Weblog Archive

It was Christmas storytime at the Central Library this morning.  We had lots of happy children come along to listen to stories, sing songs and join in with Christmas crafts. If you missed it you can still see the photos in our photo album.

We have quite a few children's story times coming up over the next week. 

We'll be telling Christmas stories in the Central Library between 10am and 11.30am this Thursday, so do come along and join us.  I'm supposed to be dressing up for the occasion but haven't got around to making anything yet - although my colleague might be coming as a Christmas Pudding (I'll make sure I have the camera on hand).

I'll be at Crowle Library next Wednesday (16th) from 3.30 until 4.15 with some more Christmas stories and at Broughton Village Hall between 9.30 and 10.30 on Thursday (17th).

Even if you can't join us for the storytime you can always pop along to the library to pick some books to keep your children amused whilst you're preparing for the big day.

Suzanne

I went on a fab course yesterday.  It was all to do with developing children's communication skills using all sorts of resources.  It even included some singing.  Watch out when storytimes return to the Central Library in the Spring as we start to include some of the ideas in the sessions!

Christmas is coming... at least it must be because the lights were turned on here in Scunthorpe last night!  That means that it's time to start digging out all the Christmas cookbooks, card making ideas and Christmas story books again.  We’ve got a few Christmas story sessions planned in the run up to the big day too - watch our events listing for details.

It's dark, cold and the nights are drawing in.  Just the time to settle down in front of a roaring fire with a good book.  There are loads of new titles out at the moment - clearly destined for the Christmas present market but that doesn't mean you can't borrow them from your library now and over the coming weeks.

There are biographies galore, Ant & Dec, Peter Kay, Richard Hammond, Jack Dee, Ozzy Osbourne etc.  There are lots of cookery books around from experts such as Levi Roots, Rachel Allen and Gordon Ramsey.  Along with bestsellers from Marian Keyes, Dan Brown and others.

Time to settle down with a cup of tea, a packet of biscuits and retreat from the winter weather I think.

Until next time.

So that's it.  Poetry in the Park is over for this year. 

We've had a fab time doing it and the children and their families who came along also really enjoyed themselves.

We enjoyed 'Daddy Fell into the Pond' by the duck pond and encountered Mr Toad.  We grew as little nut trees in the woods and planted seeds in the walled garden as we asked 'How will your garden grow?'.

We all joined in with the 'Owl and the Pussycat' by the totem pole, complete with our very own pig.  Unfortunately we left the pig (complete with a ring in the end of his nose) unattended in the park on Monday morning and when we came back he had gone. So if you were in Normanby Park on Monday and found a small plush pig with a ring in the end of his nose loitering by the totem pole please can you point him back in the direction of the Central Library. The owl and the pussycat are missing him.

If you are looking for something else to do over half-term and missed out on the poems, you can still come along to our Halloween-themed storytime on Thursday 29th October at 10am in the Central Library.

We hope to see you soon.

I was having one of those moments yesterday, when I started to wonder how many different songs are out there that are based on books.

It all started from a conversation about Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights.  There's also Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits.  There must be loads more but I can't think of any off the top of my head.  So I need help please.  I'm adding a thread to the discussion boards about it so if you think of more please do let me know.

Thank you!

We were at Normanby Park on Wednesday preparing for the Poetry in the Park events that we are running in half-term.  We'll be taking children on walks around the park and telling poetry along the way.  We had a trial run the other day and had great fun reading poetry to peacocks and trying not to trip over the ducks.

Booking is essential, via the Central Library, but the trails are free and we'll event give you a parking permit for the morning.

I think it's going to be great fun, and we'd love to see you there.

Suzanne

Hi

It's Bookstart Day on Friday 9 October celebrating the fantastic scheme that gifts books to children at 7 months, 18 months and 3 years old.  The theme for this year's celebrations is My Favourite Rhyme - hence our poll to find North Lincolnshire's Favourite Nursery Rhyme (see the link on the left).  We're holding a fab event here in the library on Friday morning where children can come along dressed as their favourite nursery rhyme character and listen to rhymes and stories.  We'll also be announcing the winner in our poll.

Encouraging children to develop a love of reading is one of our core aims, and as such we run lots of events and activities to encourage children to come into libraries.  A few weeks ago we held a mini-beast treasure hunt across some of our larger libraries, where children had to find the pictures of creepy-crawlies hidden around the library (not the real ones luckily).  In Epworth the hunt was so popular that MP Ian Cawsey drew the winners (see our photo album for a picture).

 And it's Reading Quest medal presentations this week.  We'll be out and about around all North Lincolnshire presenting medals to the children who completed the Quest this summer.

Busy, busy, busy.

And the new Audrey Niffenegger book has arrived and I've hardly got time to read it - roll on the weekend!

I'm very excited.  I've just found out that the new Audrey Niffenegger book is out next month.  It's called 'Her fearful symmetry' and you can read the first chapter on the authors website at http://audreyniffenegger.com/sites/audreyniffenegger.dividespace.com/files/Niffenegger_1st_ch.pdf

It's billed as a ghost story, so it sounds as though it'll be quite different to 'The Time Travellers Wife', but since that was such a unique book I don't think she could replicate it.  Although I am hoping that it's just as good, as TTTW is one of my all time favourites - even though it did make me cry.  Incidently, although the film of it came out this summer I didn't go to see it as I'm worried that it won't live up to the book - but that might just be me!

I'll let you know what I think when I've read it - watch this space!

There's some exciting events coming up over the next few weeks.

Next week's storytime in the Central Library will have a Disney theme where you can come along dressed up as your favourite Disney character.  The event runs from 10am to 11.30am in the Central Children's Library on Thursday 3rd September.

On the 11th and 12th September it's the annual Family History Weekend at the Central Library where you can come along and find out how to go about researching your own family history.

The following week on Friday 18 September it's our binding workshop where you can bring along any old books to find out about having them restored.

We also have storytimes across our branch libraries (Crowle, Brigg, Barton and Kirton) check out our events listing for details.

Then in October we will be out and about in Normanby Park for a children's poetry trail - but that's still in the planning stage so watch this space.

All in all a busy autumn schedule and hopefully you'll be able to join us.

Until next time

Suzanne

Have you voted yet?  As a chronic arachnophobe I'm slightly concerned that Incy Wincy Spider is currently in the lead as North Lincolnshire's favourite nursery rhyme.  Please cast your vote now to save me from having to produce a poster showing the winning rhyme with a spider on it!

We've just opened the voting form to find North Lincolnshire's favourite nursery rhyme.  You can vote now by following the link above or clicking on "North Lincolnshire's Favourite Nursery Rhyme" on the left.

Vote Now!!!!!

We'll tell you the result on National Bookstart Day on 9 October (if you can wait that long!)

The photos from Saturday's event are now in the photo album, why not take a look!

It was the Green Balloon event in the library this morning, you may have heard me mention it once or twice over the last couple of weeks.  We had lots of eager children who came and heard stories, planted cress seeds and built bug houses.  But the highlight of the morning was the snail race.  There were one or two children (and staff) who weren't too keen to get too near but overall most people seemed to love it.  The snails had a whale of a time too, (and being the bravest of the lot it was me who had to get the snails ready on the start line).  You would think that snails are quite slow but we had a couple of real speedy ones and the overall champion was actually the smallest of the lot.  There was some attempted cheating going on though, as some snails tried to get piggy-backs to the finish line.  And even on the podium the snails were all fighting to get onto the top step.

You'll be pleased to hear that no snails were harmed during the race and all the competitors were safely released back into the wild at the end of the morning.  And if you missed it you can see photos of the winning snails and trainers in our photo album very soon.

Until next time

Suzanne

So Saturday is Green Balloon Club morning in the central Children's Library.  We have a busy schedule starting at 10am with nature themed stories before moving on to making bug hotels and decorating pots to plant seeds in.  The highlight of the morning with be our snail race (please do bring your own otherwise I'm going to have to spend Friday night on a snail hunt... We're going on a snail hunt, we're going to catch a big one, what a beautiful day, I'm not scared!)  Then at 11.30 we just have to round up all the wayward snails and send them all home!

If you can't make it you can still join in all next week with a bug-themed treasure hunt around the library (although I might lose the picture of the spider).  And if you're really keen you can borrow some of our nature and bug books and read them as part of Questseekers.

Hope to see you Saturday!

Suzanne

It's started... this year's summer reading challenge is here.  Have you signed up yet?

It's a busy time in the library at the moment.

Questseekers - this year's summer reading challenge - starts next week and so we are busy making sure that all the new books are ready and waiting for you to borrow. We also have to get all the rewards ready and make sure that we have enough for everyone who wants to sign up. For those of you who don't know, the Summer Reading Challenge is for children aged 4 years and over. They borrow books from their library, share their enjoyment with library staff when they bring them back and earn rewards such as games and stickers.  When they've read six books they get a certificate and a medal.

If you're a fan on CBeebies you might have come across a programme called The Green Balloon Club - a nature / green-themed show for children. We're currently planning a Saturday morning event on 25 July with lots of green themed activities - more information to follow once we've finished planning it!

One of my colleagues has also started a manga fan club which starts in the Central Library on 22 July from 6-7pm.  It follows on from the Manga Recon events that we've held over the past two years, (you can see photos from those in our photo album).

We have local author Lois Fenn at Barton Library on 30 July and in the Central Library on 31 July signing copies of her latest book.

So lots going on - check out our events list for even more upcoming events

Until next time

Suzanne

Hello

The winners were announced at lunchtime today of the Kate Greenaway and Carnegie Medals.  One of our very own librarians, Rosie Scotting, was on the judging panel and has read all of the nominated books.

The winner of the Carnegie Medal is Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd.  The book is aimed at children aged 12 and over (so that includes me then) and is set in 1980's Ireland.  It's the story of a young boy who finds the body of a child buried in a bog, set again the backdrop of a very troubled time in Irish history.

The winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal is Harris Finds His Feet by Catherine Rayner.  The book is aimed at children aged 3 and upwards (that include me again!) and is the story of Harris, a very small hare with big feet.

You can get more information on all the nominated books from the web link above.  And if you want to read the winning titles, or any of the nominated books you can borrow them from your local library.

Until next time

Suzanne

I'm sure you've all heard of the post of Poet Laureate... but how many of you know about the role of Children's Laureate?  Launched in 1999 there have been 5 post-holders to date, each in post for two years.  Quentin Blake came first, followed by Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Rosen is the current Children's Laureate.

The announcement was made today of who will be the 6th Children's Laureate and it is...  author and illustrator Anthony Browne.  His books include Through the Magic Mirror, Voices in the Park and Silly Billy.

You can find out more about Anthony Browne at http://www.walker.co.uk/contributors/Anthony-Browne-1481.aspx

Or more about him and all the other Children's Laureates at http://www.childrenslaureate.org.uk/Home

Until next time

Suzanne

We had a fabulous time this morning at our Bedtime Stories themed storytime for Booktrust's Bedtime Reading Week.  The aim was to encourage the whole family to get involved in the joy that is reading aloud.  Some hardy staff (me included) joined in by wearing our pyjamas to tell stories to pyjama-clad children who came along (teddy bears were also welcome).

A fab time was had by all and you can even see some photos (but not any of me!) in the Storytime folder in our photo album.

You can find out more about reading with your child at http://www.booktrust.org.uk/Campaigns/Bedtime-Reading-Week

Happy reading!

Night night!

Suzanne

Hello

Some people think that libraries are hushed buildings, but here in North Lincolnshire our staff are going to be out and about in the open-air this summer showing you all that the library has to offer. 

At the end of the month we'll be at the Normanby Hall Food Festival showing off our range of cook books, then later in the summer we'll be at Corus Gala as usual, as well as making our debut at the Crowle Show.  So do come along and see us if you're in the area.

Until next time - happy reading 

Suzanne

It was the library's second manga night on Thursday and a fabulous time was had by all by the look of things.

We had nearly 200 people attending - which is up on last year - and 42 cosplayers (again up from last year).  There are photos of the cosplayers in the photo album along with some of the art work that was entered into the competion.  Loads of samples and freebies were given away as well as raffle prizes to lots of lucky winners.

If you missed it, you missed a treat!

Suzanne

Just a quick reminder about our Manga event tonight.  Tickets have been selling very quickly so you'll have to get a move on if you want to come.  Tickets are still on sale at the Central Library.

We're now doing the last bits of preparation getting everything ready for tonight.  And if you can't make it, don't worry, photos will be in the photo album (hopefully) on Saturday morning.

See you tonight (if you have a ticket)

Suzanne

Here's another book review for you 'Let the right one in' by John Ajvide Lindqvist.  And it's a film tie-in too with the movie of the book out now.

Set in a Swedish sink estate, this vampire novel is both chilling and gruesome but is also a true page-turner, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.  The violence is frequent, terrifying and graphic (certainly not a read for the faint-hearted), but the tender, burgeoning relationship between Eli and Oskar makes all the horror worthwhile.  The large cast of supporting characters, some of whom will make your skin crawl, will make you look at any new neighbours in a different light as this novel makes its way to a very explosive climax.  One to read with the lights on!

You can borrow it from the library now, (or rather you can do once I've returned it) or you could just see the film instead. If you're feeling really brave you could do both and then see which version is the scariest!

Until next time - don't have nightmares!

Suzanne

Calling all Quest Seekers...

Details of the Summer Reading Challenge 2009 have been announced.  It starts on 13th July and you have until the 5th September to complete the challenge of reading and reporting back on 6 books.  Suitable for ages 4+ it is the must-do activity for the summer holidays.

There are cool scratch-and-sniff stickers to collect along with other great prizes.

Put it in your diary now and visit North Lincolnshire Libraries from 13th July to join.

Suzanne

As promised... the results of the Galaxy Book Awards

Galaxy Book of the Year

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher - Kate Summerscale ( Bloomsbury )

Outstanding Achievement

Michael Palin

Richard & Judy Best Read

When Will There Be Good News - Kate Atkinson (Black Swan)

Borders Author of the Year

Aravind Adiga for The White Tiger (Atlantic Books)

Tesco Biography of the Year

Dreams From My Father - Barack Obama (Canongate)

Books Direct Crime Thriller of the Year

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson (Quercus)

Sainsbury's Popular Fiction Award

Devil May Care - Sebastian Faulks (Penguin 007)

Play.com Popular Non-Fiction Award

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher - Kate Summerscale ( Bloomsbury )

Waterstone's New Writer of the Year

Tom Rob Smith for Child 44 (Simon & Schuster)

WHSmith Children's Book of the Year

Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer Atom

Hello

I have been at the library doing my work experience and have been asked to write this to tell you all the positive things about it.

Firstly I would like to point out that library work is not simply just scanning and stamping books; there is so much more going on behind the scenes.  I have experienced most of the major parts that make up the library system and can safely say that without the work of everyone it would not run successfully.

All of the staff are caring people who work hard to make it easier for you, such as organising the books (I've done a lot of this) so that you can find them quickly, making requests for the books you want and they don't have; this is harder than you might think, and sorting out the books and reservations to make it all presentable and generally better for you.

The branches of the library have their own character and best points and are overall more personal than the main central library, catering for all your needs.  And the mobile library can be hard work at times, but is a great trip out but you do still have to work!

Overall I would recommend work experience at the library to anyone who is interested in this career or if you are just interested in books; and if you don't, still come to see what it is about!

A library is not just a building with books; it is so much more!

Thank you to all the staff,

Melissa

Hello

I've just been told about a new website that allows you to read 150 books online for free.  They are non-fiction titles (some of which we do have in the library) and the publishers have set up a website where you can view them totally free-of-charge.  There are titles covering a range of subjects including careers, property, working abroad, study skills and writing wedding speeches.

There are quite a lot of adverts on the site (necessary I guess to cover the costs), but if you don't mind putting up with these the content of the site is pretty good.  If you want to downlaod an electronic version to keep, you can do, but there is a cost (obviously).  Similarly if you like the book so much that you want to buy a paper copy you are directed to Amazon.

Definitely worth a look!

Suzanne

Hello

Last year was very busy for us (and you) as we organised lots of fab events for the National Year of Reading.  You might be beginning to think that nothing much is happening this year, but rest assured that there is lots of work going on behind the scenes to bring you some more fantastic events and we'll let you know more just as soon as we can.

In the meantime we have Manga Recon 2009 on 7 May (just follow the link for more details).  We are also hosting three parliamentary outreach sessions in Scunthorpe, Barton and Crowle where staff from UK Parliament will be on hand to tell you all about the work that they do on your and our behalf.

There's lots more planned for over the summer so watch this space.

Until next time

Suzanne

Hello

Just thought I'd tell you that the shortlists for the Galaxy British Book Awards have been announced.  If you want to vote you can do so at their website (follow the link above). 

There are some fantastic titles nominated this year including Barack Obama (for The Audacity of Hope and Dreams from My Father), Paul O'Grady's At My Mother's Knee, Marian Keyes' This Charming Man, Stephen Fry in America and J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard.  There are loads more fab nominees, and if you cast your vote for your favourite you could be in with a chance to win a prize (visit the website for more details).

The winners are announced in April so watch out for the results then.

Suzanne

Hello

As you may have noticed I love reading.  Books are so portable - you can just carry one with you and whip it out for a quick read whereever and whenever.  I love spotting other people who do the same - and as you may recall I've told you before about people I've spotted reading whilst I've been out and about. 

So the latest entrant in my unofficial "spotted reading" competition is the taxi driver parked up in the taxi rank in York last night who was deeply engrossed in his book whilst waiting for his next customer.  I couldn't quite see what book he was reading and I wasn't quite brave enough to knock on the window and ask! Maybe another time I'll be braver.

In the meantime do feel free to join in with my challenge and tell us about the places that you've found to read - or have seen people engrossed in their books.  I'm sure that you must have been and seen some interesting locations.

Until next time

Suzanne

Happy Birthday to us!

ReadNorthLincs is one year old this week and what a busy year it's been for North Lincolnshire Libraries. We've hosted storytimes, poetry readings and readers festivals. We've brought you John Hegley, Peter Grimsdale, Colin Dexter, bears, manga characters and more.  You've read hundreds of thousands of books and visited us in droves.  All in all it's been a fantastic year and long may it continue.

See you all soon

Suzanne

Did any of you come to the Manga Recon event last year?  Well, such a fab time was had by all that we're doing it again.  There will be art competitions, quizzes, sneaks, cosplay and more.

Tickets aren't on sale yet but you can register your interest at the Central Libray in Scunthorpe and we'll be in touch as soon as they are!

Check out the link above for more details, or go to our photo album to see what happened last year.

Until next time

 Suzanne

Following on from the PLR data about the most borrowed library books nationally, we now have some data about the books you have been borrowing from North Lincolnshire Libraries.

Most borrowed authors (Adult fiction)

1. James Patterson
2. Nora Roberts
3. Josephine Cox
4. Clive Cussler
5. Dick Francis
6. Terry Pratchett
7. Agatha Christie
8. Jack Higgins
9. Margaret Dickinson
10. Alexandra McCall Smith

Most borrowed titles (Adult fiction)

1. Cross by James Patterson
2. Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen
3. White Tiger by Avarind Adiga
4. Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell
5. Overlook by Michael Connelly
6. Killing Ground by Jack Higgins
7. Journey by Josephine Cox
8. Agatha Raisin and kissing Christmas goodbye by M C Beaton
9. Hettie of Hope Street by Annie Groves

The most popular children's authors include Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman, Stephenie Meyer, J K Rowling, and Francesca Simon.  Doctor Who is written by different authors, but is also hugely popular with children.

Paul O'Grady At My Mother's Knee and Dear Fatty by Dawn French have been the most popular non fiction titles.

Being my usual, unusual self I must confess to not having borrrowed any of the top ten titles or authors... how about you?

Hello

Have you heard of the PLR? - It's the body the pays royalties to authors according to how many times their books are borrowed from libraries.

The latest figures came out this week and it has been revealed that the most borrowed author from UK public libraries in 2007/08 was James Paterson with children's author Jacqueline Wilson in 2nd place.

The most borrowed fiction book was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows followed by Kate Morton's The House at Riverton.

For the full details follow the link above the the PLR website.

Suzanne

Hello

Although the snow might be horrible if you need to get somewhere, if you are able to just stay at home it's the perfect time to curl up on the sofa with a good book (or even a not so good one!).

My latest read has been 'Never Never' by David Gaffney (although I did alternate it with a little light relief in the form of Mary Poppins - which, unbelievably I had never read before).

Anyhow, Never Never was again outside my comfort zone, but a gripping (ish) read nonetheless. 

If you are struggling with your finances you'd be well advised to keep clear of Cumbrian debt advisor Eric MacFarlane, a man for whom the phrase ‘Physician, heal thyself' was surely invented.  Lurching from the sublime to the ridiculous this roller-coaster read takes you on a journey of mysterious caravans, body piercings and bingo.  And it's not for the faint-hearted as there's plenty of stomach-churning violence along the way.  You'll certainly take an active dislike to at least one, if not all of the characters, but that won't stop you getting hooked as you are drawn along into Eric's bizarre world and towards the even crazier, heart-stopping, finale.

The next book on my to-be-read pile is a modern day take on Pride and Prejudice (much more my usual type of book), so I'll keeo you informed.

Until next time

Suzanne

And the winner is Sebastian Barry with The Secret Scripture.

 Have you read it?

Just a quick update to the entry about the Costa Book Awards... I've just heard that you can watch the awards live via a webcast on the day.  Here's an extract from the press release.

"For the very first time, Costa, the UK's largest and fastest-growing coffee shop chain, is opening up the doors to the Costa Book of the Year awards ceremony via a live webcast enabling booklovers all over the UK to take a front row seat at one of the most prestigious literary events of the year.

Be among the first to toast the winner of the 2008 Costa Book of the Year, whether over a delicious cappuccino with reading group friends, a latte at your library or even from the comfort of your own home by tuning in to http://www.costabookawards.com/ at 9.45pm on Tuesday 27^th January to watch the event live!"

Sorry, but the library won't be open at quarter to ten on a Tuesday night for you to log on to watch the awards, but I'm sure that you can find a PC elsewhere!

Suzanne

Hello

I've been reading books outside my comfort zone again - this time it's Wounded by Percival Everett.

This book offers a whole lot more than might be predicted on first impression, as what initially seems to simply be a book about a hate crime in a small town opens up to cover personal and family conflict, as well as a burgeoning romance.  Wounded is a pretty brutal read where violence and bigotry seem to be the norm, yet the first hand commentary from horse trainer John Hunt lightens the atmosphere enough to make you want to keep reading.  This book doesn't pull any punches but it's a gripping read nonetheless and one that certainly lives up to its title.

It's not to everyone's taste, but if you do read it please let me know what you think as I'd love to hear someone else's view on it.

Suzanne

Hello

The National Year of Reading may have ended, but in the book world life goes on.

The first big event this year is the announcement of the winner of the 2008 Costa Book of the Year on 27 January.  The nominees are the winners of the individual categories that were announced at the end of last year.  They are

First novel: Sadie Jones - The Outcast

Novel: Sebastian Barry - The Secret Scripture

Biography: Diana Athill - Somewhere Towards the End

Poetry: Adam Foulds - The Broken Word

Children: Michelle Magorian - Just Henry

I've not read any of them myself, so can't pass comment, but if you've read one or more then please let us know what you thought.  I'll let you know the winner when it's announced (and not before!)

Until next time

 Suzanne

Hello

I just wanted to tell you about a new addition to our Celebrity Readers page.  Colin Dexter who we have invited to appear at the Plowright Theatre on 10 January (tickets still available) has kindly answered our reading questions (despite me writing to him in the middle of Christmas!). And so you can now find out all about his reading tastes and love of The Dandy - follow the link above to see more.

Suzanne

Happy New Year and welcome to ReadNorthLincs 2009. 

Despite the National Year of Reading having finished we're still keen to keep promoting books and reading as much as we can. So we're keeping this site going for the foreseeable future. That means you can look forward to lots more of me rambling on over the coming months.

Please keep submitting your reviews - espicially if you've read anything really good, or really bad over Christmas! We'd really like to hear about it.

And don't forget to join in our discussions and polls - the site is what you make it.

And finally, the last few tickets are still available for the audience with Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter on Saturday 10th January at the Plowright Theatre. We'd love to see you there.

Until next time

Suzanne