Week of events to celebrate libraries in South Tyneside

National Libraries week kicks off on Monday and aims to showcase how libraries help bring communities together, combat loneliness, provide a space for reading and creativity and support people with their mental health.

Throughout the week, a series of events from library talks to a children’s Gruffalo drawing competition will take place, to mark the event.

Coun Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “Books and libraries play an important role in the heart of communities.

“They not only provide a resource for people to access a wide range of books and enjoy a love of reading. They support research, provide computer access and help people to improve their wellbeing while meeting new people through the variety of activities and groups that take place each week.

“National Libraries Week gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that our libraries have to offer. Whether they are regular visitors or non-members keen to find out more about the benefits of joining, there will be something for all ages.”

Some of the events include: the launch of a PenFriend project; E-book taster sessions, health and well-being session as part of World Mental Health Day, Calligraphy, Christmas crafts, Jarrow Library celebration and a talk by Liz O’Donnell on the Struggles for Votes for Women in the North East.

For more details visit South Tyneside Council’s website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/libraries

Monday 8 October:

Launch of the PenFriend Project - Cleadon Park Library, 10am to 11am

An opportunity to find out more about a project designed to make talking books more accessible to those who find it hard to read print but enjoy listening to talking books;

E-book taster session – Cleadon Park Library, 2.30pm to 4pm

Bring a device and find out how to use the new Borrow Box e-book and e-audiobook service;

Tuesday 9 October:

E-book Taster Session - The Word in South Shields, 10am to 12noon

Wednesday 10 October:

World Mental Health Day: Health and Wellbeing Drop In - Cleadon Park Library, 10am to 1pm

Celebrate World Mental Health Day and join the Change4Life Health and Wellbeing Champions Network to find out about the five-a-day for positive mental health

Calligraphy - Cleadon Park Library, 2pm to 4pm

Wednesday Heritage Club: Hens That Want to Crow - The Word in South Shields, 2pm to 4pm, £1.50

Join Liz O’Donnell for her talk about the Struggles for Votes for Women in the North East of England 1866-1918. Tickets, from The Word, cost £1.50 each.

Thursday 11 October:

Christmas crafts - Cleadon Park Library, 10am to 12noon

E-book taster session - Hebburn Library, 10am to 12noon

E-book taster session – The Word, 2pm to 4pm

Friday 12 October

E-book taster session – Jarrow Library, 10am to 12noon

Jarrow Library Celebration – Jarrow Library, 1pm to 4pm

Share memories of Jarrow Library over a cuppa