Memories of Langley

We are inviting local people to attend a ‘Morning of memories’ on Friday 29 February 2008 at the new Langley Library in partnership with Cartwheel Arts. The library, now part of the Langley Children’s Centre on Windemere Road is hosting the event to capture memories from those who have lived or worked in Langley over the years.

Maria Payne, one of our librarians working in Middleton Library, and Kim Haygarth from Cartwheel Arts will be happy to note your memories whilst you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. Don't worry if your memory is less than perfect, we will have photographs to spark your recollections! Kim will also help put your memories into poetry or prose.

We are also asking for you to bring your photographs of life on the estate. Cartwheel Arts are producing a book around ‘Life on Langley’, so if you are a budding writer this is an opportunity to get your words in print, although everyone is welcome even to just listen and see the new library for yourself.

The ‘Morning of Memories’ is between 10am and 12noon on Friday 29 February 2008. Anyone not able to attend can write their memories and send to Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton, M24 3PY or to Kim by email.

More events planned!

The event is the first of many at the new Langley Library. On 3 March 2008 the monthly Reading Group will meet between 2pm and 3pm to discuss ‘Lancashire Legacy’ by local author Anna Jacobs. Complimentary copies of the book are available from the library, so collect yours from Langley library now!

Norden Library

Norden Library will be closed on 11th and 12th February 2008 because of work being done to resurface the school car park, including the approach to the library. We apologise to customers for the short notice of this closure.

Langley Library opens in its new home

On 28 January 2008 Langley Library opens its doors in its new home as part of Langley Children's Centre on Windermere Road (just down the road from the old library). We have taken the opportunity to completely refresh the book stock; increased the number of public computers; and replaced all the old PCs.

We are pleased with the results. Come in and have a look and let us know what you think.

Temporary closures of libraries

Alkrington and Langley libraries are closed from 21st January:

Alkrington library is closed for approximately three weeks for essential buildings works. A toilet suitable for the use of disabled people in being installed as part of our ongoing commitment to greater accessibility of our services. The nearest alternative library is Middleton Library.

Langley Library is closed for one week while it moves home. The new library is part of the Langley Children's Centre just down the road from the old site. The nearest alternative library is Middleton Library.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this work.

Keep up to date with temporary closures and works in our libraries on the Rochdale Council web site.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

Pure Passion: Christina Jones

Castleton Library was the venue for a very successful "meet the author" event featuring novelist Christina Jones on Wednesday November 14th.

Many thanks to everyone who turned up to the event and joined in the question and answer session. Thanks also to Janice and Bev for making such a good job of all the arrangements.

Christina is currently at the top of a regional vote to find readers favourite romantic novelist, thanks to her latest book, ‘Love Potions.’ Her writing has been published in many magazines including ‘Take a Break’ and ‘Company’. She had her own monthly humour column in the Oxford Times for six years, and now broadcasts regularly on radio and television.

Christina’s appearance was part of ‘Pure Passion’, a promotion of 20 of the best contemporary romantic novels available to borrow from public libraries in the borough. You can vote for your favourite reads online and make your own recommendations.

Alternatively, you can complete a ‘Pure Passions’ postcard at any library. The region’s most popular will be announced in time for Valentine’s Day 2008.

Library Tree Party

Balderstone Library's Tree parties were held on 7th and 9th November as part of the Breathing Places campaign.

Twenty-seven adults and thirty-two children attended the two sessions.

The under 5's event included stories, craft and a nature trail.

The Library tree (a beautiful thick card 3D tree from the BBC) has now been decorated with children's art work from the event.

Thwarted!

Here's how Fate can play hob with the best laid plans of library events...

Justine at Wardle Library arranged for some firemen to come to the library to give a talk about fire safety and a tour of a fire engine. She was warned beforehand that it's a working engine so there's always the danger of an emergency call-out but it should be OK...

• The engine was late coming to the library: they were on their way well in good time when they got a call-out to an emergency (it zoomed past Zillah, one of our Community Librarians, as she was driving in from the Wheatsheaf Library).


• Next time they came they got as far as the top of Birch Road, within sight of the library, when they got another call-out and had to turn round and rush off.


• The third time they managed to park the engine in the car park and unload the goodies and fire safety information before they had to rush off to yet another emergency.

Obviously one of those days!

The children who came to the event got some fire brigade goodies, a pile of stories from Zillah, and a wave from the departing firemen. All of which is pretty neat, but not as much fun as getting to have a close look at a fire engine, so Justine's going to try and reschedule the event some time when there's not so many bonfires and fireworks and stuff.

Thanks to everyone who turned up and participated in the event. And thanks to the firemen for trying their best, we appreciate they're a busy emergency service and we're grateful for their help with events.

(Besides, it gives Justine the opportunity to chat up some firemen! )

What Makes You Happy

Littleborough Poetry Group is having a workshop for children called "What Makes You Happy" at Littleborough Library from 2.30pm — 3.30pm on Monday 29th October.

The workshop's suitable for children aged 7 or over.

If you're interested, please ring the library — (01706) 378219 — to reserve a place.

Heywood and Wheatsheaf Libraries — temporary closures

The Wheatsheaf Library will be closed for re-carpeting from Wednesday 7th November 2007 for approximately 3 weeks.

Books and other items on loan can be returned to the Special Services unit which is situated opposite the main Library entrance in the Wheatsheaf Centre.

Heywood Library will be closed from Monday 12th November 2007 for approximately six months for extensive refurbishment works.

Some of the stock from Heywood Library, notably Best sellers and Graphic Novels, are being temporarily transferred to Darnhill Library, which will have a temporary extension to its opening hours.:

Darnhill Library opening hours from 12th November 2007:

Monday	9.30-1	2-7.30pm
Tuesday	9.30-1	2-5.30pm
Wednesday	9.30-12.30pm
Thursday	9.30-1	2-5.30pm
Friday	9.30-1	2-5.30pm
Saturday	9.30-1	2-4pm

Your custom is still welcome!

Items issued at Heywood and the Wheatsheaf in the run up to the closures have extended loan periods so that they are not due back until the libraries are expected to re-open. Fines are not incurred on days when libraries are closed.

Borrowers from Heywood and the Wheatsheaf Libraries are welcome in all libraries in the Borough. Your barcoded library card lets you borrow or reserve items from any of our libraries.

We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience.

Pure Passion: Christina Jones

Award-winning romantic comedy author Christina Jones is coming to Castleton Library on Wednesday 14th Nov as part of Time To Read's Pure Passion promotion.

She is currently leading the voting as the favourite romantic author with her latest novel ‘Love Potions.’ You can cast your vote online by clicking on the Pure Passion logo above.

Admission is free. Everyone is welcome!

"Pure Passion" titles in our libraries.