Archive for September, 2011

23
Sep
2011

Have you read a banned book?

Banned Books Week is held from 24 September – 1 October 2011.

Have you read any of these books?

Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carol
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

All have been either banned or censored in one or more countries. View a list of censored titles.

Banned Books Week is library led reader promotion aimed at raising awareness of censorship in literature. Librarians across the country have chosen 100 controversial titles from the past and present which have caused a stir both at home and abroad. A selection of these titles will be on available on display at City Library during Banned Books Week. Visit the Banned Books Facebook page.

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12
Sep
2011

Let’s talk libraries – have your say

Join in the conversation to have your say about Newcastle Libraries’ priorities, how we spend our money and the future of our library service. Help us take your views and those of the wider community into account by participating in our public consultation event on Saturday 29 October from 10:30am – 12:30pm.

If you would like to be involved in the consultation event at City Library please email information@newcastle.gov.uk or phone 0191 2774100 to book your place.

Find out how you can be involved in the wider Let’s Talk Newcastle public consultations. Visit Let’s Talk Newcastle.

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6
Sep
2011

Toon twist on the Man Booker Prize

The Man Booker Prize shortlist has been announced! You can reserve a copy of any of the six books at your local library or click on a title below to reserve online.

Julian Barnes: The Sense of an Ending
Carol Birch: Jamrach’s Menagerie
Patrick deWitt: The Sisters Brothers
Esi Edugyan: Half Blood Blues
Stephen Kelman: Pigeon English
A.D. Miller: Snowdrops

Celebrate the announcement of the shortlist for this year’s Man Booker Prize by being involved in our very own Toon Man Booker! The Newcastle Libraries Toon Man Booker Prize, supported by Waterstones, aims to promote a lifelong love of reading. Vote for your favourite book on the shortlist either online or at your local library.

Vote for your favourite.

The votes will be counted and the result announced at a gala evening at the City Library on Tuesday 18 October from 6pm, the same night the winner of the main Man Booker Prize is announced.

Tickets for the Toon Man Booker Prize evening are £3 for library members and £5 for non-members including refreshments. You can book your place for this event by calling 0191 2774100 or emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk.

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1
Sep
2011

Tyne and Wear Heritage Open Days 2011

This year’s Heritage Open Days take place from Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 September 2011. There are events planned across Tyne and Wear, giving you the opportunity to step into the past and find out more about 2000 years of North East history – free of charge! Newcastle Libraries are hosting the events below.

Charles Freer Andrews Lecture
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Thursday 8 September
City Library
The Anglican missionary and contemporary of Gandhi, Rev. C.F. Andrews, described as the ‘Conscience of the British Raj’, witnessed some of the most significant defining moments of India’s campaign for independence. This lecture illustrates the life of a remarkable man who recognised and acclaimed the true nature of the Sikhs and their role in that epic struggle.

Miners and Memorials
2pm – 3pm
Friday 9 September
City Library
From Pit Wheels to Winding Engines. Take a fascinating tour of the memorials that you can see in the North East, in a talk by Ken Smith.  Bringing our mining heritage to life. Places limited to 35.

Sport on Film
Friday 9 September
City Library
1pm – 4:30pm, turn up any time, no need to book.
A chance to view archive footage of sporting activity in the region. Including a W. I. Sports Day in the 1930’s and recreational activities at Saltwell Park in 1944. This is a drop in session at the City Library, all are welcome. Films kindly provided by the Northern Region Film and Television Archive (NRFTA).

Uppies and Downies
10:30am – 12:30pm
10 September 2011
City Library
Come along to this fascinating talk with Hugh Hornby to explore the history of ball games. In conjunction with Played in Tyne and Wear. Places limited to 50.

Book your free place at any event by phoning 0191 2774100, emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk or asking at your local library.

Find out about other Tyne and Wear Heritage Open Day events

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1
Sep
2011

Children’s author of the month: Eric Carle

September can be a daunting time for young people about to start school but Eric Carle writes a lot of his books with this theme in mind.

He writes, “I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.”

Reserve an Eric Carle book online

View the Eric Carle website

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1
Sep
2011

Don’t be bored. Come to board game Sunday at City Library!

Enjoy an afternoon of playing fantastic board and card games with the local group Newcastle Gamers and staff from The Travelling Man store on Grainger Street. There’s no need to book, just drop in and play. All ages are welcome.

12noon – 4pm
Sunday 11 September
Level 2, City Library

Newcastle Gamers regularly meet to play everything from wargames to whist – all abilities are welcome. Find out more about Newcastle Gamers.

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