Libraries Update 06.01.21

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Libraries Update - 6 January 2021

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Select and Collect continues at your local library

Select and Collect

We're still here! Following the latest government announcement on Monday 4 January, you can still return and collect reserved items at our library doors. 

If you’re not sure what you would like to borrow, you can take advantage of our online Staff Select service, where expert library staff make a book selection for you. Reservations remain free with no late fees. Please visit the library website to check your library's open hours. 

Libraries in West Sussex are not currently offering public computer use, printing, photocopying or fax services. For any general computer queries, such as how to access the free eLibrary using a tablet, our Remote Digital Support service will gladly continue to offer help and support 

We also continue to offer a wide range of material online – from eBooks and eMagazines, to rhymes, stories and even webinars! Find out more below.


What's online?

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However the latest restrictions affect you and your loved ones, we're here for you. Our web pages are bursting with virtual library activities, useful information and links to other services.

Explore the Library Current Offer to find: 

Library catalogue – order online to collect or arrange a delivery to your home 

eLibrary – download free books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and comics

Children’s learning – resources to support you with home learning

Virtual storytimes and rhyme times100+ videos recorded by library staff 

Wellbeing resources – taking care of mental health for adults, teens and children

Books and reading – sharing our love of the written word through virtual reviews

Things to do at home crosswords, jigsaws, colouring and more

Business support – let us support you as a business owner or future start-up

Dementia support – virtual Melody for the Mind and Reminiscence sessions

Local history - how much do you know about where you live?


You're invited to two library webinars this month!

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Business Start-Up Support

On Friday 15 January at 11.00am - 11.45am, we’ll be taking you through some of our brilliant resources for your business: COBRA, the Complete Business Reference Advisor database, and IBIS, the Industry Market Research database. Register here to join this free Zoom event.

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Tracing Your First World War Military Ancestors

Join one of our librarians on Wednesday 20 January at 10.30am - 12.00pm for expert advice on First World War military family history research. This webinar is intended for those who have already started their own research but want advice on what to do next! Register here to join this free Zoom event. 

These are digital events which you can attend from home on your computer, laptop or mobile device.


New online local festival, Right Here!

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For more free online events, why not check out the Crawley Right Here Festival? A celebration of creativity in Crawley, open for anyone to tune in.

Right Here runs over Friday 29 and Saturday 30 January and includes art, dance, film, photography and more. Get the dates in your calendar and look forward to popular library activities, such as online Melody for the Mind, Story Magic and Baby Rhyme Time.

See if you can spot Crawley Library in the festival trailer


Keep in touch with us

Keep in touch with us

As always, we will keep you updated with these email newsletters and you can also find information on our website, on social media and on printed notices at the front of library buildings.

Follow us on Twitter: @WSCCLibraries

We'd love for you to join our two library groups on Facebook: facebook.com/WestSussexLibraries

  • Family Corner - the whole family are invited to share stories, sing songs and enjoy all that libraries have to offer
  • Virtual Reading Group - any interested readers of West Sussex who like to chat about books and reading

We appreciate that a proportion of our customers are not online, so will rely on word-of-mouth to find out about changes to library services – please spread the message to friends, family and neighbours where possible.