Reading Aloud Group for over 55s

Our 'Reading Aloud' groups will meet weekly to read aloud and listen to stories and poems. There is a group leader and you can join in as much or as little as you want to.  They are friendly and relaxing and there is no need to read anything in advance.

Meeting are at Halton Lea Library, Room 6 - Tuesdays 2-3pm (starting 15th January 2013).  Refreshments provided (for a small charge).
For more information, please email Sally or phone 0151 511 7744

Christmas Celebration for young people

Come to a relaxed and friendly Christmas Celebration for young people (ages 11-19).  It's at Halton Lea Library on Thursday 20th December from 4 to 6pm.  There will be games, games consoles and refreshments.

Halton Libraries book of the year 2112

Here is our shortlist of books for Halton's Libraries Book of the Year 2012 award. These titles include the most borrowed books from Halton Libraries during 2012 and a nomination from the Adventures in Reading reading group.

You can vote at the Book of the Year evening event to be held on 31st January 5‐7pm at Halton Lea Library.  You can also vote by clicking here.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not.  The black sign, painted in white letters that hangs upon the gates, reads: Opens at Nightfall - Closes at Dawn.  Longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction 2012 - a feast for the senses, a fantasia of magic, mischief and love, The Night Circus is an extraordinary blend of fantasy and reality that will dazzle readers young and old

The Fifth Witness by Michael Connolly

In tough times, crime is one of the few things that still pays, but if defense attorney Mickey Haller was expecting an uptick in business during the economic downturn, the reality is a different story.

With The Fifth Witness it's beginning to seem that Connelly can do no wrong. This latest novel is as shamelessly entertaining as its predecessors, with the customary skilful plotting even more burnished ... in the crime fiction stakes Connelly is comfortably in the upper bracket

The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin

Malcolm Fox and his team are back, investigating whether fellow cops covered up for Detective Paul Carter. Carter has been found guilty of misconduct, but what should be a simple job is soon complicated by a brutal murder and a weapon that should not even exist. Malcolm Fox returns in the stunning second novel in Ian Rankin's new series...

The Faithless by Martina Cole

To the outside world, Cynthia Tailor is a woman to envy; she has a devoted husband, a lovely home and two gorgeous children. But Cynthia is deeply unhappy with her lot; she has always craved the best things in life, and is determined to see that she gets them.  A powerfully addictive novel from the No. 1 bestseller Martina Cole

Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

By 1535 Cromwell is Chief Minister to Henry, his fortunes having risen with those of Anne Boleyn. But the split from the Catholic Church has left England dangerously isolated, and Anne has failed to give the king an heir. Cromwell watches as Henry falls for plain Jane Seymour. Negotiating the politics of the court, Cromwell must find a solution that will satisfy Henry, safeguard the nation and secure his own career. But neither minister nor king will emerge unscathed from the bloody theatre of Anne’s final days. Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2012 this astounding literary accomplishment is the story of this most terrifying moment of history, by one of our greatest living novelists.

11^th Hour by James Patterson

Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the discovery of severed heads in a movie star's garden – and a vigilante targeting the city's most despised criminals the latest in the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. In the past three years, James Patterson has sold more books than any other author (according to Bookscan), and in total, James's books have sold an estimated 260 million copies worldwide

Halton's teen book of the year

MyVoice volunteers in Halton have come together to choose a shortlist of the top books for young people.  Now is your chance to vote for your favourite and be in with a chance to enter our prize draw for an Amazon voucher. It is an excellent list that includes an impressive selection of books from all genres.

Click here to vote.  Closing date for voting is Friday 14th December

Myvoice Halton is a group of young people working alongside librarians, organising creative reading and writing events in their local library.

Get involved with MyVoice by contacting Allyson or Maria if you:

• are aged 11 to 19 years
• are looking for something fun, exciting and creative to do in your local community
• want to meet other young people to make a difference
• are interested in putting on events for young people
• want to learn new skills and get work experience
• want to meet writers, musicians, artists and other creative people

Reading Familes - The Morlidge Family

The Morlidge Family Book Reviews


Hannah Morlidge (aged 6 months)

That's Not My Dinosaur - Fiona Watt 
Hannah is starting to really enjoy any touch & feel book. The bright pictures are attractive and she is exploring the different textures (not always with her hands!) 

You  - by Emma Dodd 
Also Me, Sometimes & When all in the same series – We love reading these books to Hannah. “You” is a particular favourite, read night after night. The pictures are lovely of the animals, and the words are so touching. The simple rhymes mean the words follow easily.

The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson 
A classic favourite, loved by the parents and being passed on to Hannah

I Love my mummy - Giles Andreae

Lovely bright pictures and rhyme.

This Little Dinosaur (Ladybird touch & feel series) 

Nice bright pictures, but the textures to feel are quite similar on most of the pages. 

Messy Me - by Marni McGee 

Nice illustrations accompany this lovely tale of a messy bear – very appropriate for our messy 6 month old!

Guess How Much I love you - Sam McBratney

Martin Morlidge (aged 36)

The Thirty-Nine Steps - John Buchan 
My favourite book. A must read at least once a year. Follow Richard Hannay on a thrilling high speed chase around the UK that spurned 3 feature films, now read the original and see how it really should end.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service - Ian Fleming 
Enjoy 007 in a classic novel as James Bond fights with both himself and the enemy as he defends the world from evil. Every man wants to be 007, every book is a true thriller.

The ABC Murders - by Agatha Christie 
Poirot is challenged to stop a murder; can the world famous detective follow the clues? As with all Christie novels there is a twist in the tail. Love trying to see if I can guess the ending, still waiting to get it right!

Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer 
Artemis, a young criminal mastermind takes us on an adventure with elves, dwarfs pixies and every other magical creature imaginable. An excellent series for both big and small kids!

"I’ve just finished reading “The Pirates, in an Adventure with Scientists” by Gideon Defoe. Another book that differs from the film. Pirates and social history through the ages. A fun adventure if you like short sharp chapters."

Katie Morlidge (aged 30)

My Sister’s Keeper - Jodi Picoult 
After reading this I have since gone on to read most of the author’s other books, although this one is definitely my favourite. A very emotional book, about a girl who sues her parents for the rights to her own body, that left me in tears – get your tissues ready before you start. But I loved the issues it raised, it made me really think, and fantastic for discussion with others - if you’ve seen the film (not bad) read the book as well – much better.

Thanks for the Memories - Cecelia Ahern 
A great ‘chick lit’ read about a woman who, following a tragic accident, has someone else’s memories. Bit of a twist on the usual girl meets boy tale.

The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger 
Another ‘chick lit’ girl meets boy tale, but with an unusual twist, as the boy in question travels in time.  It took me two goes to get into this book (a friend recommended I give it another shot), but once I did I couldn’t put it down. Maybe a bit confusing for some as it does jump around quite a bit, but definitely worth giving it a try.

The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark -  Jill Tomlinson 
A favourite from my childhood, about a baby owl ‘Plop’ who won’t go out hunting because he is afraid of the dark, and how he is shown all the good things about the dark – and the delicious things for a barn owl to eat! A great book for children starting to read for themselves.


Katie

Teach your child to swim -  Susan Meredith
This Usbourne parents’ guide is very useful, with great pictures & photos to show how to do the activities. It starts early with activities to get babies used to water in the bath and progresses to the big bath and then the swimming pool. Really useful to give me some idea of what to do each week when I take Hannah to the pool and definitely one that I will want to read again as she gets older to learn the strokes.

The Best Recipes for Babies & Toddlers -  Renee Elliott
Some useful information, but nothing about baby-led weaning. Some of the ingredients used are very unusual, would not eat these together as a family.

The Diving Bell & the Butterfly - Jean-Dominique Bauby
A little confusing at times following his train of thought, but an inspiring book none the less, by a man with locked-in syndrome.

Reading Families - The Davies Family

The Davies Family - Here are the latest reviews from our Reading Families:

Joanne Harris - Chocolat
Review by Steph Davies
I love all of Joanne Harris's novels, but this has to be the most iconic and beautifully translated onto film. Makes you want to go to that village in France.

Little Women - Lousie May Alcott
Review by Steph Davies
A fabulous portrayal of four very different sisters; my favourite was always Jo who gets her man - and her book published in the end!

Philip's Reference World Atlas
Review by Steph Davies
I can spend hours pouring over this, looking for places I've heard of but not sure where they are, finding capital cities etc.

Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice
Review by Steph Davies
Probably my joint favourite book of all time, have read it lots of times and will no doubt read it many times more; a true classic.

Snow Falling on Cedars - David Guterson
Review by Steph Davies
My joint favourite book of all time, along with Pride and Prejudice; a slow building mystery, very atmospheric, beautifully written.


Just So Stories - Rudyard Kipling
Review by Steph Davies
Loved having this read to me when I was younger; Kipling is the master story teller.

Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel García Márquez 

Review by Steph Davies
Magical, mystical, strange; I'm never quite sure I fully understand Marquez's novels, but I love them all the same. This is a true love story if ever there was one.

Shame - Salman Rushdie
Review by Steph Davies
Brilliant allegory of a troubled country. One of Rushdie's earliest but best novels.

The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde
 Review by Steph Davies
Who cannot resist a touch of Wilde to make you laugh out loud; very clever.

Kevin McCann at Halton Lea library

We'd like to share with you this photo we took today of Kevin McCann at Halton Lea library.

It was fun to watch the children shuffle their chairs nearer and nearer as they were riveted to Kevin's stories and poems. Our clever Halton children had lots to say, contributing to the fun. A lovely event was enjoyed by all!

Kevin McCann's Halloween event at Runcorn library 25 October

Kevin McCann will be telling spooky stories for children of all ages at Runcorn Library.

A full-time writer for almost two decades Kevin McCann has had five collections published to date. He has completed more than twenty residencies, run workshops and has given readings in Britain, Ireland and the USA. His stories and poems have been published in anthologies, featured on the Internet and been broadcast on both TV and Radio.

The event is at Runcorn library on Thursday 25 October and starts at 2pm.

Grandpa Joe’s Halloween Special at Halton Lea Library - Friday 26 October

Make a spooky Halloween date with YouTube cult superstar Grandpa Joe who will be hosting a special story time at Halton Lea Library.  Carl Loughlin (aka Grandpa Joe) has built up a cult following with his children’s book review podcasts; character videos on YouTube and his website. Carl ties in his knowledge of children’s books with his fantastic talent for art and presenting to create this hilarious character that makes reading and stories fun!  He is back in Halton by popular demand.

The event is aimed at young people aged 5-15 and it starts at 2pm on Friday 26 October

Paranormal Week at Halton Lea library 22- 26 October

Halton's annual Paranormal Week is in its 11th year and promises to be the best yet with an impressive line-up of guest speakers and writers.  Every year the event, run by Halton Libraries, gets more popular with fans of the unusual and paranormal flocking to Halton Lea Library.

Highlights include 'Twisted Tales', a group who promote the best writing in 21st century horror fiction.  They will host an evening with 'Britain's most respected living horror writer' Ramsey Campbell as well as rising stars in British horror writing Simon Bestwick and Stephen McGeagh.  Award winning radio presenter Roy Basnett from WIRE FM's breakfast will also be there to host a debate about the paranormal and the audience will be able to put questions to the experts and investigators.

These FREE events run from Monday 22 October to Friday 26 October and start at 7pm. Refreshments will be available.  To find out more, check out Halton Libraries' Facebook and Twitter accounts and the Paranormal Week Facebook page.

Rhymetime comes to Runcorn library

From Friday 19 October, we will be runnings Rhymetime sessions each week at Runcorn library.   They will be from 11.00 to 11.45 am.

Babies and toddlers from 0 to 4 can join us for a morning of stories, songs and fun.  Oh, and adults are invited too!

Tea dance at Halton Lea library

Come along to Halton Lea library for an afternoon of music and dancing (line and sequence). Complimentary tea and scones will be served. Come with or without a partner!

The event takes place on Friday 5 October 2 to 4pm. Places are limited so booking is essential.  Please email Sally or phone 0151 511 7744 to reserve your place.  We're sorry but admission will not be granted without a ticket.

'Make and Take' at Halton Lea library

Artists from Hazlehurst’s Studios in Runcorn will be hosting an afternoon of printing using a mixture of wooden blocks and cardboard reliefs to create unique booklets or cards. No experience needed – come along and have a go! Complimentary tea and scones will be provided.

The event takes place on Thursday 4 October 1 to 3pm at Halton lea library.  Places are limited so booking is essential. Please email Sally or phone 0151 511 7744 to reserve your place.

Open day at Halton Lea library

To celebrate UK Older People's Day, Halton Lea library is offering people over 55 the chance to come along and find out what the library can offer them.

Free activities will include calligraphy, card making and IT taster sessions. Staff will be on hand to join new members, give library tours and provide information about the many services the library can offer including IT lessons, reading groups and more. Staff from Age UK, Alzheimer's Society and NHS Open Mind will all be available to answer your questions.

The event takes place on Wednesday 3 October 1 to 3 pm.  All customers aged 55 or over who are in the building then will receive a voucher for a free hot drink which can be redeemed in the Starbucks coffee bar.

Perfect Places

Halton Libraries are taking part in a poetry promotion called ‘Perfect Places : Your library-your perfect place for poetry’ that is running in North West Public Libraries during autumn 2012.  12 poems inspired by the NW region and written by poets living and working in the NW have been selected for the promotion and are available in postcard format from your local library.  As part of this promotion poet Eleanor Rees will be reading a specially commissioned poem (and from her other works) to commemorate the opening of Runcorn Library on National Poetry Day 4th October at Runcorn Library from 7pm

Eleanor Rees was born in Birkenhead, Merseyside in 1978. Her pamphlet collection Feeding Fire received an Eric Gregory Award in 2002 and her first full length collection 'Andraste’s Hair' (Salt, 2007) was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection and the Glen Dimplex New Writers Awards. Her second collection ‘Eliza and the Bear’ (Salt, 2009) is also a live performance for voice and harp which has toured in the North West. Rees works in the community as a poet and is also studying for an AHRC funded PhD University of Exeter in the theory and practice of the local poet. She often collaborates with other writers, musicians and artists and works to commission. She lives in Liverpool. 

Pinterest sparked in Halton's Libraries Halton Libraries Pinterest page

Halton Borough Council's Library Service has launched a Pinterest site - to share images of event and projects - in line with it's reputation at being at the forefront of digital media. Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that allows users to post images to share with others. Halton Libraries will use it to mostly promote books and reading; with boards for new books, upcoming books it plans to buy and books in promotions like the current Halton Reading Families. http://pinterest.com/haltonlibraries/ Users on Pinterest can browse other pinboards for inspiration, 're-pin' images to their own collections or 'like' photos. Pinterest's mission is to "connect everyone in the world through the 'things' they find interesting" via a global platform of inspiration and idea sharing. You can already follow Halton Borough Council's libraries on Twitter and Facebook.

3rd Eye Paranormal Investigations – Sceptics v Believers

Join 3rd Eye Paranormal Investigations (from Sky Channel showcase 201) at Widnes Library for an evening of debate and discussion about the paranormal and the chance for 2 people from the audience to join the team on one of their future televised investigations 

3rd Eye Investigators include sceptics, believers and a medium who will put forward their arguments for the existence, or not, of the paranormal and will be sharing some of their own experiences.

The team will be showing some of their footage captured on past investigations including their latest, shot at Bodelwyddan Castle that recently shown on SKY and now available on DVD.

The event is at Widnes Library on 20th September from 7 to 9pm.  It's free  and no booking is required.

Halton's Reading Families - The Smith Family

Charlotte

Two beautiful reviews from Charlotte aged 7 who, with her Mum, is taking part in our Reading Families project.  We think they are wonderful. Thank you Charlotte :)

The Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

I like this book because it has a lion that visit’s the library. How the lion likes to listen to the stories at the library with the children, and that they like to cuddle the lion, especially when he is sad. The lion has feelings just like us.

I like the pictures as they look like they have just been drawn. I like the way the lion is drawn big and cuddly, and the way he is shown roaring. I like the colours, especially on the books, and how the lions tongue is drawn where he licks the stamps.

Every library should have a lion.

The Minpins by Roald Dahl and Illustrated by Patrick Benson

I like this book because of the small minpins that live in the trees and fly on birds.  I don’t like the gruncher that breaths fire and is scary.  He tries to eat the little boy and the minpins.  I like the swan that Billy flies on.

I like the way the pictures show the dark and light between the forest and where Billy’s house is.  How it shows how small the minpins’ rooms are in the trees, and all the pretty birds.  Even though I don’t like the gruncher I like the way the smoke and fire hides him in the trees.

I’m glad the gruncher doesn’t live in the woods any more.

Halton's Reading Families - The Smith Family

Here are the latest reviews from our Reading Families

Tracy’s Book Reviews

Tracey

Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose

The author put a lot of sensitivity and thought into the narration of a complex living story of a company of men that truly became a ‘band of brothers’; that had so much to tell and gave so much.

The emotion, passion and camaraderie that brought these men together is told with such sensitivity and understanding that you truly feel a part of them.  You feel for them; the horror of war, the loss, resentment and fear.  It showed them to be very brave men indeed.

A piece in the book, left out of the film, tells the story of a Fritz Niland.  His story looked to be the basis of the film Saving Private Ryan.  How Fritz lost 3 brothers in the war and was sent home by the army to his mother.

This book is interesting, insightful and emotional living every minute of the battles and trials the men went through and how the lucky few survived.

Genesis by Karin Slaughter

From the start of this book the author draws you into the story and grips you with the horror of the opening scene; you are then hooked.

You are made to feel every emotion and fear of the characters as they discover the ‘house of torture’, and the journey of discovery and shock to catch the person practiced in the art of pain.

The scenes are set dramatically and you are then hit hard by a roller coaster ride of gripping narration that leaves you breathless and begging for more.  It is a read you’ll find hard to put down, like all of Karin’s books.

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

I was recommended this book by a friend. I thought it wouldn't be my type of book.  How wrong I was.

This novel is a wonderful read about the life of a geisha from 1929 to the post-war years of Japan’s history.  It is sensitive, emotional and an engaging read that is both spellbinding and surprising.
It is a book you’ll want to read again and again as you are educated in the half-hidden world of formality, intimacy, exploitation and degradation in the geisha’s world.  How they achieve their beauty, etiquette and standing in society; and where it leads them. A truly fascinating read.

Halton's Reading Families

Andy Stamp from one of our Reading Families sent us this review of Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. 

"Mitch Albom tells the story of meeting up with his professor from college. His professor, Morrie, has been diagnosed with a fatal illness that is slowly making his body weaker. Morrie however is looking at the illness as a chance to live his life and look at everything he has and everything that is important. Tuesdays with Morrie was recommended by a colleague and is one of the most emotionally driven yet entertaining books I have ever read. 

Morrie is an incredible person, purely through the positives he uses looking at life and I have learnt so much in developing myself and my relationships through him.The book is written from Albom’s point of view and as the book progresses Mitch is learning and we as readers learn with him. 

The book is pleasant, dramatic, heart warming and thoughtful and I would recommend it to anyone"

Runcorn 'then and now'

Would you like to join us for a Slideshow of local photographs with commentary and discussion from local historians Charles Ford and Alex Cowan?  The event is at Halton Lea Library on Wednesday 12 September between 2 and 4pm.  It’s completely free and refreshments are provided.

Admission is by ticket only – to book your place please call Halton Lea Library on 0151 511 7744 or email Sally. 

Hogwarts Hysteria at Halton Lea library

Families enjoyed, colour, cut and stick activities based on Harry Potter characters, adding their own innovations such as a very woolly-faced Crookshanks the cat. Fun was had with some games, pin the tail on scabbers, Ron’s musical chess board (variation on musical chairs), and team game of keeping the golden snitches (golden balloons) in the air. 

Reading Families - The Davies Family

Meet the next of our Reading Families The Davies family from Widnes :John,Hazel,Steph,Jonathan and Ruby.
The family gave us a list of their thirty favourite reads and these are now on display in Widnes Library.

DAVIES FAMILY BOOK CHOICES

Frances Hodgson Burnett The Secret Garden
Victoria Hislop  The Island
Jane Eyre         Charlotte Bronte
Jodi Picoult Perfect Match

Kim Edwards Memory Keepers Daughter
Joanne Harris Chocolat
Charles Dickens Bleak House
Thomas Hardy Tess of the D'urbevilles
Louisa May Alcott Little Women
Phillips         World Atlas
Rudyard Kipling Just So Stories
David Attenborough Life on Earth
Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice
David Guterson Snow Falling on Cedars
Kathryn Stockett The Help
Gabriel Garcia Marquez Love in the Time of Cholera
Salman Rushdie Shame
Oscar Wilde The Importance of Being Earnest
Oliver Jeffers The Heart in the Bottle
Julia Donaldson Room on the Broom
Sam McBratney Guess How Much I Love You?
Michael Morpurgo Why the Whales Came
JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
JR Tolkein The Hobbit
Terry Pratchett The Colour of Magic
Robert Louis Stephenson Treasure Island
Charles Darwin On the Origin of Species
Margery Williams The Velveteen Rabbit
Daniel Defoe Robinson Crusoe
Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales

Summer Reading Challenge

Here is a picture taken at the latest Summer Reading Challenge event. This one was at Ditton library on Friday 10 August.  The theme of the event was 'Around the World'.  The children (and adults!) had lots of fun making fans, totem poles and peacocks.

Reading Families Project - The Rosneys

The Rosney family's collection

Meet the first of our Reading Families The Rosney family: Mark, Michelle and teenager Tom who signed up for the project. The family gave us a list of their thirty favourite reads and these are now on display in Halton Lea Library. When we asked then what reading meant to them Michelle said:

"I find it expands the imagination by transporting you to different times and places, it takes you to different worlds, places that you would never normally go, and with a good author you can picture their words in your head and see what they are describing. I love reading."

Mark added:

"Words on a page are like paints waiting to form pictures on the canvas of the mind. Reading makes us all artists, shaping our own internal landscapes in order to know ourselves better."

 Here are their choices for the Rosney collection:

Michelle

• Scepticism Inc - Bo Fowler
• The Waiting Room - G Cottham
• The Tooth Fairy - Graham Joyce
• The Beautiful Dead (1-4) - Eden Maguire
• Vampire Diaries - L J Smith
• On the Edge -  Richard Hammond
• Anything Goes - John Barrowman
• The Colour Purple - Alice Walker
• Forrest Gump - Winston Groom
• Gump & Co - Winston Groom
• The Savage Garden - Mark Mills

Tom

• Holes - Louis Sachar
• Mass Effect: Deception - William C Dietz
• Mass Effect: Ascension - Drew Karpyshyn
• Mass Effect: Revelation - Drew Karpyshyn
• Of Mice & Men - John Steinbeck
• Star Wars: Imperial Commando - Karen Traviss
• Watchmen (Graphic Novel) - Alan Moore
• Halo: Ghost of Onyx = Eric Mylund
• Nerd Do Well - Simon Pegg
• The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S.Lewis

Mark

• The Chrysalids - John Wyndham
• Slaughterhouse 5 - Kurt Vonnegut
• Cannery Row - John Steinbeck
• The Technicolour Time Machine - Harry Harrison
• Rendezvous with Rama - Arthur C Clarke
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -  Douglas Adams
• The Song of Phaid the Gambler - Mick Farren
• The Forever War - Joe Haldemann
• Radio Romance - Garrison Keiller
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime - Mark Haddon

Crafts around the world at Widnes library

Around twenty people joined us for another fun day at Widnes as part of the Summer Reading Challenge.  Activities included colouring, making fans, totem poles, Indian headreses and peacocks.

Children and staff were all excited and a bit tired by the end of the event, but everyone agreed they wouldn't have missed it.  We hope you were there.

Book sale at Halton Lea library

Our next book sale will be at Halton Lea library.  You can buy used books from just 20p.

The sale is on Friday 24 August from 9am to 6.30pm and Saturday 25 August from 9am to 12.30pm.

Summer Reading Challenge

How have you been getting on with the Summer Reading Challenge?  Here is a picture of two of our readers who are amongst first finishers to receive their certificate for reading six books during the holidays.

Reading Families

Does your family love reading?

Halton Libraries are looking for families to take part in an exciting new project which will allow you to share your family’s favourite books, not only locally, but with the online reading community.

The project is part of a national scheme supported by The Reading Agency and the Publishers Association who are working with a number of different library services to explore creative ways in which to pass on our passion for reading to other readers via digital platforms such as websites, Twitter and Facebook.

We are working with Lancashire library service, Time to Read and three publishers, Faber, Harper Collins and Raintree.

As a family we’d ask you to choose 30 books to comment about and we will be highlighting these through displays in our libraries and as recommended reads on the library catalogue, blog and Facebook page. All three publishers will be supplying books for you to read and pass comment on as well.

To nominate your family please contact janette.fleming@halton.gov.uk

Digital job hub @ Halton library

Fancy brushing up on your IT skills to help your job search? The digital job hub is every Friday at 10am at Halton Lea Library in meeting room 5. The job hub will help job seekers use the internet to search for jobs, apply online for benefits and create CVs using the National Careers Service website. Places are limited so you will need to book a place.  Call us on 511 7744 or email Helen.

Volunteer Ryan meets Malorie Blackman

One of our MyVoice volunteers, Ryan Burns, travelled to London recently with Maria who is one of our librarians.  They joined other volunteers at the ReadingAgency headquarters and Ryan was lucky enough to meet Malorie Blackman who is the author of the popular Noughts and crosses series of novels.  Ryan joined a debate about how historic riots have affected the image of young people and, during the course of the day, joined a discussion on how volunteers are contributing to the work of public libraries around the countries.

Ryan is a regular and much appreciated volunteer at Halton libraries and has helped us with the Summer Reading Challenge for younger children and with other events.  After Malorie gave him some valuable advice about writing, he took home a book that she signed for him.

The 'Alternative Olympics' at Halton libraries

Did you come to the Halton Olympics?  We had a really fun and successful morning with our first Summer Reading Challenge activity of the summer at Widnes library.  Children enjoyed activities including colouring, word searches and making a torch. This was followed by the Olympics with the ‘carry the bean bag on your head’ and ‘egg and spoon’ races.  The most competitive race was in the older age group for nine year olds – that was until we had the mums’ and dads’ race.  There was even one mum who was determined to win both races!

Junior Britannica

Junior Britannica is a fabulous resource for primary school students to help with homework.  Halton libaries subscribes to this online resource and it's free to use.  Click here to for a quick tour.  When you want to use the resource, click here to log in either from your local library or from home.

Ever wondered 'who else writes like ...?'

Have you ever wondered 'who else writes like ...?'  You may heave read everythig by your favourite author and would like to read books by someone who writes in a similar way or on the same subject.  Well, at Halton libaries we subscribe to a service that lets you search for books like the ones by your favourite author.  Just pop in to one of our libraries and ask one of the staff to show you the website or, if you prefer, we can search for you.  The website also has information about hundred of authors, further reading and useful links.

Pictures to share

Are you, or is someone you know, caring for a person with dementia? If so we have a special collection of books called Pictures to share and you might like to borrow some of them.  Pictures to share is a national initiative and you can read more about it here.  For more information about our special collection, please contact Trudy on 01928 565793 or email her.

'Limited edition' gig review

'Limited Edition', a teenage Halton band provided an excellent evening of live music for young people on Friday 29th June at Halton Lea library. They have two very good singers Jake and Edward who sing in different styles and combined well. Very talented, they played cover versions of a number of well-known songs such as 'Teenage Kicks' and 'Twist and Shout' as well as some of their own good songs which went down very well with the audience.  If you missed it, click here or here.

DVD rental giveaways

To launch our new DVD rental scheme Halton Libraries are giving away a goody bag containing exclusive film merchandise including a ‘Sex in the City’t shirt and ‘Hangover Part “mug!

All you have to do is to rent one of the new DVDS before the end of July. The new DVDS scheme is available at Widnes and Halton Lea Library. Latest titles include the blockbuster horror film ‘The Woman in Black’, the highly acclaimed ‘Chronicle’ and ‘J Edgar’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Premium titles are £2.95 per item for 3 days and standard titles are £2.25 per item for 3 days.The new scheme will be available at Widnes library and Halton Lea Library

Summer Reading Challenge activities at Halton Libraries

Get Set, Go!  Olympic crafts, quizzes and activities

Tuesday 31 July: 10.30am to 11.30am at Widnes library

Tuesday 31 July: 2pm to 3pm at Halton Lea library

Thursday 2 August: 11am to 12 noon at Runcorn library

Friday 3 August: 2pm to 3pm at Ditton library           

Words, Words, Words – fun and frivolity with Word Wizard Andrew Newbound              

Tuesday 7 August: 10.30am to 11.30am at Widnes library

Tuesday 7 August: 2pm to 3pm at Halton Lea library

Stories and crafts from around the world

Thursday 9 August: 11am to 12 noon at Runcorn library

Friday 10 August: 2pm to 3pm at Ditton Library

Tuesday 14 August: 10.30am to 11.30am at Widnes library

Author Q&A session and penalty shoot-out with Tom Palmer
Tuesday 21 August 11am to 12 noon at c-RMZ youth club, Widnes
Tuesday 21 August 2pm to 3pm at Grangeway youth hub, Runcorn


Hogwarts Hysteria - come dressed up as your favourite character

Thursday 23 August: 10.30am to 11.30am at Widnes library
Thursday 23 August: 2pm to 3pm at Halton Lea library

Hunger games makeover and scavenger hunt
Friday 24 August 2pm to 4pm at Widnes library

Join the STORY LAB at your local library

For the reading challenge this summer, children across Halton are invited to join Story Lab - a celebration of stories, fun and imagination.

StoryLab is the 14th Summer Reading Challenge and libraries across Halton are getting ready for a summertime spectacle.  And it’s all free fun, which is out-of-this-world news for parents!   The Summer Reading Challenge is just one of many exciting schemes public libraries are developing to help children love reading. So mums, dads and carers, pop down to your local library and find out more!  Each year the Summer Reading Challenge to children is simple. They’re encouraged to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal for every child who completes the Challenge.

Children can sign up at their local library from 2nd July and activities linked to the theme will take place in libraries throughout the summer so why not join us for some spectacular, sensational fun.

Dementia Club at Halton Lea library

The Dementia Club is a regular social get together for carers and individuals with dementia to enjoy peer support in a ‘normal’ social setting where they feel safe and part of society.

The Club meetings are held on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month between 12.30pm and 2.30pm in the coffee bar at Halton Lea library and the first one will be on 18 July.

The Club is hosted by the Dementia Care Advisory Service, a partnership between Age UK Mid Mersey and the Alzheimer’s Society.

For more information, contact Eula Hersey from Age UK (Halton) on 01928 575 400 or email eulahersey@aukmm.org.uk

iTea and biscuits - Over 50s computer club

Do you want to send emails, find health information online, research your family history or just surf the net?  Then come along to our informal drop-in sessions and use a computer in a supportive and friendly environment.

The sessions are every Tuesday between 10am and 12 noon in meeting room 5 at Halton Lea library.  They’re free to attend and we provide tea and biscuits.

For more information contact Sally Shaw on 01928 704455 or email sally.shaw@halton.gov.uk

Halton libraries also offer free one-on-one IT tuition for complete beginners. To book a session please contact Joanne Harrison on 01928 704455 or email joanne.harrison@halton.gov.uk