CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS

DITTON LIBRARY
closing at 5.00 Friday 23 December
re-opening 9.30 Tuesday 3 January

HALTON LEA LIBRARY
Monday 26 December closed
Tuesday 27 December closed
Wednesday 28 December 9.00 to 5.30
Thursday 29 December 9.00 to 5.30
Friday 30 December 9.00 to 5.30
Saturday 31 December closed
Sunday 1 January closed
Monday 2 January closed
re-opening 9.00 Tuesday 3 January

RUNCORN LIBRARY
closing at 5.00 Friday 23 December
re-opening 9.30 Tuesday 3 January

WIDNES LIBRARY
Monday 26 December closed
Tuesday 27 December closed
Wednesday 28 December 9.00 to 5.30
Thursday 29 December 9.00 to 5.30
Friday 30 December 9.00 to 5.30
Saturday 31 December closed
Sunday 1 January closed
Monday 2 January closed
re-opening 9.00 Tuesday 3 January

Getting started on the computer

Computers really aren't that scary.

Would you like to sit with one of our staff on a one-to-one basis for an hour and learn the basics? Would you like to go on and a do a beginner's course after that? Just give us a call to book an appointment with one of our friendly and understanding staff. You can call Halton Lea library on 01928 704455 or Widnes library on 0151 9078383.

We're here to help get you started.

Help with your CV

Do you need help to create or update your CV? It's easy to book an hour-long session with one of our specialist staff. Appointments are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Just contact Halton library on 01928 404445 or halton.library@halton.gov.uk or Widnes library on 0151 9078383 or widnes.library@halton.gov.uk

Dawn and Jess are waiting to help you get back to work.

This service is supported by NEXT STEP.

Spread the joy of reading

World Book Night is a celebration designed to spread the joy of reading and books. On 23 April next year, 20,000 volunteers will be giving away a million books. If you're passionate about reading and want to spread the word, you could apply to become a 'giver' and pass on books to people who might not otherwise read them.

Why not get in touch with the World Book Night team and tell them why you'd like to be a 'giver'? Click here to read more.

Vote for Halton Libraries Book of the Year 2011

Here is our shortlist of titles for Halton's libraries Book of the Year. You can vote now or at the evening event to be held in January. Vote on our Facebook page

A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve  
Margaret and Patrick, married just a few months, set off on a great adventure ? a year living in Kenya. While Patrick practices medicine, Margaret works as a photojournalist, capturing a dizzying and sometimes dangerous city on film. When a British couple invites the newlyweds on a climbing expedition to the summit of Mount Kenya, they eagerly agree. But during their arduous ascent a horrific accident occurs. In its aftermath, Margaret struggles to understand what happened on the mountain and how it has transformed her and her marriage, perhaps for ever. With stunning language and striking emotional intensity, A Change in Altitude illuminates the irrevocable impact of tragedy and the elusive nature of forgiveness.

 A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French Everyone hates the perfect family. So you'll love the Battles.

Mo is about to hit the big 50, and some uncomfortable truths are becoming quite apparent:

She doesn't understand either of her teenage kids, which as a child psychologist, is fairly embarrassing.

She has become entirely grey. Inside, and out. Her face has surrendered and is frightening children.

Dora is about to hit the big 18 . . . and about to hit anyone who annoys her, especially her precocious younger brother Peter who has a chronic Oscar Wilde fixation. Then there's Dad . . . who's just, well, dad.

A TINY BIT MARVELLOUS is the story of a modern family all living in their own separate bubbles lurching towards meltdown. It is for anyone who has ever shared a home with that weird group of strangers we call relations.

Room by Emma Donoghue It’s Jack’s birthday, and he’s excited about turning five.

Jack lives with his Ma in Room, which has a locked door and a skylight, and measures 11 feet by 11 feet. He loves watching TV, and the cartoon characters he calls friends, but he knows that nothing he sees on screen is truly real – only him, Ma and the things in Room. Until the day Ma admits that there's a world outside . . .
Told in Jack's voice, Room is the story of a mother and son whose love lets them survive the impossible. Unsentimental and sometimes funny, devastating yet uplifting, Room is a novel like no other.





Sister by Rosamund Lupton Nothing can break the bond between sisters ...

When Beatrice gets a frantic call in the middle of Sunday lunch to say that her younger sister, Tess, is missing, she boards the first flight home to London.
But as she learns about the circumstances surrounding her sister's disappearance, she is stunned to discover how little she actually knows of her sister's life - and unprepared for the terrifying truths she must now face.
The police, Beatrice's fiance and even their mother accept they have lost Tess but Beatrice refuses to give up on her.
So she embarks on a dangerous journey to discover the truth, no matter the cost.

When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman 

1968. The year Paris takes to the streets. The year Martin Luther King loses his life for a dream. The year Eleanor Maud Portman is born.

Young Elly's world is shaped by those who inhabit it: her loving but maddeningly distractible parents; a best friend who smells of chips and knows exotic words like 'slag'; an ageing fop who tapdances his way into her home, a Shirley Bassey impersonator who trails close behind; lastly, of course, a rabbit called God. In a childhood peppered with moments both ordinary and extraordinary, Elly's one constant is her brother Joe.

Twenty years on, Elly and Joe are fully grown and as close as they ever were. Until, that is, one bright morning and a single, earth-shattering event that threatens to destroy their bond for ever.

Spanning four decades and moving between suburban Essex, the wild coast of Cornwall and the streets of New York, this is a story about childhood, eccentricity, the darker side of love and sex, the pull and power of family ties, loss and life. More than anything, it's a story about love in all its forms.

Blueeyedboy  by Joanne Harris 
BB is in his 40s, still living with his mother and making his living with an unrewarding (in every sense) hospital job. His ‘real’ world is a virtual one.
On a website which he has called ‘badguysrock’, he has an avatar -- and as the blueeyedboy of the title, he deals in deeply unsettling violent scenarios which feature people from his own life. As we enter deeper into this murky world, we learn other equally disturbing facts.
BB has an unhealthy relationship with his mother, whose violent, controlling behaviour is some kind of a pointer to the unhappy man he has become as an adult. What's more, he appears to be the only surviving brother of a group of three.
His dead brothers were named after the colours in which their mother dressed them, and had died in mysterious circumstances. There are so many off-kilter aspects to this world that readers will quickly discern it is only a matter of time before something very nasty happens.

During our annual Paranormal Week we were visited by Twisted Tales who presented us with an evening of Occult Horror.
Authors Adam Nevill and Ramsay Campbell read extracts from their novels. Adam Nevill from The Ritual and Ramsay Campbell from The Grin of the Dark. After a refreshment break there was a panel discussion where the authors answered questions about their writings and sources of inspiration. Afterwards there was book signing and a few photographs with the authors. 
If you missed Twisted Takes they are putting on another event in Liverpool ...details here

Adam Nevill

Ramsey Campbell

New Saturday Morning Reading Group

Do you enjoy reading and want to share your opinions on books and reading with others at Halton Lea Library - well make it a New Year's resolution to join a new reading group.

Reading groups are a wonderful way of exploring the social aspect of reading. You can share your thoughts about your group’s chosen book, discuss related issues and indulge in your passion of the written word.

A new Saturday morning reading group is starting up January 2011 in Halton Lea Library and is looking for new members.

The group will be reading mainly contemporary fiction and is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people who share their interests, enjoy stimulating discussion about interesting topics, and best of all, read great books.

The first session is on Saturday 28 January from 10:30am until 11:30am

For more information contact Trudy Jones on 01928 565973 email trudy.jones@halton.gov.uk or visit our reading groups at Reading Groups for Everyone

Paranormal week at Halton Lea 24-28 October

MONDAY 24th
Wonderland News - a roundup of all the latest paranormal happenings in Halton.
Paranormal clinic - presented by Unknown Phenomena Investigation Association.
TUESDAY 25th
An evening of ghost stories - presented by Kevin McCann.
Night vision investigations - Merseyside's spookiest locations revealed.
WEDNESDAY 26th
Nazis: the supernatural solution - presented by Jebby Robinson.
UFOs featuring Britain's 'Roswell' - presented by Mark Olly
THURSDAY 27th
Twisted tales - the best of 21st century horror featuring Ramsay Campbell, Adam Nevill and John Reppion
FRIDAY 28th
The curse of Friday Fright night - tales of high strangeness at Halton Lea library.
9/11 under the microscope.

All events are FREE and start at 6.30pm at Halton Lea library. Booking is essential for Thursday night only on 01928 704455 or janette.fleming@halton.gov.uk

To see our video promotion click here.

'Get Online' week 31 October to 4 November

The clocks go back at the end of this month so we all have an hour to spare. Why not spend it with us and learn how to get online.
We're running complete beginners session at Halton Lea and Widnes libraries.

HALTON LEA
Monday 31 October 2pm
Tuesday 1 November 11am

WIDNES
Wednesday 2 November 2pm
Thursday 3 November 2pm
Friday 4 November 11am

Contact us to book a place: Halton Lea library on 01928 704455 or haltonlea.library@halton.gov.uk Widnes library on 0151 907 8383 or widnes.library@halton.gov.uk

For more information about 'Get Online' week, click here

Brit Horror Fic

British horror fiction has recently soared in popularity to a level not seen since the 1970's and days of James Herbert. Authors such as Adam Neville and F.G. Cottam are bringing the own brand of horror to a new generation of readers. However as part of the annual Paranormal Week local readers are in for a treat as Halton Libraries bring you the best of both worlds.

Halton Libraries in partnership with the organisation Twisted Tales who promote the very best of 21st century horror are thrilled to be hosting 'An Evening of Occult Horror' with one of the masters of British horror Ramsey Campbell. Also appearing are two of the most exciting of the new breed of horror writers Adam Neville and John Reppion.

A review of Adam Neville's latest book ‘The Ritual appeared in the ‘The Guardian’ and said 'This novel grabs from the very first page, refuses to be laid aside, and carries the hapless reader, exhausted and wrung out, to the very last sentence... Superb.'

The Ritual by Adam Neville

The event takes place on Thursday 27th October from 7pm at Halton Lea Library, Runcorn. The event is free but you must reserve your ticket by e-mailing paranormalweek@gmail.com

Saturday reading group at Widnes

Do you work Monday to Friday? Are you a bit too busy to join in one of our week-night reading groups? Well now you can join our Saturday morning reading group at Widnes.We meet every three weeks for an hour on Saturdays at 10.30am. We all read the same book and discuss it at the end of the three weeks.

If you'd like more information about the reading group, please contact Trudy at trudy.jones@halton.gov.uk

Paranormal Week - Halton Lea Library - 24th - 28th October

Mark Olly

 Halton's prestigious annual Paranormal Week is in it's 10th anniversary year.

This yearly event has grown in both scale and popularity, and has boasted many special guests/Paranormal movers and shakers over the years, with guest appearances from luminaries such as Matt Smith (Most Haunted), The Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe (Fortean TV), Demonologist Fred Batt (Most Haunted), Medium Angela McGhee (Living TVs Psychic Investigator) and Rendlesham Forest Incident whistleblower Larry Warren to name but a few.

This year's guests include Mark Olly, well-known TV presenter. He will be giving an over-view of the last decade of strange UFO sightings, unusual encounters, and generally weird images that often defy rational explanation.  Mark will have copies of his books and DVDs for sale


We are really looking forward to is the Twisted Tales evening of Occult horror fiction.On this evening authors John Reppion, Adam Nevill, & Ramsey Campbell will present their work and be available for questions. You will be able to purchase signed copies of their books so bring some cash with you. This event is pre-booking only and is already creating a lot of interest. If you want to attend reserve your ticket at paranormalweek@gmail.com

Final preparations are underway, and a full timetable will be available soon. If you would like to receive an email copy of the timetable and programme, send an email to the team at: paranormalweek@gmail.com

The week runs from 24th - 28th October at Halton Lea Library. The doors open at 6:30 and the evening will finish at 9:30

Poetry for Kate

This year's halton Poet of the Year competition is dedicated to late Runcorn writer, Kate Edwards.

Halton Borough Council has organised a celebration of the life and works of Kate including the presentation of the 'Kate Edwards Memorial Prize' to Halton's Poet of the Year 2011. The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over and living in Halton.

Kate Edwards was raised and educated in Runcorn and was a keen writer and published poet. You can read her works here. Kate's husband Peter Edwards said: "Kate would have been overjoyed to know an event to encourage local poets would be taking place in her honour".

The winner will be announced during the National Poetry Day event which takes place on Thursday 6 October between 7.00pm and 9.00pm at Halton Lea library. All are welcome to attend.

Book sale at Halton Lea library

Halton libraries is having its next book sale later this month. It will be at Halton Lea library:

11th and 12th August: 9.30am to 6.30pm
13th August: 9.30am to 12.30pm

There will be adult's and children's books for sale as well as DVDs. Prices start from just 20p so be early.

Have you joined the Summer Reading Challenge yet?

Here are volunteers Loughlin and Helena at Halton Lea library who are signing up Mia, Declan and Lewis to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Britannica Spotlight on Circus Stars

Circus Stars is thye topic of this year's national Summer Reading Challenge in UK libraries.

The children's edition of The Britannica includes an article that covers the history of the circus as well as various circus acts, while the Activity Centre provides a quiz, a word search and some lovely pictures to colour.

To see the article click here. Enjoy!

Win a pair of designer sunglasses from Specsavers

To be in with a chance of winning, just borrow any of the titles from the TV Bookclub's Summer Reads series from any library in Halton between 27 June and 13 August.

Anyone who borrows one of these titles will automatically be entered into the prize draw.

Please note that the prize is sponsored by the Runcorn branch of Specsavers and the prize must be redeemed there.

Circus Stars - Summer Reading Challenge

Roll up! Roll up! Halton Libraries will be joining libraries across the UK to introduce children to a summertime circus spectacle that will keep them reading throughout the summer holidays with the 2011 Summer Reading Challenge ...and it's all free!

Children are encouraged to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays with incentives and rewards plus a certificate or medal for everyone who completes the challenge.

The 2011 challenge is called Circus Stars and there is a special website where children can link to authors and illustrators and talk about their favourite books online.

Bookcrawl for under 4s

Would your chldren like to join us on the Bookstart Bookcrawl? Children aged 0 to 4 who visit any of Halton libraries can collect special stickers. After six visits they can choose a certificate from our collection like the Penny Dale one shown here.

The certificates are a delightful memento of a child's early years as a library member.

READING PLACES

Reading Places is the name of this year’s Time To Read promotion and it’s all about your holidays.

Travel writing can inlude memoirs and accounts from intrepid professional travellers and advice for first-time backpackers. We've paired up fiction books with books about travelling and travellers for you to choose and take on your holidays.

Why not tell us where you've a taken your library books to this year. To let us know that you've discovered Reading Places, we'd like you to return the postcard that you’ll find inside the special promotion books to us. Or you can send a digital photograph to Time to Read and say where you’ve been to with your library books. If you return a card or a photo to us before October 31st you will be entered into a prize draw.

CV workshops at Halton Lea

Halton libraries in partnership with Nextstep will be hosting CV drop in sessions at Halton Lea library.

If you need help with creating or updating your CV, drop in on Tuesday 7th June 9.30 – 11.30 or Tuesday 14th June 9.30 – 11.30. The sessions are free of charge.

MyVoice on Facebook

MyVoice is an exciting new project happening for young people aged 11 to 19. It lets you use your voice to get involved in making decisions about the things that happen here in Halton. And you can get experience at events management, learn new skills in digital tools and techniques and get help with job interviews and work experience too.

If you want to get involved contact, Allyson.watt@halton.gov.uk or jennie.archer@halton.gov.uk, or you can call us on 01928 565973.

Why not check out what’s happening all around the country, at MyVoices on Facebook.

Home and away: Readers' Day at The Brindley

This is a day for everyone who loves books and reading. Our readers’ day will explore some of the best local writing from Halton and give you an opportunity for meet and talk with authors. There will also be lots of opportunities to buy books from the featured authors plus Marc Gee and our main speaker Fran Sandham

10.00am to 10.30am. Local history writers’ panel with Alex Cowan, Roy Gough and Jean Bradburn, Reference and Information Officer from Halton Libraries

11.00am to noon. Choose from two optional workshops: ‘How to get published’ with Sarah Oliver who will talk about her writing and how she became a successful author or ‘Flashback fiction’ with Angela Topping who will discuss the entrants to the Flashback Fiction competition

1.00pm to 2.00pm. Announcement of the Kate Edwards award for Poet of the Year. This will be hosted by Angela Topping

2.00pm to 3.00pm. Choose from two optional workshops: Hear Alex Cowan talking about his new book called “Last Orders” Runcorn Pubs or listen to Mark Rosney as he takes you on a virtual spooky guided tour around the paranormal hotspots of Runcorn.

3.00pm to 4.00pm. Hear Fran Sandham talk about ‘Traversa – A Solo Walk Across Africa’. Wrap up of the day.

Venue: The Brindley, Runcorn
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Cost: £10 (£8 concession) including refreshments on arrival and a goody bag

Poetry cafe at Halton Lea

Coffee culture is coming to Halton Lea, as part of the upcoming Talkwrite literary festival takes place in the award-winning library's coffee bar.

On Tuesday 7 June between 1pm and 2pm Paul Langford will sit and tell stories - with his mixture of the hilarious, tragic, heart warming, proving storytelling is not just for children

Thursday 9 June sees a poetry cafe led by Angela Topping from 1pm to 2pm.

Born and bred in Widnes, Angela attended Liverpool University and is the author of four solo poetry collections, several critical books on literary works and is a published writer of flash fiction.

Halton's poet of the year competition

Budding bards have until Tuesday 31 May to enter Halton's Poet of the Year competition - which this year is going to ne held in memory of a local poet who died earlier this year.

You need to get your three entries to The Brindley for the Kate Edwards Poet of the Year contest. Entries are open to anyone aged 18 or over living in Halton.

Kate Edwards was raised and educated in Runcorn and was a keen writer and published poet. Her works included The Poetry Evening and her work can be founds at http://www.kateedwards.net/

The winners will be announced by Widnes poet and writer Angela Topping at the Readers Day event taking place at The Brindley on Saturday 11 June as part of the Talkwrite literary festival.

Writers' surgery with Marc Gee at Widnes library

Ever thought you could be a budding author but never had the chance to speak to someone about writing or developing your style and skills? This is the event for you with one-to-one sessions with writer Marc Gee.

Marc will be at Widnes library on Monday 6 June from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Call us on 0151 9078383 or drop in to Widnes library to book a 15-minute session

National Bookstart week for under 5s

Join in our annual celebrations of sharing stories and rhymes. This year’s theme is ALL ABOARD with stories and rhymes for the under 5s. All aboard for the Pirates and Princesses Halton Literature Festival celebrations. Come along in your pirate or princess outfit for fun, games and plunder.

Shiver me timbers!
Widnes library 4 June, 10.00am to noon.
Halton Lea library 10 June, 10.00am to noon

All aboard!
Runcorn library 7 June, 10.30am to 11.30am
Ditton library 8 June, 10.30am to 11.30am
Halton Lea library 9 June 10.00am to 11.00am (signed session)
Widnes library 10 June 11.00am to noon

For more information, pick up a leaflet from any of our libraries

Your space, your choice, your voice

Do you want to develop your creative skills, meet like-minded people, and network with writers, musicians and artists? Do you want to get involved in running creative events, and in creating a space for young people in your community?

Become an Ambassador for MyVoice, an exciting new project starting in your area. If you’re aged between 11 and 19 and want your voice to be heard, get in touch. You’ll create events that YOU want to see, with writers, artists and musicians that YOU choose to get involved, branded and marketed through YOUR ideas, in collaboration with creative professionals.

Getting experience as an events manager and promoter. A useful skill for a wide range of careers, from gig promoter to festival organiser, among many others

Meeting writers and artists, and working with publishers. You’ll get to meet some interesting people, express your creative side, and build your network of contacts

Learning how to use the latest digital tools and techniques.You’ll receive training about creating digital content, like podcasts and vodcasts, and using social media to let everyone know about your MyVoice events

Creating a lasting, memorable event in your community.Getting work experience that you can shout about

Taking part in MyVoice will give you a head start in interviews. You can also take part in an accredited awards scheme that can open doors to employers and apprenticeships

For more information contact Allyson.watt@halton.gov.uk or Jennie.archer@halton.gov.uk Tel 01928 565973

Talkwrite festival

Halton libraries are proud to be one of the partners presenting the Talkwrite festival 2011. Why not join us for one of these events?

WIDNES LIBRARY
6 June 5pm to 7pm. Writers workshop with Marc Gee. One-to-one sessions for budding authors.
7 June 5pm to 7pm. LOL in libraries - humour workshop. Bring along your favourite funny passages from books to discuss with Angela Topping.

HALTON LEA LIBRARY
9 June 2pm to 4pm. Reminiscence workshop with poet Angela Topping and textile artist Maria Walker. Make a memory collage or write a poem in this two-hour workshop.
9 June 5.30pm to 6.45pm. Book discussion - Handling the undead by John Ajvide Linqvist. Contact Janette.fleming@halton.gov.uk to get your copy beforehand.
10 June 1pm to 2pm. Poetry café. Enjoy some readings by local poet Rita Furnival.
For more information about these events, pick up a leaflet from any of our libraries or contact us at Widnes on 0151 9078383 or Halton Lea on 01928 704455

New opening hours

From Saturday 4 June our opening hours are changing:

DITTON LIBRARY

Monday 9.30am to 5.00pm
Tuesday 9.30am to 7.00pm
Wednesday 9.30am to 5.00pm
Thursday 9.30am to 5.00pm
Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm
Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Sunday closed

HALTON LEA LIBRARY

Monday 9.00am to 5.30pm
Tuesday 9.00am to 5.30pm
Wednesday 9.00am to 5.30pm
Thursday 9.00am to 7.00pm
Friday 9.00am to 7.00pm
Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Sunday closed

RUNCORN LIBRARY

Monday 9.30am to 5.00pm (closed 1.00pm to 2.00pm)
Tuesday 9.30am to 5.00pm (closed 1.00pm to 2.00pm)
Wednesday closed
Thursday 9.30am to 7.00pm (closed 1.00pm to 2.00pm)
Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm (closed 1.00pm to 2.00pm)
Saturday 9.30am to 1.00pm
Sunday closed

WIDNES LIBRARY

Monday 9.00am to 7.00pm
Tuesday 9.00am to 7.00pm
Wednesday 9.00am to 7.00pm
Thursday 9.00am to 7.00pm
Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm
Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Sunday closed

Widnes library is just one of the partners which share the facilities at Kingsway Learning Centre. The opening hours of the Kingsway Learning Centre will not change. Courses provided by the Adult Learning service and activities in other parts of the building are not affected. Access will be via the St Paul's Rd entrance.

Your space, your choice, your voice

Do you want to develop your creative skills, meet like-minded people, and network with writers, musicians and artists?

Do you want to get involved in running creative events, and in creating a space for young people in your community?

Become an Ambassador for MyVoice, an exciting new project starting in your area.

If you’re aged between 11 and 19 and want your voice to be heard, get in touch.

Making MyVoice the space that YOU want to hang out in. You’ll create events that YOU want to see, with writers, artists and musicians that YOU choose to get involved, branded and marketed through YOUR ideas, in collaboration with creative professionals.

Getting experience as an events manager and promoter.
A useful skill for a wide range of careers, from gig promoter to festival organiser, among many others.

Meeting writers and artists, and working with publishers.
You’ll get to meet some interesting people, express your creative side, and build your network of contacts.

Learning how to use the latest digital tools and techniques.
You’ll receive training about creating digital content, like podcasts and vodcasts, and using social media to let everyone know about your MyVoice events.

Creating a lasting, memorable event in your community.

Getting work experience that you can shout about. Taking part in MyVoice will give you a head start in interviews. You can also take part in an accredited awards scheme that can open doors to employers and apprenticeships.

We are looking for:

• MyVoice Planner



• MyVoice Champion



• MyVoice Media Promoter

For more information contact
Allyson.watt@halton.gov.uk or jennie.archer@halton.gov.uk
Tel 01928 565973

SPRING ONLINE at Halton Libaries

Spring Online (16 – 20 May 2011) aims to get older people using computers and the internet. The week will end on Friday 20 May with Digital Unite’s annual Silver Surfers’ Day – now in it’s 10th year.

One in five people in the UK aged 55 – 64 have never used the internet, rising to three in five of those aged 65+. Often, the main barriers for older people are lack of confidence and understanding. All they need is someone to get them started, show them the basics, and make it fun! That’s why Halton libraries are holding 6 beginner sessions throughout the week, to introduce everyone to the internet basics. The events are free and can be booked on by contacting either Widnes library on 0151 907 8383 or Halton Lea library on 01928 704455.

Widnes Library
Tuesday 17th May - 10.30am
Wednesday 18th - May 2pm
Thursday 19th May - 10.30am
Friday 20th May - 2pm

Halton Lea Library
Friday 20th May - 10am & 11am

Item contributed by our libarian Helen

A walk around old Farnworth

There was a fine turnout at Widnes library on Saturday to meet Alan Foster, author of A walk around Farnworth village past and present. Interested guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Widnes, Councillor Marie Wright & Mrs. Sheila Walsh.

Alan spoke about his book and there was plenty of time for those who attended to ask questions and to reminisce about the history of Farnworth.

The book is a lovely glossy colour publication and is on sale at Widnes library. At just £3 it is excellent value and proceeds of the sale go to Widnes Historical Society.

Self-serve machines at Widnes library

The latest improvement at Halton libraries is the introduction of self-serve machines at Widnes. They're fast, convenient and very easy to use. You can check items out or return them and they can also be used to renew items and to check your library account. Of course our staff will still be on hand to provide the same level of service you're used to.

Easter activities

Easter Rhyme Time at Halton Lea Library

14th April 10-11am

Make and Take Easter Craft Activity at Widnes Library

14th April 2-3pm

A walk around old Farnworth village

Popular local history booklet 'A walk around old Farnworth village past and present' by Alan Foster has just been re-released.

Alan will be at Widnes library on Saturday 16 April between 11am and noon to talk about the publication and to sign copies.

The booklet costs £3.00 and proceeds from the sale go to the Widnes Historical Society.

Introduction to online family history resources

Have you ever wanted to trace your family tree but didn't know where to start? More and more information is available online and the good news is that your Halton libraries service subscribes to some websites that you would normally have to pay for at home.

Come along to our demonstration of how to use online resources to start building a family tree. We'll use a case study and look at some of the websites that are used for family history.

The event is at Halton Lea library on Friday 25th March at 2.30pm and lasts for up to two hours. Tickets are £3 and are available from Halton Lea library. Numbers are limited so get yours while they last.

Widnes welcomes Spot the dog

Over 50 children came along to Widnes children’s library today to meet Spot the dog.

Everyone had a great time, dancing, hugging and having their pictures taken.

Spot was looking very smart and kept us all entertained for nearly an hour.

If you missed Spot, you can catch up with him at here:

Friday 11th March 10.30 – 11.30 at Runcorn Library or Saturday 12th March 2.00 – 3.00 at Halton Lea Library

Pubs of Runcorn - old and new

Yesterday dozens of people attended the launch of a 'snug' new 'pub' lication about the hundred and one pubs of Runcorn dating from 1770 to the present day.

'Last Orders, Runcorn Pubs Volume 1' was written by local historian and archivist to the Runcorn & District Historical Society Alex Cowan.

Alex is known throughout Cheshire for his local knowledge and even featured on Terry Wogan's Radio 2 show in the 1990s. He said: "It details all those pubs and beer houses in Runcorn and district that existed and closed. There is a complete list of all the pubs, closed or still open, from 1770 to the present day; those that had their own brewery, etc. There is a description of each pub, the meaning of the sign, location maps, advertisements and many photographs."

Our picture shows Alex signing copies at the appropriately historic Runcorn Library yesterday. His books are available to buy at the Old Curiosity Book shop Runcorn.

Intoducing our new catalogue

Here at Halton libraries we’re excited about the latest improvement to our customer service. We’ve introduced a new and improved library catalogue. Now you can:

*Search for library items *Renew things you have on loan *Place reservations (no charge) *See if you have any messages *Store your favourite authors, titles or subjects *See if you have any incurred any fines *Link to our social networking sites *Access our other online library services

To access our new catalogue, click here

If you would like a demonstration, just ask a member of staff next time you’re in the library.

Get more out of life online at Halton libraries

Halton libraries are proud to be UK online centres. This means that they provide online access to all members of the library and also provide tuition and guidance. Last week events were held at Widnes and Halton Lea library, introducing people to the new My Guide course. My Guide helps beginners get online and learn more about how to use the internet for different services. The events held at Widnes and Halton Lea library provided extra guidance for people wanting to take their first steps online. Here are a few reasons that motivated attendees to get online and why you should too. Six reasons to get online:

1. Save money - An estimated £560 can be pocketed over a year by paying bills and shopping online.
2. Save time - Many tasks are quicker and easier online – getting a tax disc, online banking, paying bills, and getting the groceries!
3. Stay in touch – The internet provides free and easy ways to keep in touch with friends and family… no matter how far away they are.
4. Find jobs – 90% of all new jobs now require IT skills, and many are now advertised and applied for online. If you have computer skills you’re more likely to find a job… and you could earn 3%-10% more too!
5. Stay up-to-date - The internet can be an instant source of news and information. You’ll find the latest TV listings, weather reports, and sports results from anywhere in the world.
6. Enjoy hobbies and interests – Whatever you’re interested in, there’s a website out there for you.

After the success of the first few sessions, regular sessions will now be held at both libraries. Simply get in touch with Ian on 01928 715 351 to book an appointment to help you Get Online.

Book giveaway - 3rd March

As part of the ‘Our Read’ initiative, Halton libraries has lots of free copies of The unforgotten coat, which is a book that has been specially written by award-winning Liverpool author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce.

Come along to any of our libraries on World Book Day which is Thursday 3rd March to get your free copy.

You get find out more about Our Read here.

The old pubs of Runcorn

A new book called "Last Orders" Runcorn Pubs Volume 1 by local historian Alex Cowan details all those pubs and beer houses in Runcorn and district that existed up until 2003.

There is a complete list of all the pubs, closed or still open, from 1770 to the present day including those that had their own brewery. There is a description of each pub, the meaning of the sign, location maps, advertisements and many photographs. Come along and meet Alex Cowan at February 17th 4pm-6pm. Signed copies will be available for sale Alex Cowan, is a well known local historian and Archivist to the Runcorn & District Historical Society.

For more information contact Jean Bradburn jean.bradburn@halton.gov.uk 01928 565973

Halton's book of the year 2010 award

Halton's Book of the year 2010 has been awarded to Justin Cronin for his novel 'The passage'. Readers voted online and at the special event.

The story involves people who are bound together in ways they cannot comprehend. For each of them a door is about to open into a future they could not have imagined. And a journey is about to begin. It is an epic journey that will take them through a world transformed by man's darkest dreams, to the very heart of what it means to be human. And beyond. THE PASSAGE.

You can read a review by Jackie Millington here.