Wokingham Library on Thursday 30 November. This is a free event running from 5pm until 7pm and there will be light refreshments available. Registration is not required, just turn up on the day.
The book is based on the experiences of Linda's husband Tony in the French Alps and a light-hearted look at living in the mountains for several months a year.
The Menopause and Beyond
Experienced local acupuncturist Tina MacNaughton is giving a talk at Wokingham Library about approaching the menopause and post-menopausal years.
Join her on Wednesday 22 November from 12noon to 1pm as she speaks about managing this period of transition and beyond for happier and healthier middle and later years. This is a free event but places must be booked.
Teddy's Jazzmen
Come and enjoy some jazz and festive music at Wokingham Library on Saturday 2 December. Teddy's Jazzmen will be performing from 11am to 12.30pm. This is a free event and no booking is needed.
Book Chat
Find out what's new in the word of books, swap recommendations and get some ideas for Christmas presents. The next meeting is at Wokingham Library on Friday 17 November from 10.30am to 11.30am. There is no need to book and there will be free tea and coffee available.
Cosy Coffee Mornings
Held at our libraries in Lower Earley, Wokingham and Woodley, these are open to everyone who would benefit from a chat with our friendly volunteers while enjoying free tea, coffee and biscuits. All sessions run from 10am to 11.30am and upcoming dates are:
- Lower Earley Library, Friday 24 November
- Wokingham Library, Thursday 23 November
- Woodley Thursday 7 and 14 December
Board Games Club
This club is held every Monday from 13 November between 10.30am and 12noon at Wokingham Library. It is free to attend with no booking needed.
You can find out more and book for any of these events on our library events website.
 Have your tech queries answered by charity helpers
Technology can be hugely helpful, but it can also be difficult to navigate. Local volunteers from the charity AbilityNet will be offering free tech support at Lower Earley Library on Friday 24 November.
The charity has been helping older and disabled people with their computers, mobiles and tablets for more than 20 years.
Join them from 10am to 11.30am to get your questions answered. If you are unable to make this session, don’t worry as they are held regularly on the fourth Friday of each month at the same time.
Here are just some of the things they can help with:
- Setting up new equipment
- Connecting to the internet and searching the web
- Viruses, slow working computer, updates
- Making simple changes to your equipment to make it easier to use
- Impartial advice about staying safe online, backing up files and photos
- Showing you how to email, shop online, connect with family and friends
To find out more, call 0800 048 7642 or send the charity an email.
 Help out your local library by volunteering with us
Digital skills volunteer
Woodley and Lower Earley libraries are looking for digital skills volunteers to support residents with basic digital queries. Volunteers will be trained by our digital skills team to assist with matters such as:
- Using a computer, tablet and mobile phone
- Finding and using information on the internet
- How to access and use email
- How to communicate socially and professionally using email, messaging and social media
We are looking for volunteers able to give two hours once a month at their chosen library. We are happy to schedule sessions to suit your availability and all volunteers are supported by both the libraries and digital skills teams. You must be 21 and over to apply for this role.
Local community library volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to help at our libraries in Arborfield and Spencers Wood. You would be required to open and close the library, undertake daily checks, shelve books and tidy. Volunteers work in teams and are able to commit to hours that suit them, providing a friendly and helpful service to visitors. Applicants must be aged 21 and over to apply for this role.
Rhymetime volunteer
We are looking for an enthusiastic person to help deliver rhymetime at Spencers Wood Library. These popular sessions are held on the first Thursday of the month from 10.30am to 11am. All volunteers are given the opportunity to observe sessions until they feel comfortable and confident.
If you are interested in any of the above opportunities, send us an email.
Book recommendations from award winners and more
Check out our Wokingham Borough Libraries blog to read articles on the latest from the world of books. This includes recommended reading and features on award nominations and winners:
Useful websites
We have compiled a list of helpful websites, many of them from official sources and organisations, which can provide information and advice on a wide range of topics.
You will find links to pages for the Government website, covering topics such as benefits, tax and childcare.
In the money section, there are links to Inland Revenue, Pensions Advisory Service and the Money Advice Service. In the Law section, you will find links to organisations such as Citizens Advice and information on legal aid.
You will also find links to information on topics such as education and careers, business and health.
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