Weblog Archive

Hello

Now that the nights are drawing in and it's getting colder it's time to start thinking about the perfect book to curl up by the fire with.  At the start of the year we asked the library staff about their favourite places to read and one of the most popular involved sofas and cosy firesides.  Do you agree?  And if so, what book would you suggest cosying up with? 

Let us know and you can see if other people share your views.

I've been reading some quite deep and dark stuff recently, so I spent yesterday relaxing with something that involved a lot less thinking.  But I don't think that that makes the book any less worthwhile.  It did mean though that I read almost the entire thing in an afternoon.  That's something that may or may not be a good thing!

Anyhow, if you have read something good do post a review and tell us all about it.

Until next time

Suzanne

Hello

How are you today?

We've been very busy this morning, rebuilding the library after last night's evening with performance poet and comedian John Hegley.

John kept the audience thoroughly entertained, reading poems from his books (and from other people's that he'd collected up off the library shelves). During the interval the audience was made to sing (or rather compose) for their supper (or rather wine and nibbles) as they were set the task of writing some North Lincolnshire themed poetry, that John then read out - and judged - during the second-half.

The evening concluded with some mandolin-accompanied songs, the final one of which included a rousing chorus of Ging Gang Goolie by the audience.

It was an evening that appeared to be enjoyed by all.  And if you want to see some photos of last night then visit our photo album (link on the left).

Don't forget that tickets are still available for our evening with thriller-writer Peter Grimsdale, in Brigg on 28th November.  As well as talking about his debut novel you can also find out about his career in television, working on shows such as Big Brother.  Contact either the Central Library or Brigg Library to get your tickets.

Until next time, have a great weekend.

Suzanne

Hello

How are you today?  Visited the library recently?

For some people, visiting the library is impossible - not because they don't want to, but because they are housebound.  This is where the Home Library Service can help.  Volunteers take library books directly in to the homes of people who are unable to get out to choose their own.  It's a much-valued service by the recipients, and a wonderful experience for the volunteers as you can read below.

Come along and enjoy being a Volunteer!

"As a retired teacher, I joined the Home Library Service to become involved with an age-range outside my former experience - and I have never regretted it!

The satisfaction of clients' gratitude is a real pleasure and in time, you build up wonderful relationships with people and their experiences - in my ten years, I've met ex-merchant seamen, a postmistress, an accounts clerk, a tax officer, a teacher and a wartime ambulance driver, as well as many others with family anecdotes and topical discussion!  You certainly will find that taking library materials opens up a whole new worthwhile experience!"

Geoffrey Lamert - Home Library Service Volunteer

"I have always been a reader. Never without a book on the go and a pile of books waiting to be read. It would be expensive to buy enough books to keep me going so I use the library regularly.  I would dread the prospect of having nothing to read and no way to get books, so when I heard about the Home Library Service I thought it was a wonderful idea. I volunteered to help and I now borrow books for two elderly clients who are housebound. It only takes me a few hours a month but I feel it is a much appreciated service."

Sylvia Burns - Home Library Service Volunteer 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or receiving the Home Library Service for yourself or a friend, find out more on our Home Library Service pages

Until next time

Suzanne

PS - Don't forget the John Hegley event on Friday and the Peter Grimsdale one in a couple of weeks - tickets are still available, see our events lists for details.

Hello

You know how it works by now... new month, new theme. And the theme for November is "Screen Reads". It's all about exploring the diversity of reading, including scripts, television and films.

The question of the month is all about televised and filmed books. Do you like to read something when you've already seen the film? Does watching a film after you've read the book enhance the experience or does it disappoint you? I have to say that if I've read a book and loved it, the film can disappoint, as the characters are never like I've imagined them. And I'm a bit wary about the film of The Time Traveller's Wife that's due out soon as I really loved the book. But I'll reserve judgement until I see it!

On the other hand if I've seen a film it's nice to read the book to get a fuller picture and see the bits that were missed out. Although you do tend to end up visualising the actors in your head, rather than imagining the characters based purely on the author's description.

Anyhow, that's enough of my ramblings... what do you think? Vote in the Question of the Month poll and send me your thoughts.

Until next time

Suzanne

Hello

Just to let you know tht photos from last Saturday's Readers' Festival are now on the website (go to the Photo Album link on the left).

And if you missed that event be sure not to miss the John Hegley comedy night on 14 November at the Central Library.  Some tickets are still available but they are selling fast.  Check out our events calendar for more details or go to our main website.

Bye for now

Suzanne