Swindon Libraries Issue 45 - June 2020 View this email in your browser

We are continuing to follow Government guidance and therefore our libraries remain closed until further notice.  

We are delighted to announce an extension of our digital offer which now includes access to newspapers, comics and graphic novels, a fantastic edition for our members.
Reopening our Libraries

Although our libraries remain closed we are planning how to safely reopen, following Government guidance.

  • Initially we would offer a limited service, maintaining social distancing for the safety of our visitors and our staff
  • Our usual events and activities will not resume for the foreseeable future
  • All books currently on loan will be renewed until August

Follow us on social media for the latest updates
    Have you seen our new website?

    Our new library catalogue went live last month, have you had a chance to look yet?

    There will still be a few tweaks along the way as we ensure that all of our services and information can be accessed from one place, making it easier for you to discover what's available.

    Thank you again to Dona B Drawings who created our wallpaper for the page. We sell Dona's work in our Library Shop as we love her take on Swindon's landmarks.
    Hi VIS Fortnight

    HI VIS Fortnight, formerly known as Make a Noise in Libraries is an annual event raising awareness of the services libraries provide to support people who are visually impaired.
    National Volunteers' Week

    The 1st – 7th June marks National Volunteers’ Week. 

    This is a yearly event and is a chance to say thank you to our wonderful volunteers.
    Our Digital Offer just got BIGGER!

    We are very excited to announce that we have some new additions to our e-format collection.

    Download and stream digital magazines, newspapers & comics for free from your computer, smartphone, tablet or Kindle Fire using the RBdigital App.
    starting this Friday!

    The Reading Agency will be launching this year’s Summer Reading Challenge as a digital version on the 5th June.

    We are currently working on our own activities for the Summer Reading Challenge which will be going live Monday 6th July, ready for the summer holidays.
    Build our Collection

    Our Local Studies team want your help in documenting this historic pandemic lockdown for future generations of Swindonians.
    Ancestry: Wiltshire Parish Registry and Wills


    Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre are offering our library members free home access to their 6.8m records on Ancestry.

    This free ‘lockdown’ access is temporary and only applies to the specific records. Any further access requires paid membership.
    2020 STEAM Challenge
    Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Maths

    We are delighted to announce that Swindon Libraries are supporting Wiltshire Creative’s 2020 STEAM Challenge and we look forward to displaying some of the submissions at Central Library later on in the year.

    If you are a young person or know of one who would be interested in taking part of the STEAM Challenge, find out more!

    We are continuing to showcase our e-books on our library homepage.  We currently have over 700 crime and thriller ebooks to choose from!

    All titles are available to download for free with the BorrowBox app.
    Become a library member

    If your friends or family are not a library member but would like to have access to our digital services mentioned, they can join us as an Instant Digital Member.
    Roundabout Reading

    Are you up for our Roundabout Reading Challenge?

    Working together with The National Literacy Trust, the scheme was created to encourage new readers.

    Once you complete the challenge, fill in your details to win a £50 shopping voucher!
    Online storytimes

    Our online story and rhyme times are continuing throughout the week.  

    Did you know we also have a YouTube channel?  You can access some of our older sessions as well as nursery rhymes with subtitles to help you sing along!
    Empathy Day

    On 9 June, EmpathyLab will host a day of brilliant online events and home-based celebrations to help children read, connect and act using empathy.
    Things to do at Home

    There are a lot of suggestions on social media for activities to do at home however, we’re aware that not everyone has a social media account.

    We have collated a few websites that are offering a variety of support to keep you all entertained.
    Writers' Cafe

    The Writers' cafe, usually held at Central Library, is trying a different approach this month and going online.

    If you would like to join an online Writers’ Cafe session at 7pm on Tuesday 30th June, please send your name and email address to matt@lowershawfarm.co.uk and you will be invited to a Zoom meeting at that time and on that date.

    Last but not least...

    Continue to look after yourself and each other,  we hope you are all well and staying safe.

    For the latest news and information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    Copyright © 2020. Swindon Borough Council. All rights reserved.

    Swindon Borough Council, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1  2JH
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