Archive for July, 2011

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30
Jul
2011

A great website for money advice

You may have seen an advert on TV or noticed leaflets in the libraries which promote the Money Advice Service. The Money Advice Service is an independent organisation funded by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and they can provide unbiased advice on topics such as mortgages, savings and pensions.

The website also provides clear advice for parents or those who are separating from a partner as well as a money health check.  The health check questionnaire may help you make sense of your financial situation and suggests how to make your finances secure.

There are also comparison tables for different financial products such as savings accounts and pensions.

Visit the Money Advice Service website.

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28
Jul
2011

Meet two award winning children’s authors

Both Sara Fellows and Peter Keane won the Northern Star writing competition to produce a children’s book and have had their entries successfully published.

On Monday 1 August from 2pm – 3pm Sara will be visiting City Library to talk about her book ‘The Nine Lives of Oscar the Cat’.

Then on Monday 15 August from 2pm – 3pm Peter will visit City Library to read excerpts from ‘Standing Stone’.

Both events are suitable for children aged 8 and over. To book your free place phone 0191 2774100, email information@newcastle.gov.uk or ask a member of staff ay your local library.

Posted in Children's Events, Events | Comments Off

26
Jul
2011

Download the Library App now – available free!

The brand new Library App is available to download now from app stores for iPhone, Android and Windows Phone 7 users.

The new app will allow you to  search the library catalogue, renew items, read the latest news and find out what is happening at your local branch while on the move.

Newcastle Libraries is one of three local authorities who have been working with software developer si.digi Ltd to produce the app as part of a pilot programme and there will be more developments to the app in the future. Please let us know what you think of the app and what other features you would like to see by emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk.

David Fay, City Libraries Manager said: “Our libraries have always embraced innovative change and new technologies which include the stunning new City Library to our 10 new and refurbished self-service sites.  Through our Twitter and Facebook pages we already understand the need for swift up to date information so this app will enable customers to access our services wherever and whenever they want to.”

He added:  “Working with the software developers, it has given us a chance to look at the ways we currently connect with the people of Newcastle and beyond and hopefully this app will show why we think libraries still play an important role in our communities.”

View more information on how to download the app.

Alternatively, for more information use your smartphone to scan this QR code:

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25
Jul
2011

New sporting exhibition opens at City Library

1951 FA Cup Final
Image Courtesy of Newcastle United Archive: Paul Joannou official historian to Newcastle United.

Played in Tyne and Wear
25 July – 4 December 2011

Explore the North East’s sporting heritage through our new exhibition, including sport on the Tyne, the Blaydon Races and of course Newcastle United Football Club.

We are displaying illustrations as well as items from our reference collection, including a wonderful early Fordyce map of the Tyne and a 1711 advert for a cockfight in the Newcastle Courant.

Pop up to level 6 of the City Library and take a look.

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21
Jul
2011

Summer of Crime author event

Herring in the Library cover

If you’re a fan of classic crime then don’t miss the chance to attend this talk by bestselling authors Simon Brett and L.C. Tyler.

Simon Brett is the writer responsible for the Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter and Fethering series of crime novels.

L.C. Tyler is a writer of humorous crime fiction. His Elsie and Ethelred mysteries feature Ethelred Tressider, a crime writer, and Elsie Thirkettle, his literary agent. His latest book is called ‘The Herring in the Library’.

Both authors write comic crime fiction that has a nod to ‘Golden Age’ classics. The event should appeal to all fans of classic crime fiction.

6pm – 7:45pm
Thursday 4 August
City Library

Tickets are £5 (non library members) and £3 (library members) and include a glass of wine. To book your place phone 0191 2774100, email information@newcastle.gov.uk or ask at your local library.

View Simon Brett’s books on the library catalogue

View L.C. Tyler’s bookson the library catalogue

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20
Jul
2011

Circus Stars – the Summer Reading Challenge

Roll up!  Roll up!  Roll up! Looking for a challenge this summer?  Circus Stars is the theme of the national Summer Reading Challenge for 2011.  Sign up for free at your local library.

Meet the most marvellous, the most monstrous, the most magical, the most mysterious characters in all the world!  Read all about them when you visit your library, ‘the big top of books’, this Summer!  Circus Stars runs from Saturday 23 July until Sunday 4 September. All children aged 5-12 are encouraged to join in the fun.

The challenge is to read six books over the summer holidays to receive a Circus Stars certificate and wristband.  Schools could win the new Starbucks Summer Reading Challenge Trophy which will be awarded to the school with the most children who complete the challenge, so get your friends reading!

Be entertained by performers and magicians and get creative at craft sessions at most Newcastle Libraries.  Events are free but must be booked unless otherwise stated.  Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.  To find out more ask at your local library, phone 0191 2774100 or email information@newcastle.gov.uk. Also take a look at the events in green for the month of August in our events calendar.

You can find more fun and games from your favourite authors on the Circus Stars website.

Posted in Children's Events, Events | Comments Off

15
Jul
2011

Our latest podcast – CCTV and surveillance with Robin Tudge

Author and journalist Robin Tudge spoke to us before his recent author event at City Library. His latest book is called ‘The No-Nonsense Guide to Global Surveillance’ and is a detailed and fascinating history of this controversial and complex subject.

Listen to the interview below.

 Standard Podcast [15:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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13
Jul
2011

The latest library staff blog…

Written by Janice Hall, Libraries Development Manager (Communities)

It is great to report that our library service has been awarded full compliance in the Customer Service Excellence Award. The assessor said he was ‘very impressed with the standards throughout the whole service from the impressive buildings, knowledgeable and courteous staff, through to the accessible information provided about the service.’

It was very good for all the library staff to hear about this accolade which was a tribute to all their hard work. Another of the feature of the service which impressed the assessor was the variety of work we do with other agencies to enhance the service. A good example of this was a project which has just been completed called The National Young Readers Programme. Coordinated by the National Literacy Trust and supported by the Universal Bank of Switzerland, we delivered this project which linked Children’s Centres and libraries. Over 1000 books were given to children who also took part in lots of literacy based activities. All children who weren’t already members joined the library and received their first library card.


I have chosen a children’s book to mention this time – Sky Hawk by a new author Gill Lewis. It’s a beautifully written wildlife adventure intertwining the lives of two children with that of an osprey. I just couldn’t put this book down and will be recommending this to as many children as possible taking part in our Summer Reading Challenge! I have nominated this title as one of the books promoted on the next World Book Night in April 2012. Send in your book recommendations for World Book Night.

Janice Hall
Libraries Development Manager (Communities)

Posted in Community Libraries Manager, News, Staff blogs | Comments Off

12
Jul
2011

Meet author (and accountant!) Neal James

Neal James divides his time between accountancy and writing, which he has done with great success for the last three and half years.

He cites his main influences as being James Patterson and Thomas Hardy and he writes a variety of genres including crime, humour and romance. His work has been very well received by both critics and readers alike – his latest book is the thriller ‘Two Little Dicky Birds’.

Neal will be visiting Jesmond Library and Outer West Library to talk about his work and aims to prove that even though he is a professional accountant he certainly isn’t boring!

Thursday 21 July
2pm, Jesmond Library
6pm, Outer West Library

To book your place phone 0191 2774100, email information@newcastle.gov.uk or ask at your local library.

Find out more about Neal James

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11
Jul
2011

Happy birthday Denton Burn Library!

Help Denton Burn Library celebrate its 50th birthday by taking a look back at the music, fashion, news and memorabilia from the 1960s. Light refreshments will be available.

19 July 2011
2pm – 3:30pm
Denton Burn Library

The photo below shows Denton Burn Library in 1966.

015083:Denton Burn Library West Road Denton Burn Signey James 1966

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7
Jul
2011

Summerhill Bowling Club exhibition at City Library

Our Sporting Life Exhibition – A Celebration of Summerhill Bowling Club

7 July – 1 September
City Library

Hidden in the heart of Newcastle and active from 1916 to 2011, Summerhill Bowling Club was renowned for its welcoming atmosphere along with the quality of its greens.

Through bowls, badges, photographs and other memorabilia, this exhibition tells the story of Summerhill Bowling Club: its traditions, members and fascinating history that spans almost a century.

This exhibition forms part of Our Sporting Life, a programme of nationwide community exhibitions and a unique and ambitious celebration of British sport.

Find out more about the exhibition.

Posted in Events, Exhibitions, Local and family history | Comments Off

5
Jul
2011

Author event with Mike Kelly – Shakespeare and Love

Raymond Scott from Tyneside came to be in possession of a first folio edition of Shakespeare’s work, valued at around £15million. In 1998 when he tried to sell it in order to build a new life with his Cuban fiancée, it sparked a worldwide investigation which involved the British police, the FBI and Interpol. Come and meet Mike Kelly, co- author of the book ‘Shakespeare and Love’ which explores this most extraordinary tale.

This astounding crime book has stunned people around the world including Howard Marks and Goodfella, Henry Hill, who has described Raymond ‘as the most disorganised criminal in the world’.

Thursday 28 July
6.30pm
City Library

This event promises to be compelling and hugely entertaining, so reserve your place today. It would be a crime to miss it! Phone 0191 2774100 or email information@newcastle.gov.uk to book your free place.

Find out more about the book ‘Shakespeare and Love’.

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5
Jul
2011

Juice Festival – volunteers needed

Would you like to volunteer for Juice Festival – NewcastleGateshead’s festival for children and young people?  To find out more about the roles available and to talk to some of the people behind the planned events for this year’s festival in October come along to our marketplace event on Monday 25 July at City Library from 2pm to 3:30pm. Recommended age: 16+

To confirm your attendance or for more information email Claire Newton, Juice Festival Producer and Projects Manager at claire.newton@ngi.org.uk or call or text 07947541506.

Find out more about Juice Festival.

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4
Jul
2011

Young people’s writing group with New Writing North

Professional writer Carina Rodney runs fortnightly sessions at City Library from 11am – 1pm aimed at writers aged 13 to 19. It’s a great opportunity for young people to come together to share work with others and to get feedback from a professional writer. It’s good fun and there’s no pressure to read out your work if you don’t want to, just enjoy the inspiration of others! The group meets every two weeks on a Saturday throughout the year and they next meet on 16 July.

If you are interested in joining or for more information, please get in touch with New Writing North at office@newwritingnorth.com with your name, age and contact details, or call Anna or Liv on 0191 2333850.

Posted in Children's Events, Events, Societies and groups | Comments Off

4
Jul
2011

A visit from author Caeia March

In her haunting new novel, ‘Letters to Charlotte’ established author, Caeia March, explores the life-long friendship between Charlotte Brontë and her dearest friend Ellen Nussey.

Based on meticulous research, Caeia’s seventh novel reveals a hidden history through real letters from Charlotte and reconstructed replies from her “dearest Nell”. Reserve your place today for your chance to meet Caeia at this entertaining event.

Friday 15 July
2pm
City Library

To book free tickets phone 0191 2774100 or email information@newcastle.gov.uk.

Posted in Author Events, Events | Comments Off

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