National Libraries Day 2012 – join them, use them, love them

It is National Libraries Day on Saturday 4 February; a nationwide celebration of libraries, library users, staff and supporters, which aims to showcase all that libraries have to offer and to encourage non-members to join. 

Libraries across Shropshire will be marking this day with an exciting programme of free activities, special story sessions, offers and giveaways. 

At Shrewsbury Library there will be special story sessions for children on the hour, every hour, to celebrate National Libraries Day and National Storytelling Week. 

At Oswestry Library staff dressed as well-known book characters will invite people to correctly identify them.  There will be a chance to win free DVD hire throughout February.

Coffee and cakes will be served throughout the morning at Whitchurch Library, where National Libraries Day sees the launch of monthly Saturday activities for children.  

At Bridgnorth Library there will be a coffee morning organised by Bridgnorth Women’s Institute (WI) from 10am until 12pm in the Local Studies Centre.  The WI group has also prepared a window display which will run until 11 February 2012.  Also at the library the local branch of Specsavers will be running story sessions to celebrate National Storytelling Week. 

At Ludlow Library there will be a coffee morning with home-made cakes from 10am until 12pm.  Also, at 10.30am until 11am, and 11.30am until 12 pm, there will be ‘Love your story’ sessions for children aged from 0-7 years.  From 11am until 11.30am there will be a time to unwind storytelling session for adults.  

At Market Drayton Library everyone is invited to a special ‘Time to listen’ session from 2pm to 3pm.  

Library staff in Shropshire will also be collecting comments from visitors on the theme of “I love my library because ….”  The comments will be showcased in displays in the libraries. 

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said:

“Libraries continue to play an important role in our communities and are a great place to get inspiration.  We are delighted to be part of National Libraries Day and would like to invite everyone to help us celebrate this special day.  Our libraries offer many different services, so why not come along and learn a new skill and see what else is happening at your local library?”  

For more information and to get involved with National Libraries Day click here or visit www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk.