Celebrating Libraries Week on 5-10 October in Shropshire

Shropshire Libraries is proud to work with world-famous pianist Julian Gargiulo, who is holding a virtual masterclass during the national Libraries Week.

Julian Gargiulo has performed around the globe in a stellar career and will be leading the free session for an hour online on Friday 9 October 2020 from 10.30am.

Commonly referred to as “Pianist with the Hair” (also see http://oneclassicalminute.com/) because of his distinctive look, he is a pianist, composer and recording artist who performs in prestigious venues from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Singapore’s Symphony Stage, and has been featured on Radio and TV stations in North America, Europe, and Asia.  In 2014 Julian was named a Steinway Artist.

Libraries Week 5-10 October 2020

Julian Gargiulo said:

“It is so exciting that we can connect with each other no matter where we are in the world. Music is universal and belongs to everybody, and it’s a privilege to be able to share the magic.”

 The event is free on registering on the Eventbrite site for a ticket, where you will also get the chance to post a question we will ask Julian on the day.

A Shropshire author will also feature in a celebration of the county’s libraries during Libraries Week.

Kate Innes has recorded a filmed narration of her short story “None the Worse”, which is set in Shrewsbury during World War II. The film can be viewed on Shropshire Libraries’ YouTube channel during Libraries Week, a celebration of the nation’s much-loved libraries. This year, the celebration highlights the significant contribution that libraries make to building a nation of readers, providing access to readers of all ages through digital support, services and activities. Films for children featuring a virtual tour of a junior library together with a special story time will also be featured on YouTube, as will new Books Aloud story films for adults.

Mirka Duxberry, Shropshire Council’s library development manager, said:

“We’re celebrating the many ways we can help readers of all ages access books, e-books, audiobooks magazines, and a reading groups network. We’re delighted that all our branches have now safely re-opened and are gradually extending their opening hours  – everyone is welcome and the library is free to join.”

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, waste, leisure and communications, added:-

“In spite of the challenging times we’re experiencing, it’s heartening to see that online use of Shropshire Libraries soared during lockdown. From March to August, customers borrowed over 130,000 books, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers from the e-library – a huge 166% increase on the same time last year.

For the first time, they were also able to make use of Shropshire Libraries’ subscription to genealogy website Ancestry.com from home, leading to a 264% increase in usage. Our library service truly offers everyone a free passport to reading and inspiration, and there’s no better time to join than Libraries Week.”

New visitors can join the library here https://shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/join-the-library/ or at any time any time during opening hours. For the latest news, updates and information on opening hours, visit https://shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/

Further information

About Shropshire Libraries

With 21 branches in the county and a mobile library service too, Shropshire’s library service offers fantastic books to read for pleasure and learning, free internet access and a dynamic e-library option. You will find research facilities for business and family history in libraries; some can be accessed from home via our website. There are special services for visually impaired and housebound people.

About Libraries Week

Libraries Week is a week-long celebration of the nation’s much-loved libraries, with a focus in 2020 on celebrating books and reading and the role of libraries in the UK’s book culture. Organised by CILIP, the library and information association, and supported by partners including Arts Council England, The Reading Agency, Libraries Connected, the Leadership for Libraries Taskforce and the School Libraries Association. Join in the #LibrariesWeek conversation and find out more at www.librariesweek.org.uk @librariesweek #LibrariesWeek.