Building work at Smallbridge Library

Smallbridge library will be closed for approximately four months from 31 December 2007. We need to close the library for essential building work including replacing the heating system and the floor. The nearest alternative libraries are the Wheatsheaf Library, Wardle Library and Belfield Library.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We welcome your custom at any library in the borough. Your barcoded library card lets you borrow or reserve items from any of our libraries.

Unashamèd sentimentality

There are times when we can feel bogged down with sundry bureaucracies, trying to keep track of all the latest initiatives and worrying about the workaday problems involved in running a public library service.

Every so often it's useful to take a step back to remind ourselves that we do make a positive impact on people's lives.

Season's greetings to all.

Silver surfers

We currently have regular "Silver Surfers" sessions on Tuesday mornings at Milnrow and Smithybridge libraries. The sessions are lead by volunteer tutors who have generously offered their time to help people find out more about computers and the Internet in a friendly and informal setting.

Silver Surfer sessions are aimed at the over 50s (birth certificates are not required!) and don't assume that you have any experience of a keyboard or a computer. The main aim of the sessions is to build up people's confidence so that they aren't scared of the technology and feel comfortable having a go for themselves.

The sessions are very popular so it's generally a good idea to ring the library beforehand to see if there are any spare places.

• Jean at Milnrow on 01706 641563
• Elaine or Jennifer at Smithybridge on 01706 378281

Many thanks to everyone who makes these sessions such a success.

Life in Middleton

Joanne and Paula have written some promotional pieces telling people about Alkrington and Middleton libraries for the local free newspapers. The notes they put together when we asked them to tell us about their libraries gave them a useful starting point.

Alkrington Library appeared in the December issue of Alkrington Life. Middleton Library is due to appear in the February edition of Middleton Life. We've had positive feedback from customers about the Alkrington article and we hope this is repeated in February.

Public libraries are elective services — people don't have to use them if they don't want — so it's important that we keep a high positive profile via as many different communication channels as possible. We need to make sure that we're reminding people that we do lots of nice stuff, and a good deal of it very well. Like many other library services, we're not particularly good at blowing our own trumpet. It's a habit we do need to learn if we're to catch and keep the interest of all our potential customer bases. And we are learning: we're getting a significantly larger number of pieces in the local press about events and activities in our libraries than we did even a year ago.

Tangerines, Air Raids and Santamobiles

Our friends at Cartwheel Arts have been working with groups and individuals in Darnhill and writer Joy Winkler to create a little gift book of Christmas words called "Tangerines, Air Raids and Santamobiles" to get people into the Christmas spirit.

Wartime memories and stories for children sit alongside stories about how we celebrate Christmas today and young people's hopes for the future. Joy Winkler has also contributed a special new poem to the book.

You can find some copies of the book at Darnhill Library.

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Darnhill Festival was a great success. Seasonal cheer was provided by Father Christmas, who dealt with 150 children with the full great good humour that only he can bring.

Middleton Library

Middleton Library is an historic building dating from 1889 situated in a pleasant Victorian park (opposite The Old Boar’s Head pub) within the town’s conservation area.

Access to the ground floor Adult Lending Library & Reading Room is via a steep cobbled ramp plus several steps. The Reference/Local Studies & Children’s Libraries are situated on the first floor, accessed via a staircase. Our friendly, helpful staff, recognising the difficulties presented by the library’s layout do all they can to assist those with limited mobility. If you require help, don’t hesitate to ask.

Limited free parking is available immediately next to the building.

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Adult Readers
In addition to the wide range of constantly replenished fiction & non-fiction stock that you would expect from a central library we also offer for example, books in large print, books on tape, graphic novels, audio “learn a language” packs, a selection of local & national daily newspapers & materials for those wishing to improve their literacy & numeracy skills.

Looking for something new? - check out our Author Of The Month display.

No time to browse? - try our Quick Choice selection.

No need to buy the latest bestseller - we have multiple copies available free of charge.

Book Sale – a varied selection of ex-library stock is always available at very reasonable prices. Pop in & pick up a bargain.

Free Reservation service – Any item on the library catalogue can be reserved free of charge from this website, in person or over the phone.

Please ask any member of staff for details about services for housebound customers & those with special needs. For example, our Talking Book Club, offering unabridged popular titles in cassette form for the visually impaired & those who have difficulties with other formats (visits every 3 weeks.)

Middleton Reading Group – meets in the library once a month on Monday evenings 6-7.00pm to discuss a chosen book.

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Children & Young People
We have a very well stocked & self-contained Children’s Library offering something for all ages from babies to teenagers. A study area provides a quiet space for homework, whilst our information & reference sections cover the full range of National Curriculum subjects. Story packs, offering a picture book & accompanying audio tape can be borrowed free of charge.

An under 5s’ storytime, which includes a simple craft activity, takes place every Thursday at 2.00pm during school term times. All young children & their parents & carers are welcome.

Young library members wishing to use our free, filtered Internet access for fun, homework, word processing & e-mails, can join the Young Surfers Club. Please ask staff for an application form.

Look out for free fun events throughout the school holidays, including the Summer Reading Game.

Local schools, nurseries & playgroups are very welcome to visit by prior arrangement.

A collection of new & classic picture books, pop-up books & simple non-fiction for pre-schoolers is available for loan to nurseries, playgroups & registered childminders. Please ask for further details.

During school term times the Children’s Library opens at 2.00pm. However a selection of picture books is available downstairs in the reading room for those with young children who prefer to visit in the morning.

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Reference & Local Studies
We have a well-stocked reference collection including encyclopaedias, business directories, phone books, advice guides & maps. A coin-operated photocopier is available & we also offer a fax service.

Local History resources for the Middleton area include an extensive collection of photographs featuring Middleton streets, buildings, town centre, etc; books & pamphlets on the history of Middleton; local maps; historical register of electors. The Middleton Guardian newspaper since earliest dates is available on microfilm. For family historians we have the Middleton parish registers & census records on microfilm. Please ring to book a reader. We offer free access to Ancestry.com via our public access computers.

A member of the Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society holds a drop-in advice session on Monday afternoons between 2-4.00pm.

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Computers
Computers (some with scanner), offering free access to the Internet, e-mail, word processing etc. are available & can be pre-booked. Colour printing costs just 10p per copy. You don’t even need to be a library member!

Need some help setting up an e-mail account or just need someone on hand to boost your confidence if you’re new to the net? Why not try one of our popular “Free ‘n’ Easy” sessions which are held every 2 weeks on Tuesday mornings from 10-12.00pm. No need to book – just drop in. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will prove to you that computers don’t bite! Please ask for details of the next session.

From time to time, we also host special “Silver Surfer” events and taster sessions for beginning your family history on the web.

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All the staff at Middleton Library will make you feel most welcome, so come & visit us soon & we promise you won’t be disappointed!

Branch library spotlight: Spotland Library

Every so often we will feature one of our libraries or services in this blog to give you a bit more detail about what we're doing for our local communities. This time we've asked Spotland Library to tell us a bit about themselves.

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Spotland Library is a light and airy 1970's building with a leafy frontage and recently constructed disabled access. It is situated on Ings Lane just off Edenfield Rd with easy access by public transport and parking is available outside the building.

Two lively and friendly book groups meet regularly, one on the first Thursday of the month at 2.15p.m. and the other on Monday evenings at 6.15p.m. every fourth week. (please contact Library for dates of next meetings).

There is also a craft group on Tuesday afternoons from 2 - 4.p.m. where you can make your own bespoke greetings cards (a small charge applies)

Children can join in the frequent school holiday activities and the yearly Reading Game.

Internet access is available free of charge and you can print for a small fee of 10p per sheet.

Whether you want the latest best seller, to trace your family tree or need to do your homework, a wealth of information and warm welcome awaits you at Spotland Library!

Getting involved in Milnrow Library

The poetry group at Milnrow Library meets once a fortnight to share a love of poems. Each session has a different theme, giving members the opportunity to share ideas and opinions on both contemporary and traditional verses. Tutors also offer advice and tips on writing poetry.

The library also has an active reading group, giving people the opportunity to explore new authors and genres and share their views with other people. Members of the group choose a novel in advance which is then discussed in the next session. Don't worry that you can't join the group because you've not read the book — it's a friendly and inclusive group who welcome newcomers.


These sessions are free and anyone of any age is welcome to join in. To get details of the next session please ring Jean at the library on 01706 641563.

Branch Library Spotlight: Wardle Library

Every so often we will feature one of our libraries or services in this blog to give you a bit more detail about what we're doing for our local communities. This time we've asked Wardle Library to tell us a bit about themselves.

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Wardle Library is situated in the heart of the Wardle community.

The library encourages all ages to use the excellent facilities on offer:

• The very young particularly enjoy creating works of art at the craft table where monthly competitions are judged by the Wardle Art Group and winning entries are rewarded with certificates.

Extra special prizes are awarded at Easter and Christmas.

• We provide area for quiet study, reference books and free broadband internet access available to all.


• Those not confident in using computers, can be provided with informal training to assist with homework, studies, research, general enquiries etc.


• Every second Tuesday we host a storytime, craft and music session provided by Sure Start.


• During school holidays various events take place from optical illusion shows to Easter egg hunts, from beastly bug fun sessions to police safety talks.

Come to visit us and receive a warm friendly welcome! Please feel free to give comments to help continually improve our library service.

Branch Library Spotlight: Balderstone

Every so often we will feature one of our libraries or services in this blog to give you a bit more detail about what we're doing for our local communities. This time we've asked Balderstone Library to tell us a bit about themselves.

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Balderstone Library always has a friendly welcoming atmosphere, and is situated just inside the entrance to Balderstone Park, off Oldham Road.

The outside of the Library has just been renovated, and has full disabled access and parking.We have a variety of wildlife surrounding the building, and this provides much entertainment for staff and borrowers alike!

The inside of the Library is bright and spacious, and user friendly.

We have:

• 6 PCs available for the public to use free.
• A wide selection of books, and information on everything to do with the local community.
• Featured stock displays, e.g. "quick picks", new books in stock, storysacks for children, and graphic novels.
• An "Author of the Month" promotion.
• Displays of local art and community events.
• Regular visits from local schools, and nurseries, and also well attended under-fives' events on Thursday afternoons, and Friday mornings.

On the first Monday of every month, we have a Reading Group, and this has been running successfully for four years.

The "Friends of Balderstone Library", are a group of people who voluntarily give their time to hold regular events in the Library, e.g.flower arranging, hanging basket demonstrations, watercolour sessions, wildlife talks etc. These are always well attended, and provide support for the Library.

We recently ran a free six week course on "Tracing your Ancestors". This course is run by a local lady who is also a borrower, and is very interesting and highly entertaining! Due to popular demand, we are hoping to repeat this course.

So please feel free to come and visit us, and see the warm friendly atmosphere for yourself. We look forward to seeing you!

World Music in our libraries

We've just expanded our World Music Collection with a new range of CDs covering a wide range of music from Irish folk to Congolese Soukous; Brazilian hip-hop to Bollywood; yodelling to salsa.

The extended collection also includes The Rough Guide To The Music Of... series and Rough Guides to different styles of World Music. If you want to get a flavour of some of this music we have a selection loaded onto a listening post in the Wheatsheaf Library.

World Music Collection CDs are available in Castleton, Middleton, Norden and the Wheatsheaf libraries. When Heywood Library reopens next year it, too, will have CDs from this collection.

They are available for loan to anybody over the age of 14, costing 50p for a three-week loan (25p for Passport To Leisure card holders).

Christmas at the library

Opening times

All of our libraries will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. They will be closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve.

Belfield Library will also be closed on Saturday 29th December.

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Web Catalogue links:

Christmas cookery

Music for Christmas

Christmas crafts

Christmas carols

Darnhill Festival — Past, Presence and Future

Ann and the staff at Darnhill Library are working full-tilt to support the latest Darnhill Festival, which takes place on Monday 17th December.

If it's a nice day on Monday and you visit the library you'll see the Poetree — poems will be hung from its branches — and an exhibition of the work that's been done with some of the artists from Cartwheel Arts. If it's not a nice day the library will be hosting some of the other events, too.

We're definitely looking forward to the unveiling of The Father Christmas of the Future by Year 2 of St. Margaret's School!

Kids' Christmas

We've updated the Christmas material on our "Kids' stuff in Rochdale Libraries" blog.

The new entries include jokes and riddles; Christmas crafts links and some information about Christmas customs.

Children's stories about Christmas

Poetry to smile about

There were lots of smiling faces at Littleborough Library's children's poetry workshop. The workshop was organised by members of Littleborough Poetry Group who encouraged the children to write about things that made them happy.

The children produced some great work. Shabana will be putting some of them up on display for everyone to enjoy.

Many thanks to everyone who helped make this a success.

Cinderella Competition

You could be the lucky winner of free tickets to see "Cinderella!"

18 winners of the Library Service's Christmas Colouring Competition will be presented with family tickets for an evening performance of the pantomime at the Gracie Fields Theatre on Thursday 3rd January 2008. Family tickets allow entry for up to two adults and two children.

Colouring Competition entry forms are available from any of our libraries.

Please note:

• The closing date for entry is Saturday 22nd December.


• Please make sure that you put your telephone number on the form so that we can get in touch with you!

Many thanks to Meredith Productions for the donation of the tickets.

Winning Reads

We've added this year's William Hill Sports Book of the Year longlist to our Web Catalogue. This year's winner is "Provided You Don't Kiss Me: 20 Years With Brian Clough" by Duncan Hamilton.

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Elsewhere in the Web Catalogue, we've updated the Quick Reads list and Authors of the Month.

Children In Need

Spotland Library raised £97 for Children In Need with a combination of competitions, fun and frolics and sales of works from the craft group that meets in the library.

Many thanks to all involved!

Wheatsheaf Library reopens

The Wheatsheaf Library reopened on schedule on Wednesday 28th November. Regular visitors will notice that as well as recarpeting all the floors of the library we have made substantial changes to the layout of the lending and reference floors. If you're not a regular visitor to the library we're more than happy for you to come in and have a look round. Customer feedback so far has been very positive — we welcome all customer comments, constructive criticism as well as praise, so please feel free to let us know what you think.

Many thanks to everybody who worked so hard to get everything ready on time and contributed ideas for improvements.