 An impression of how the children's space will look
Date announced for opening of new Twyford Library
The new Twyford Library is set to open its doors on Thursday 13 June at 2pm.
The library is moving to the former Old Polehampton Boys School on the opposite side of Polehampton Close.
It will provide a fantastic community space, with high ceilings and large windows letting in natural light. The new library also includes a specially designed children’s area and a new extension which offers an accessible entrance and additional space.
In order to move everything across to the new building, the existing library will need to close on Saturday 1 June at 12.30pm at the end of half-term. We will then start the process of packing up the books and resources, before moving them to the hub and unpacking it ready for the opening of the new library.
During the period that Twyford Library is closed, you will be able to use other libraries across the borough, as well as ongoing access to our digital services.
After the opening date, the new Twyford Library will be accessed via the modern extension off Polehampton Close and will continue to be open at the usual hours.
 Community celebrates 100 years of Wargrave Library
Villagers and volunteers came together for a day of celebration at Wargrave Library to mark 100 years of serving the community.
Activities were held throughout the day at the library, which is part of Woodclyffe Hostel in Church Street, on Wednesday 1 May.
The momentous day started with a celebratory coffee morning. This was due to run from 10am to 12 noon, but was so well received by the community it continued into the early afternoon. Residents, volunteers and former staff shared memories and enjoyed refreshments and cake.
There was also a drop-in crafting session for children where they could decorate their own bunting, do some colouring and make a layered balloon birthday collage. This was followed by more crafting for children in the afternoon.
The library, which is now staffed by volunteers, was decorated with old photos, bunting and facts about how the space has changed over the last 100 years.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared memories and brought along photos for people to look at.
 Animal workshops and more this May half-term
If you are looking for something fun, creative and entertaining to do this May half-term, visit your local library. We have lots happening, including visits from animal charities and crafting sessions for children to enjoy.
Dogs Trust workshop
Do you want to be a dog's best friend? Join us for a free workshop to learn all about staying safe around dogs and how to keep them happy and healthy.
Hosted by Dogs Trust, the event is being held at Wokingham Library on Wednesday 29 May from 2pm to 3pm. The workshop includes themed activities, including games, role play, craft, a story and making a dog enrichment toy.
The session is suitable for children aged seven to 11 with an accompanying adult. No real dogs will be present. If you would like to attend, please book in advance via our library events website.
Cats Protection workshop
Cats Protection will be joining us at Wokingham Library for a fun and interactive talk that will cover a range of different topics, including how to keep a cat healthy and happy, cat body language and how the charity helps cats across the UK.
The workshop is taking place on Thursday 30 May from 10.30am to 11.30am and booking is required.
Get Arty
Be creative at our Get Arty sessions, which are suitable for children aged four to ten. These are taking place at our libraries in Wokingham and Finchampstead on Friday 31 May from 10.30am to 11.30am. It costs £2 per child and booking is required.
Children’s craft packs
Craft packs will be available to purchase from our libraries in Lower Earley and Woodley throughout May half-term for just £1.
 Get involved in Great Big Green Week at libraries
The Great Big Green Week is a national celebration of action on climate change, which takes place across the UK from 8 to 16 June.
It is the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. Take part in an event happening at one of our libraries to find out more.
Green heart pledge
Create a green origami heart to be displayed at your local library for The Great Big Green Week. Fold a heart and write your green pledge on it for display. If you are creating a green heart pledge at home, send a photo of your pledge to us by email.
Losing Eden: Why our minds need the wild
Award-winning author and journalist Lucy Jones is coming to Wokingham Library to talk about the relationship between the human psyche and the more-than-human world.
This event is being held on Tuesday 11 June from 10.30am to 11.30am and is free to attend, but places must be booked. Find out more about why we need contact, connection and kinship with the natural world.
Storytime
There will be a green-themed Storytime at Wokingham Library on Tuesday 11 June from 4pm to 4.30pm. This a drop-in event aimed at children aged four to seven and registration is not required.
Book displays
Selected libraries will have displays on nature and biodiversity. There will also be a collection of recommended books on our digital book platform Libby.
Nature poem competition
Children are invited to express their creativity by sending us their poems on nature. There are three categories and the winner of each will receive a £20 book voucher. The categories are:
- Under the age of seven
- Aged eight to 11
- Aged 12 to 18
Submit your entry by email, providing your name and age, or you can drop off your entry at your local library. The deadline is Sunday 30 June.
 Have your say on Borough Vision at library sessions
Visitors to libraries in Lower Earley, Woodley, Finchampstead and Twyford will have the chance to help shape a vision for the borough next month.
The Wokingham Vision 2035 is being created by partners from a range of organisations to be a guiding document that sets out the sort of place they want the borough to be by 2035.
After significant engagement with residents and community groups, a draft vision has been written and the partners are seeking views on it, with drop-in sessions at libraries being one of the ways people can take part.
We have created a dedicated webpage for this vision on our engagement site, representing all our partners.
- Finchampstead Library, Friday 7 June, 10am to 12 noon
- Woodley Library, Saturday 15 June, 10am to 12 noon
- Twyford Library, Friday 21 June, 2pm to 5pm
- Lower Earley Library, Monday 24 June, 10am to 12 noon
Alternatively, you can take the survey online. A draft copy of the vision is available to read and our survey will remain open until Friday 28 June.
 A new group for those who love to ask questions
We are starting a new session at Winnersh Library for children who love asking questions and stretching their brain.
The P4C Club (Philosophy for Children, Colleges and Communities) is aimed at developing thinking skills and the group is open to children in Key Stage 2 (Year 3 to Year 6).
A free taster session is being held at the library on Tuesday 11 June from 3.40pm to 4.40pm. Booking is required via our online events website.
The group will meet for one-hour sessions to participate in philosophical games, exercises and discussions.
 Find out more about Wokingham and your family
Local History Advice Sessions
If you have any queries about the history of Wokingham, drop in to our surgery with a local expert for help and advice. These are held every Friday at Wokingham Library from 9.30am to 11.30am.
Family History Advice Sessions
Get expert advice about tracing your ancestors with volunteers from the Berkshire Family History Society. These take place at Wokingham Library on the last Tuesday of each month from 2pm to 4.30pm, with the next session being on 28 May. Just drop-in.
Visually impaired book group
Join our friendly group for the visually impaired and enjoy some great discussion about books. Sighted customers are also welcome to attend. The group meets on the third Friday of each month from 2.15pm to 3.30pm at Wokingham Library. For more information, call the library on (0118) 9781368 or send us an email.
 Get the most from your tech at library help sessions
AbilityNet at Lower Earley Library
Get device support from the charity AbilityNet. They can assist you with apps, health trackers, online banking and more. Sessions are held on the fourth Friday of the month, from 10am to 11.30am. The next session will be on Friday 28 June and no booking is needed.
Digital help drop-in sessions
Learn digital skills with us. Come to our drop-in sessions and get help with your phone, laptop/tablet, accessories, apps and more. Our volunteers are friendly and ready to help you. Sessions are being held at:
- Woodley Library, Monday 3 June (10am to 11.30am) and Thursday 6 June (1pm to 2.30pm)
- Lower Earley Library, Tuesday 11 June, 1pm to 2.30pm
- Twyford Library: Friday 14 June, from 10am to 11.30am
- Finchampstead Library: Friday 7 June, from 10am to 11.30am
No need to book, just drop-in.
NHS App
Stuck with the NHS app? Come and speak to our experts for help at Wokingham Library on Monday 24 June from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. You can:
- Order repeat prescriptions
- Use NHS 111 online
- Find NHS services
- View your GP health record
- Book appointments
- Get reminders and messages
 Help your community by volunteering with us
We are looking to recruit volunteers to help run Spencers Wood Library. Volunteers are required to open and close the site, undertake daily checks, shelve books and tidy.
You will work in teams and are expected to provide friendly customer services. Please note all applicants must be aged 21 and older to apply.
Send us an email to find out more about this opportunity.
News from the world of books and award winners
Check out our Wokingham Borough Libraries blog to read our articles on the latest from the world of books. This includes recommended reading and features on award nominations and winners:
Empathy Day is on Thursday 6 June and celebrates the power it has to create a better world. It also shines a light on the role of books in raising an empathy-educated generation. Empathy Day inspires children to learn more about empathy, have transformational experiences through stories and to put empathy into action. You can read our blog article on Empathy Day to find out more.
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