What’s on in York: An Evening of Calm

York Explore Library : Thu 19 May : 6.30pm – 7.30pm : £2

May 19_An Evening Of Calm _ImageWhether it is to unwind, to focus, to practice mindfulness or just as a method to de-stress, Art Therapy has become a craze across the world. We are inviting you to an evening to explore your creative side whilst taking a step back from the hustle and bustle.

All the materials will be provided for you to enjoy an hour of zen.

There are a maximum of 20 tickets and can be bought online at http://www.feelinginspired.co.uk/detail/aneveningofcalm-19-05-2016 or at any York library.

 

York Libraries and Theatre Royal publish progress reports

Reports from two key leisure operators in York will be debated by the Council next week.

They cover the activities of the York Explore Library team and the Theatre Royal.

The Libraries now operate as an independent “community benefit society”. They receive funding of over £2 million a year from York taxpayers so it is disappointing that the report says little about the organisations financial position. Nor are KPIs tabulated.  However, local libraries have maintained, and enhanced, their reputations over the last year. They are more outward looking with several – including Acomb – seeking to establish “Friends” support groups. They are also meeting the challenge of a, still expanding, technology sector.

Theatre Royal has re-opened following refurbishment

Theatre Royal has re-opened following refurbishment

The Theatre Royal – which is an independent trust – has had a turbulent year with performances moved to the Railway Museum while the St Leonard’s Place building was completely modernised. The work ran 6 months behind schedule which was a major challenge for the theatre’s management. Early reactions to the recently reopened theatre have been generally positive. With the Council having paid their annual grant up front to help pay for the costs of the refurbishment the theatre faces a testing few years on the financial front. The Theatre Royal is an important part of York’s cultural heritage and most residents will wish it well as it seeks to re-establish itself.

 

What’s on in York: An Evening with Alison Weir

York Explore Library : Wed 18 May : 7.00pm – 9.00pm :
£5 /£4 to Loyalty Card holders

May 18_Alison WeirPopular historian Alison Weir will visit York on the publication of the  her new novel, the first in a series of six about the wives of Henry VIII. Alison Weir tells the poignant story of Katherine of Aragon, the King’s first wife, drawing on new research and keeping closely to the historical record.

She approaches her tale from Katherine’s point of view, which affords an intimate psychological perspective on this indomitable, courageous and principled woman. Was Katherine’s union with Prince Arthur consummated? What happens when a happy royal marriage is overshadowed by dynastic pressures, doubts and the allure of an ambitious woman?

Alison Weir evokes a court peopled by the luminaries of the early Tudor age – Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell and the magnificent figure of Henry VIII himself – a young and athletic Henry, not yet marred by frustration and disappointment.

They live in a lost world of splendour and brutality, dominated by faith and by momentous religious change – a world in which there were few saints. This was Katherine’s world, and we can only understand her properly within its context.

Tickets are available from Waterstones York on 01904 620784 or book online here.

There are a maximum of 200 tickets.

What’s on in York – Lara Williams: Treats

York Explore Library : Tue 17 May : 6.30pm – 7.30pm :

Tickets cost £4 (£3 with a York Card)

May 17_TreatsCome meet and hear debut author Lara Williams talk about her writing and what it is was like to create and publisher her first short story collection.

“Dance like nobody gives a crap. Drink like you don’t have a family to go home to. Love because what else is the point.”

So says one of the characters in Lara Williams’ extraordinary debut story collection. Treats is a break-up album of tales covering relationships, the tyranny of choice, and self navigation. This fresh, beguiling new voice paints a portrait of contemporary adulthood, balancing wry humour with a pervading sense of alienation in the digital era.

Williams’ characters struggle with how to negotiate intimacy within relationships and isolation when single, the pitfalls and indignities of dating, dragged down by dissatisfaction. Meanwhile the dilemmas of life play out, including abortion, depression, extra-marital affairs, infatuation, new baby anxiety, bereavement, hair loss, sexual ethics, cats, and taxidermy.

For more information about the author please visit https://larawilliams.wordpress.com/ or http://www.freightbooks.co.uk/treats-by-lara-williams.html

There are a maximum of 50 tickets and can be bought online at http://www.feelinginspired.co.uk/detail/larawilliamstreats-17-05-2016 at any York library.

What’s on in York – PD James’ An Unsuitable Job for A Woman with Mari Hannah

Rowntree Park Reading Cafe : Tue 10 May : 10.30am – 12.00pm : £7.50 this will include coffee and cake

May _10Mari Hannah SquareTurn your morning break into an indulgent experience and hear bestselling crime author Mari Hannah talk about PD James’ An Unsuitable Job for a Woman over coffee and cake.

Explore York is partnering with the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival as part of its Big Read to offer a very special event at Rowntree Park Reading Cafe.

We are going to turn the morning break into an indulgent experience as Crime Festival Reader in Residence and bestselling crime author, Mari Hannah talks about PD James’ An Unsuitable Job for a Woman over coffee and cake.

Free copies (while stocks last) of An Unsuitable Job for a Woman will be available to collect from Rowntree Park Reading Cafe before the event.

Tickets can be booked at any York Library, please book your space as places will go quickly. To get your tickets please contact York Library on york@exploreyork.org.uk or telephone the library on 01904 552828. Or contact your local York Library and ask there.

What’s on in York: Computer courses

Discover Cloud Storage

Tang Hall Explore Library : Tue 10 May : 10:00am – 11:00am : £5

May _10cloudstorageIn this hands-on session, we’ll show you how to choose the best cloud service and sign up for a free account, how to upload and download files to your cloud folders as well as synchronising your work across all your devices.

To book your place, please contact Explore Tang Hall Library Learning Centre on 01904 552655 or tanghall.library@york.gov.uk.

Places cost £5 each, payable upon booking.

Discover Online Grocery Shopping

Acomb Explore Library : Wed 11 May : 10.00am – 11.00am : £5

May _11shoppingonline

In this session, we’ll demonstrate the many ways you can order your groceries online and receive your shopping direct to your door with just a few clicks!

We’ll show you how to stay safe and secure when ordering your shopping and give you a few tips and tricks to help make the process simpler.

To book your place, please contact Explore Acomb Library Learning Centre on 01904 552651 or acomblibrary@exploreyork.org.uk.

Places cost £5 each, payable upon booking.

Introduction to Windows 10

York Explore Library :Thu 12 May : 2.00pm – 3.00pm : £5 with YorkCard, £10 without

May _12Windows 10This hands-on session will walk you through the new features, give you a few handy tips and tricks and help you get the most out of the exciting new operating system from Microsoft.

 

There are a maximum of 8 places and booking is essential.

For more information or to book please call in at Explore York Library.  t: 01904 552828 or e: york@exploreyork.org.uk

 

 

What’s on in York: Kathleen Harryman: The Other Side of the Looking Glass

York Explore Library : Mon 9 May : 2.30pm – 3.30pm : £4 includes refreshments

May 9_Kathleen HarrymanThe Other Side of the Looking Glass by Kathleen Harryman is a suspenseful thriller that you won’t be able to put down.

A beautiful lady wakes up in hospital with no memory of who she is or anything about her life. Her life is a blank. Liam is there when she wakes up and says she is his wife, Kate. He is attractive, well dressed and obviously very wealthy. However, something makes her distrust him. Why are his eyes so cold? And why doesn’t she remember him? As Kate is taken home to her luxury mansion and discovers what her life is like with the controlling Liam, she finds her ordeal is only just beginning. Then her memory starts to come back and the truth emerges… This is a truly exciting tale of subterfuge, mystery, mistaken identity and true love.

Kathleen Harryman lives in York, with her husband and two daughters, and family dog and cat.

After attending writing groups, Kathleen was inspired to write her own book based around the city where she lives. Stories run through Kathleen’s head whilst out walking the family dog. The miles disappear and are replaced with stories that are then brought to life in print. Writing is a natural part of Kathleen, and she enjoys watching the characters come to life.

If you would like to see more information about the author  w: http://www.austinmacauley.com/author/harryman-kathleen and t: KathleenHarrym1

There are a maximum of 50 tickets and can be bought online at http://www.feelinginspired.co.uk/detail/kathleenharryman-09-05-2016 or at any York library.

What’s on in York – Regional Read workshops

Exploring Poetry with Anna Woodford: A Read Regional workshop

York Explore Library : Thu 28 Apr : 6.00pm – 7.00pm : Free

Apr 28 Anna _WoodfordWhether you already enjoy reading poetry or you haven’t picked up a collection since school, this session is for anyone who wants to find out more about contemporary poetry, how to read it and which poets to look out for. The session will be led by the poet Anna Woodford, who will select some of her favourite contemporary poetry alongside works by each of the Read Regional poets. With Anna, you will share ideas about what works and how poetry makes you feel.

You should come away with an idea of which contemporary poets you might enjoy and ideas of what to read next. The session is relaxed and informal, and no knowledge of poetry is required.

To enable discussion, numbers for these sessions are capped at 16 attendees.

This event is aimed at those aged 14+

About Read Regional

Since 2008 New Writing North has successfully managed the Read Regional programme, which remains hugely popular with readers, libraries and authors. Read Regional supports a group of writers as they bring their talents to libraries across the North of England and is a vital part of New Writing North’s work as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Read Regional is the focus for New Writing North’s long-term commitment to libraries and celebrates the unique position libraries are in to engage with communities of readers in cities, towns and rural areas in our region. At the heart of Read Regional is the experience of bringing authors and readers together.

Tickets can be booked in person at any library, or phone 01904 552828 or visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exploring-poetry-with-anna-woodford-a-read-regional-workshop-tickets-20124700521?aff=ebrowse

Read Regional : poetry by Kim Moore

York Explore Library : Thu 28 Apr : 7.00pm – 8.00pm : Free

April 28_Kim MooreKim Moore’s first full-length collection, The Art of Falling, was published by Seren in 2015. Her first pamphlet, If We Could Speak Like Wolves, won the Poetry Business Pamphlet Competition, judged by Carol-Ann Duffy, and was a runner-up in the Lakeland Book of the Year and the Michael Marks Award.

Kim Moore lives in Barrow, Cumbria. She has an MA in Creative Writing from Manchester Metropolitan University. Her poems have been published in magazines, including Poetry Review, the TLS, The North and The Rialto.  Her first full-length collection, The Art of Falling, was published by Seren in 2015. Her first pamphlet, If We Could Speak Like Wolves, won the Poetry Business Pamphlet Competition, judged by Carol-Ann Duffy, and was a runner-up in the Lakeland Book of the Year and the Michael Marks Award.

She won a Northern Writers’ Award in 2015, an Eric Gregory Award in 2011 and the Geoffrey Dearmer Prize in 2010.  She is one of five UK poets selected to take part in Versopolis, a European poetry project which aims to provide opportunities for emerging UK poets to perform at European festivals. In 2015 she has performed her work in Holland, Croatia and Ireland as well as throughout the UK. She works part-time as a peripatetic brass teacher for Cumbria Music Service and plays trumpet in a nine-piece soul band called The Soul Survivors.

 

This event is aimed at those aged 16+

Tickets can be booked in person at any library, or phone 01904 552828 or visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/read-regional-poetry-by-kim-moore-tickets-20124932214?aff=es2