 May is Local and Community History Month.
To mark this, our librarians have been looking in the archives and found this lovely photo of May Day celebrations in Sompting from c.1914.
This extract from Encyclopaedia Britannica Online gives information on May Day. 'In medieval and modern Europe, holiday (May 1) for the celebration of the return of spring. The observance probably originated in ancient agricultural rituals, and the Greeks and Romans held such festivals. Although later practices varied widely, the celebrations came to include the gathering of wildflowers and green branches, the weaving of floral garlands, the crowning of a May king and queen, and the setting up of a decorated May tree, or Maypole, around which people danced.'
Did you know, you can access thousands of articles via Britannica Online free with your library card?
 We have recently obtained free access to the National Theatre Collection 3. This collection includes a range of performances from; a Greek tragedy, Shakespeare plays and a medieval morality play, to plays about Generation Z. With more performances being added.
Due to licensing restrictions, access is only available in library buildings via our computers and Wi-Fi.
More information can be found on our A-Z of eInformation Resources or by searching National Theatre Collection 3 on the West Sussex Libraries App or the library catalogue.
Why not pop into the library and take a look?!
 Get your fins and flippers ready to help us make a splash at our Under the Sea activities in May half term!
We'll be sharing some fabulous fishy 'tails' and crafts, so if your child is obsessed with octopuses or wild about whales, check our What’s On page for your nearest event.
All activities are free but booking is essential – contact the library to reserve your ‘plaice’!
You could also join the Disability Register team for a We’re Going on a Bear Hunt multi-sensory story, and create your very own version to take home afterwards.
This activity will be held at:
These events are free, but places are limited. To book your place please get in touch with the library. Siblings welcome.
 Do you, or someone you know, need help with a computer, smartphone, or tablet?
Library Digital Volunteers can provide 50 minutes of free support with basic digital enquiries, such as:
- Using a touchscreen device
- Using the internet
- Shopping online
- Setting up an email account
- Staying Safe Online
- Using the NHS app
- And much more…
This is an appointment only service. To find out more or to book an appointment, please contact your local library or Library Digital Support on 0330 222 3455 or email our Library Digital Support team.
Looking for your next great read, but don’t want to wait? Why not try our new collection of eBooks on Libby?
All the titles in the ‘Have you tried’ collection are available right now with no waiting list! You can download the Libby app to your mobile device and start exploring the collection, completely free with your library card!
Join us at East Grinstead Library on Tuesday 28 May, 7.00pm for an evening with Georgina Moore, the author of the bestselling novel The Garnett Girls. Set on the Isle of Wight, The Garnett Girls is about family secrets, betrayal and asks whether children can ever be free from their parents’ mistakes.
We will be chatting to Georgina about her fantastic novel and her experience of working in the publishing industry for the last twenty years.
Tickets are £3.00, available from East Grinstead Library, 01342 332900.
 Do you have a hobby which you are considering turning into a business? If so, our online business event could be just what you are looking for!
Meet one of our our BIPC Information Specialist Librarians to find out about accessing the Complete Business Reference Advisor database – COBRA. You will also be introduced to Grantfinder, FAME and IBIS World. These databases are all accessible through West Sussex Library Service for free.
You can also find out about other business resources and support available in West Sussex Libraries, that can help you start or run a small business.
Monday 13 May, 10:00 - 11:00 am, Online
 Join Dr John Mason for 'Returning to the Moon: Sir Patrick Moore's Legacy'. This highly personal talk will look at the legacy of Sir Patrick's work, the advent of the BBC's Sky at Night and the Moon landings, as well as the future of further Moon exploration.
The talk will be held at West Sussex Record Office in Chichester on Tuesday 28 May at 7.00pm. For booking information, visit the Record Office website.
Please note: Following a public consultation, the Record Office opening hours have changed and the Searchroom will be open Tuesdays to Fridays, 9.15am to 4.45pm.
 New to the area or keen to explore and want to view a map of West Sussex?
Perhaps you are curious to see an historic map of the county?
You can find maps of West Sussex and beyond with our free online resources.
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