Doncaster libraries are joining with other libraries throughout the country to celebrate The National Year of Reading. It aims to help build a greater national passion for reading in England – for children, families and adult learners alike.
For the first time ever, there is a universal library membership form - a simple form that can be used to join any library in England. All you have to do is fill in the form from the link below and take it down to any library along with one form of ID.
Universal Library Membership Form
New members will receive a Welcome Pack and the first 2000 children who join libraries across Doncaster will receive a free copy of The Ultimate Book Guide.
Free Library Services
It's free to join the library!
Books are free to borrow - having a library card means up to 12 books may be borrowed at any one time.
Talking books (books on cassette tapes or CDs) are free. Music CDs and DVDs can also be borrowed for a small charge.
Library members get free computer access at any Doncaster library, up to 2 hours per day; there is a small charge for printing.
Six Book Challenge
If you'd like to read more, but find it a struggle, why not take up the Six Book Challenge? Look for the First Choice collections in libraries and choose from the selection of quick reads. You can receive free gifts and be entered into a prize draw.
For more details, please click on the link "Six Book Challenge" in the left margin.
Readers' Groups
Do you like to read, talk and socialise? There are a number of Readers' Groups based in libraries that meet every month to discuss a chosen book. Further details about the groups can be found through the "Readers' Groups" link on the left margin
The National Year of Reading aims to encourage people to read in businesses, homes and communities around the country, providing new opportunities to read and helping people to access help and support through schools and libraries.
Events throughout the year will be based on different themes:
October: Word of mouth. Storytelling, reading out loud, reading together, live literature
November: Screen reads. Exploring the diversity of reading and writing; scripts, TV and films
December: Write the future. Writing, texting, blogging etc.
There will be monthly themed displays in most libraries and some events and activities throughout the year. For details of what's on in libraries during the month click on the link below.
Suggestions for October: Word of Mouth
Perhaps you like reading but don’t have much time? Then why not listen to stories – at home relaxing, or maybe while doing tasks like preparing food, doing the ironing or DIY? You could try listening in the car on long journeys or on the way to work.
Have you tried Talking Books (books on audio tape or CD) for children and adults that can be borrowed FREE from all libraries in the Borough? Check to see if your favourite authors are available in audio format, or look for new authors by browsing the library catalogue or the library shelves.
Can you tell good stories?
The National Year of Reading is looking out for the country’s most enthusiastic amateur story-tellers. If you’re a natural at telling stories why not enter the Telling Tales competition
Visit the following website www.speakingvolumesonline.org.uk This website attempts to provide access to reading for people with a visual impairment and others. Doncaster Central Library’s Visually Impaired Readers’ Group is featured on the website. Look out for many talking book reviews and the Room 101 feature.
Events in Doncaster Libraries
• Check out the library events list for activities such as readers’ groups where you can discuss books. Some other events this month include the following
• Story-time, aimed at children age 5 and under, at the Central Children’s Library every Tuesday 10:00 – 10:30 and every Thursday 2:00 – 2:30. 2 books are read and pictures to colour are given out
• Customised Story-time at Denaby Main Library. Arrange to bring 2 or more under 5s to a story-time customised to suit your schedule, any half hour before 3:00pm. See a Denaby Main librarian for more information.
• Children’s Story-time at Tickhill Library (01302 742871) Tuesdays 2:30-3:00pm
Remember you can request any book at your local library (or by using the online library catalogue) for just 40p.
Take up one of the National Year of Reading challenges such as "Listen to audio books on your way to work". For more ideas, click on the National year of Reading link below.
For great reading ideas, activities and further information about the 2008 National Year of Reading please visit the link below.
