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.