Today is “world book day”

 

Children and young people across York are being urged to join the celebrations for World Book Day (Thursday 6 March).

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World Book Day is a worldwide celebration of books and reading, marked in over 100 countries all over the world. This year marks the 17th World Book Day and nurseries, toddler groups, children’s centres and schools across the city are getting involved, with a variety of activities such as guest story tellers and book-themed dressing-up.

Youngsters travelling on First York’s number six route (Tang Hall to Clifton) will be able to get involved by reading books which will be available on the buses on World Book Day. The books have been kindly loaned by City of York Council’s Explore Library Learning Centres.

And, visitors to City of York Council’s West Offices will be able to drop in to the main foyer where a ‘comfy’ reading area will be available for families and children and members of the council’s Early Years team will be on hand to read stories.

Visit the World Book Day website (http://www.worldbookday.com/) to find out more about encouraging children to read.

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York libraries seek community representative.

The new company that will run York’s libraries after 1st April is asking “Could you be a Community Director for Explore York Libraries and Archives? “

25th May 11 New Library Square

“Explore York Libraries and Archives – the new organisation which will be running York’s libraries and archives from 1 April under a five year contract from City of York Council – is looking for two Community Directors to join its Board and help to develop and deliver excellent library and archive services in the city”.

We have considerable doubts about this new venture – more so now that the Council has agreed to cut £200,000 off its budget over the next 2 years.

This could mean library closures.

However the stronger the voice that York residents have in deciding the priorities of the new organization the better.

If damage can be limited over the next 12 months, then the new Council which will be elected in May 2015, will have a reasonable chance of putting things back together.

In the meantime more about what the Council says can be found by clicking here.

Health advice at York’s libraries

Free sessions called ‘Using the NHS online’ have been arranged in March at three of York’s libraries and everyone taking part will have a chance of winning an Amazon Kindle Fire.

Free sessions called ‘Using the NHS online’ have been arranged in March at three of York’s libraries and everyone taking part will have a chance of winning an Amazon Kindle Fire.

Explore Tang Hall, Explore Acomb and Explore York Libraries will each be hosting one hour sessions for York residents who have little or no internet experience. The session will show them how to find out more information on the internet, using the NHS websites as an example.

The sessions will take place as follows:

Explore Acomb Library Learning Centre
Thursday 27 March, 5.30pm and 6.30pm
Telephone 01904 552651 to book.

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Residents anger over York Library closures

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

The York Council is being heavily criticised by residents for not notifying local media about today’s library closures.

Although the closure – which is allowing staff to have a conference about the pending privatisation of the service – is mentioned on the Councils web site, many users have not noticed it.

Some are obviously seething after wasted journeys.

They are venting their disappointment by writing advice about good communications on the closure notice that has been posted on the library door today.

The privatisation move – which we believe does not enjoy widespread support either from staff or customers – is the brainchild of Cllr Crisp. Her report to tomorrows Council meeting also pointedly omits to mentions todays closures.

NB. User numbers at 14 of York’s 15 libraries has reduced since Cllr Crisp took responsibility for them.

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The Council is also saying that its electronic “report it” system may not be working this week.