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E-books - a new chapter for libraries

As well as being able to borrow books from their local library, Cumbrians can now do so from the comfort of their own home, at any time of day or night, as the County Council launches its first ever e-book lending service.

Cumbria’s Libraries have invested £6,000 in a secure e-book lending platform and a further £14,000 on purchasing the actual e-books. The service will offer over 850 e-books for adults, children and young people, which will be available to library members from today, with even more titles to come in the future.All library members have to do is create an Adobe ID via the Adobe website and set up an account on the e-book lending platform, after which they can use their library card and PIN to download e-books of their choice.

For those who choose not to download to their PC or MAC first, it is even possible to download directly to their Android device, iPhone or iPad by installing the relevant app to their e-reader. (Bluefire for Apple users, and Aldiko for Android, available from the appropriate app store).

Just like borrowing a physical book from the library, e-books will be on loan for 21 days (after which they will disappear from the device) and e-books can also be reserved. Customers can have up to two e-books on their device at any one time.

The new stock includes special collections, including electronic versions of our Autism, Dementia, Well Read and Macmillan collections on the site.Tom Holliday, Professional Lead for Libraries, said: “This is a very exciting project and something our customers have been asking about for some time now. E-books are increasingly popular and for many they are the preferred way to enjoy reading and the new electronic collection adds to our stock of over three quarters of a million physical books. Now we have the system in place e-book content is something we plan to keep growing in the future.”

Both Wirral Council and Stockport Council launched similar schemes in 2011, and have seen huge successes, lending 2,500 e-books monthly and 30,800 e-books since its launch respectively.

Library users can get full instructions on how to download an e-book, including device compatibility, by visiting www.cumbria.gov.uk

Welcome to the latest Your Libraries Newsletter

West Area

Issue 29 June/July

A festival of learningAdult Learners Week is a national celebration of lifelong learning. Now in its 24th year, the biggest festival of learning in England has gone on to inspire many other countries around the world to celebrate their own Adult Learners Weeks.

Look out for events and activities in your local library – visit our website www.cumbria.gov.uk/libraries or check out our Facebook pages for more details.

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Some sizzling summer readsWhy not take one of these holiday reads away with you this summer?

Summertime by Vanessa LafayeFlorida 1935, and the residents of Heron Key are preparing for a 4th July barbecue in the face of an incoming storm. In the early hours of the morning, the body of a woman is found, half-beaten to death, and the finger of suspicion is firmly on one man. In an instant, tensions rise as whites turn on blacks…as the hurricane approaches, life in Heron Key is about to change forever.

I Let You Go by Clare MackintoshHaunted by the death of her son in a tragic accident, Jenna Grey leaves Bristol for an isolated cottage on the Welsh coast. DI Ray Stevens is determined to get to the bottom of what happened and finds himself increasingly drawn into the case as Jenna’s past looks set to catch up with her.

A Man Called Ove by Frederick BackmanOve is a very grumpy man indeed. He thinks he is surrounded by ‘idiots’, including everyone from joggers and shop assistants to the perpetrators of a plot to overthrow him from Chair of the Residents Assocation. But is there actually something quite refreshing about his vision for how he thinks the world should be?

Inspired to travel?Not going away this year, but feel the need to escape? Or maybe you’re looking for some inspiration about where to go and what to do on your next break? These books might do the trick…

The year of living Danishly by Helen RussellAre we nearly there yet? by Ben HatchOne man and his bike by Mike CarterThe House on Carnaval Street: from Kabul to a home on the Mexican sea by Deborah RodriguezWalking the Nile by Levison Wood

Summer Reading Challenge record-breakers!Libraries across Cumbria are getting ready to encourage young readers to explore some of the astonishing real-life achievements and world records as featured in the Guinness World Records Books as part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2015.

The challenge is aimed at 4 to 11 year olds and their families; it is simple and fun. Children are encouraged to read six or more library books of their choice during the summer holidays. They will discover the weird, wonderful and wacky records from around the world in six different categories: Cool Tech, Way to Go!, The Big Stuff, Animal Magic, People Power and Action! Adventure! As they read children will collect incentives and rewards, plus there is a certificate for every child who completes the Challenge.

Parents and carers love the challenge, not only is it free but they can see the difference the Summer Reading Challenge makes to their children’s reading. Last year, over 5,000 children took part, nearly half of them boys! “It was exciting and thrilling and I would like to do it again next year. Favourite character was Minotaur. Stickers were fun to collect.” Daniel aged 11, Workington

What’s more, teachers can often tell which children have taken part; research shows that children who take part in the Challenge return to school after the summer break as more fluent, confident and happy readers. On days you can’t get to the library, there is still the Record Breakers website, with so much for children to discover and they can keep a record of their Challenge too. Children can also recommend books and decide what to read next using the Book Sorter.

Children can sign up at their local library from July 10th – it’s absolutely free and runs until September 13th. Look out for summer crafts and activities in libraries too.

Local News Adult Learners’ Week 13th to

19th June in Copeland and Allerdale LibrariesWe hope you will join us in celebrating adult learning and be inspired to take part. Many free activities and events will be taking place in libraries across Copeland and Allerdale, a selection are listed below:

Whitehaven Library• “Walking maps” Thursday 18th June Whitehaven Library

Join us to discover Whitehaven’s Victorian townscape: at our drop-ins at 1100 and 1430 you will have a chance to complete a fun ‘virtual’ walking quiz, using rare maps from the Archives.

• Learn an IT skill with Computer Sessions for beginners at: Mirehouse Library – Wednesday afternoon from 1315 Cleator Moor Local Link – Monday afternoon from 1330 Whitehaven Library – Wednesday afternoon from 1300 (this is a bookable session). Bookable Internet Taster Sessions are also available at both Millom and Gosforth Libraries, call for details.

• Discover more about your Family History with our bookable Ancestry/Find My Past Sessions at Whitehaven Library on Wednesday 17th June between 1400 – 1600 and Thursday 18th June between 0900 and 1530

• Publishing Your Own Book Friday 19th June 1400-1500 Whitehaven Library A talk followed by a question and answer session with Alan Cleaver. Alan will give an overview of how to go about publishing your own work. This is a bookable session, please contact Whitehaven Library on 01946 506400 to book a place.

• Knit and Natter sessions. Learn to knit or sew and share your skills and ideas at one of regular sessions which take place at Whitehaven library Tuesday 1300-1500, Frizington and Hensingham libraries Wednesdays 1400-1600 and Mirehouse library Fridays at 1315.

• Haven Sent WI. A display will be in place in Whitehaven Library during Adult Learners’ Week by Haven Sent WI. Find out what’s on their 2015 programme and how you can join in, learn new skills and meet with a friendly group of ladies. Items made by the group will also be on display.

Workington Library• Saturday 13th June: 0900-1330 Learn online basics with Learn My

way online resources.• Tuesday 16th June: Prebooked times – Bookable Internet Taster

sessions• Wednesday 17th June: Prebooked times – Bookable Internet Taster

sessions• Wednesday 17th June: 1400 -1600 Local History Drop-in session• Friday 19th June: 1130-1300 – Workington Library and Café West

job swap.• Friday 19th June: 1000-1200 – Family History Drop-in session• Friday 19th June: 1400 – 1600 - Bring Your Own Device and get

downloading - E-Books, Audio Books and Digital Magazines Drop-in Session

Make a Noise in Libraries 1st to 14th June.This annual campaign brings public libraries and blind and partially sighted people together in an effort to improve access to books and information.

Why not try a Talking book….. They are free to borrow in June (includes CDs, Playaways and MP3s)Relax with a talking book this June, whether travelling on your holidays, relaxing in the garden or simply as a change. You never know, you may prefer them….

Maryport Heritage Society MeetingsMaryport Heritage Society will be meeting at Haig Mining Museum at 14:30 on Wednesday 24th June, for their last meeting of this season. The regular monthly talks held in Maryport Library will reconvene on Wednesday 30th September – further details will be made available nearer the time.

Become a Dementia Friend Help create dementia friendly communitiesCome to a Dementia Friends Information Session to learn a little more about what it is like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action.Cleator Moor Local Link Monday 8th June 13:00 – 14:00Egremont Library Friday 26th June 10:30 – 11:30Please contact the library to book a place on one of these sessions.

Local News

Carers Week 8th – 14th JuneCarers week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

Celebrate Carers Week with West Cumbria

Carers ‘Cup Cakes for Carers’Wednesday 10th June in Whitehaven LibraryBetween 11:00 and 13:00 Come and join us for a cuppa and a cupcake. Representatives from West Cumbria Carers will be on hand with information and advice on their services.

Monday June 8th to Sunday 14th 2015 is National Bookstart WeekThis is the annual celebration of UK charity Book Trust’s flagship reading programme, Bookstart. It reinforces to families the importance of getting in to the habit of reading every day - even if it’s just for ten minutes. This year’s theme, Jungle Adventures, is based on Giles Andreae’s beloved picture book Rumble in the Jungle. Look out for special colouring and activity sheets linked to this book in libraries in Copeland and Allerdale, along with displays of lots of other picture books that families will enjoy sharing.

Seascale WI…. Local History Coffee Morning

A recent coffee morning to detail the history of the WI in Seascale was held as part of both WI Centenary and Cumbria Libraries Local

History Month celebrations. £160 was raised with proceeds going to the NSPCC.

Friends of Gosforth Library also held a coffee morning as part of Local History Month. £121.33 was raised with proceeds going to Wasdale Mountain Rescue. Displays on various subjects were in all libraries.

Young PeopleDon’t be late for a very important date…..This summer on Wednesday 29th July between 14:00 and 16:00, Whitehaven Library will be celebrating the 150th Anniversary of ‘Alice in Wonderland’, by hosting a Mad Hatter’s Tea party and Craft Activity, along with a reading from the book.This event is suitable for children aged 4 – 11 years, however booking is essential. Please contact Whitehaven Library on 01946 506400 for further details, or to book a place.

Father’s Day Craft ActivityCome along to this drop-in craft session and create your own Father’s Day craft. Whitehaven Library Sunday 21st June 13:00 -15:00 (Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult).

Summer Reading Challenge Activities Watch out for a timetable of events and activities linked to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, coming to a library near you soon.

New Picture Book TitlesThat Naughty Meerkat by Ian WhybrowUncle Fearless is sure he can look after the baby meerkats all by himself. But taking charge is not as easy as it seems - especially with Trouble about: that naughty meerkat! So, whatever will he do when the meerkats suddenly find themselves in danger?

Slug Needs a Hug by Jeanne WillisWhen it begins to bug slug that his mummy doesn’t hug him, he leaves home to find out why. Kitten suggests he should be furrier, so he puts on a woolly hat, while Bird suggests he needs a beak. Soon, Slug has a new look; will his mummy hug him now?

Space Dog by Mini GreySpacedog’s lonely mission is nearly over, and it’s nearly time for him to go home. But one perilous rescue attempt later, and he finds himself with an Astrocat aboard his ship. But everyone knows Spacedogs and Astrocats are sworn enemies. aren’t they? And then they encounter a Moustronaut in peril.

Rhyme Time Sessions Come along and learn new nursery rhymes and have some fun with the musical instruments.

Whitehaven Library every Friday: Under 1s 10:00 – 10:30 Toddlers 10:45 – 11:30

Workington Library every Tuesday 11:00 – 11:30