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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NHS health on line at Acomb Explore Library tomorrow (Tuesday)

York libraries help residents to find NHS information online

Acomb Explore Library

Acomb Explore Library

 

City of York Council is running a series of NHS Health Online Sessions at libraries in Acomb, Tang Hall and Clifton throughout December.

The sessions are ideal for those new to using computers and aim to help York residents become more computer literate in an increasingly online world.

Free sessions take place in small groups as follows:

· Monday 9 December, Tang Hall Library, 5.30pm and 6.30pm

· Tuesday 10 December, Acomb Explore, 2pm and 3pm

· Monday 16 December, Clifton Library, 10am and 11am

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York libraries seek volunteer helpers

Acomb Explore Library

Acomb Explore Library

York Libraries are seeking volunteers to help with a range of activities.

Examples of areas where residents could help include:

• Help with the Archives ‘A City Making History’ project

• Help read stories to under 5s (all libraries except York Explore)

• Help us with the annual children’s Summer Reading Challenge

• Help out at author events

• Help with shelving our books (all libraries except York Explore)

• Help with our regular booksales

• Help to get people online and learn computer basics

 

More details can be found by clicking here.

York Libraries are being privatised by the Labour run Council.

While generally we want to see residents fully involved in their local libraries, it would be a shame if professional standards were jeopardised.

Libraries should continue to be the centre of our local communities.