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Welcome to our January newsletter. This year marks 100 years of the county library service in West Sussex.
We’re overjoyed to have been a part of so many people’s lives and communities across the county.
Join us in celebrating our centenary with a series of exciting events and activities.
From special half term activities and centenary-inspired crafting to tea parties and murder mystery events – there’s something for everyone. Our special webpages will be updated with information throughout the year.
At the heart of the celebrations will be the Library of Possibilities and Wonder, an exciting virtual reality project. We’ll be bringing VR headsets, as well as 3D posters, to your local library during the year. This has all been possible thanks to National Lottery money awarded by Arts Council England.
If you use Burgess Hill, Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint libraries you will be able to try the VR headsets in mid-February.
Throughout this special year we will be delving into the archives and sharing photographs and memorabilia about the library service from 1925 to the present day. See below for ‘In pictures: 100 years of West Sussex Library Service.’
As part of our centenary celebrations, we will be recognising the contribution of a range of ‘Library Champions’ who have supported and helped shape the service we deliver today.
Our champions range from those who work hard behind the scenes to keep the service running, through to frontline library staff, volunteers and of course our customers; whilst others represent some of our partners in the community and the world of arts and culture.
We’ll be releasing further details throughout the year.
 Have you signed up for this year's reading challenge yet? Join our Centenary Reading Celebration and follow the monthly themes to discover new authors and refresh or reinvigorate your reading habits.
Register by 13 February to be entered into a prize draw to win a selection of books.
 There are so many upcoming books to look forward to in 2025. Fresh from her fantastic debut, The Garnett Girls, Georgina Moore is returning with River of Stars this July exploring the lives of a community that live on an island in the Thames.
Before that, February sees the release of Life Hacks for a Little Alien by Lucy Franklin, the story of a girl growing up feeling like she’s from another planet. Also published in February, Fundamentally Nussaibah Younis tells the story of a woman who works with ISIS affiliated brides and the relationship between her and one of the women in the camp.
Finally, out this month, Asia Mackay’s A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage explores what married life might be like for a pair of multiple felons.
 Bognor Regis Library, Wednesday 12 February 2025, 7.00pm
Join us at Bognor Regis Library as we discuss crime author Fiona Barton’s latest instalment in her Elise King series: Talking to Strangers.
When the body of 44-year-old Karen Simmons is found abandoned in remote woodland, journalist Kiki Nunn is determined that this will be the big break she so desperately needs…
There will be a Q&A session and book signing following the interview and books will be available to purchase on the night.
Tickets £5.00, available from Bognor Regis Library
 West Sussex Libraries have lots of information about staying safe online, being scam-smart and not getting caught out whilst shopping online and Sussex Police have also provided a useful guide to help you stay safe online too.
You can research ‘Best Buys’ and compare thousands of products using Which? Online in any West Sussex library. Just ask a member of staff to help you log on.
You can also contact our Enquiries Team using our Ask a Librarian service with details of the search you require.
 The Record Office has launched its programme of 'coffee time' workshops for anyone interested in tracing their family tree or researching the history of their house or local area.
For more information and to book your place on a workshop, visit the Record Office Events page.
Have you heard about the West Sussex Disability Register (0-25) but aren't sure what it is? Watch our new animation to learn about the register and how children and young people can join.
We have a number of business events coming up in libraries:
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Monday 20 January: Business Information in West Sussex Libraries Zoom webinar. Guidance on business support available in West Sussex Libraries and beyond. Register on Zoom.
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Tuesday 4 February: Start and Grow Your Business at Worthing Library. Discover how to turn your business idea into reality with an expert-led workshop, inspiring talks and networking opportunities tailored for start-ups. Sign up on Eventbrite
- Regular 1-1s with our team and experts can be found on our website.
 In pictures: 100 years of West Sussex Library Service:
Take a journey through the past 100 years of West Sussex Library Service using images from our archives and West Sussex Past Pictures.
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