Barnsley Library and Archives Service

Welcome to Barnsley Libraries and Archives.

 
Latest News

Author Events

Thursday 23 July 5.30pm.  Meet author Fiona Mountain at Barnsley Central Library.  Fiona will be speaking about her latest novel 'Lady of the Butterflies', the fascinating story of Lady Eleanor Glanville who became known in the 17th Century as a pioneering butterfly collector and after whom the rare Glanville Fritillary butterfly is named.  The event is free to attend and to reserve a place please contact Jill Craven, Reader Development Officer, on 773915 or e-mail jillcraven@barnsley.gov.uk . 

Monday 27 July 7.00pm.  Barnsley Libraries and Barnsley Civic are holding a joint author event presenting best selling crime writer Jeffery Deaver, who will be speaking about his latest book 'Roadside Crosses' at the newly refurbished Civic's Assembly Rooms.   Jeffery has written over twenty novels, many featuring the detective Lincoln Rhyme.  One of these titles, 'The Bone Collector', was made into a successful film.  This latest work re-introduces special agent Kathryn Dance, who featured in 'The Sleeping Doll'.   Tickets to listen to Jeffery are only available from the Civic's Box Office and cost £3.00.  To find out more, call in at the Civic, or telephone 0845 1800 363 or visit www.barnsleycivic.co.uk   

Refreshments will be available at the events and both authors will be happy to answer questions and to sign copies of their books should people wish to purchase.

Quest Seekers - the Summer Reading Challenge in Libraries

Children can have a fantastic free reading adventure at their local library this summer by joining Quest Seekers and reading six books of their choice.  There are rewards and incentives to help them on their journey and a golden medal when they finish the challenge.  To launch the Challenge the Central Library is hosting a family gaming day on Saturday 11 July, all day from 9.30am.  Come along and pit your wits against the gamesmaster with some Imagination Gaming.

Smart Meters at Barnsley Libraries

Now you can find out just how much energy your household is consuming with Smart Meters available from Barnsley Libraries.  Just like a normal household electricity meter, the Smart Meter measures the number of units of electricity you use in your home.  There are 2 types of smart meter which will soon be available to borrow from your local library.
Plug in Electricity Cost and Usage Calculators - collect information about the energy consumption of individual appliances. 
OWL Wireless Energy Monitors - clip to your existing electricity meter and collect information about the total mains electricity consumption in your home (available late May)
The Smart Meters will be available to borrow for 1 week free of charge from all library service points and they are expected to be a great success in these cost conscious times.  If they are all out on loan, don't worry, one can be reserved for a small charge.

MI Card
A brand new card scheme for under-18s living in Barnsley which allows free (or reduced rate) travel by bus, free swimming at any of the Barnsley Premier Leisure pools, and which can also be used as a library card.  Find out more at mi card

Free Basic IT Taster Sessions @ Barnsley Central Library

If you lack confidence in using computers or think they are too complicated and expensive, why not attend a free Basic IT Taster Session at the Central Library.  In the next few weeks we are offering

Wednesday	10am-12noon	24 June	CV Writing
Wednesday	10am-12noon	1 July	Basic IT Taster
Wednesday	10am-12noon	8 July	Basic IT Taster
Wednesday	10am-12noon	22 July	Basic IT Taster

If you are interested in attending either call in person to the Central Library (1st Floor Enquiry Desk) or call 01226 773934 to reserve a place.

Public Lending Right

Did you know that authors have the right to receive payment for loans of their books from public libraries?  It's called Public Lending Right, and this year marks its 30th anniversary. Public Libraries are joining the PLR office in celebrating 30 years of support for authors.  Find out more at Public Lending Right

Tiny Tots Welcome Session

Barnsley Libraries would like to invite you and your little one to a Tiny Tots Welcome Session at Barnsley Central Library.  Come along and learn how you and your baby can enjoy books, stories and rhymes together and how it benefits their development.  Find out about Free Bookstart packs for your child and discover what the library has to offer.  Meet other new parents and find out about local services for families with young children and collect your 'Tiny Tots Welcome' goody bag.
Sessions are being held on Monday afternoon 1.45pm-2.45pm on 15 June, 10 August, 5 October and 30 November 2009.  To book a place or to find out more please telephone 01226 773935, e-mail bookstart@barnsley.gov.uk or call in at the Central Children's Library.

Book Reviews

Every month Dearne FM will air a book review written by Barnsley Libraries' staff or by a member of one of the many Readers Groups who meet in libraries across Barnsley. 
The reviews will also be available to read on Dearne FM.  Why not pick up a copy of this month's book from your local library and see if you enjoy it too?  For further details of Readers Groups and Author Events please contact Jill Craven, Reader Development Officer on 01226 773915 or jillcraven@barnsley.gov.uk  

And...

If you haven't visited your local library recently you may also find some changes following a programme of new building and refurbishments which included the Central Library, Royston, Penistone, Cudworth, Darfield, Grimethorpe, Darton Ward, Roundhouse and Thurnscoe.  You will also find:-

• Thousands of new books added to stock
• FREE Internet access at all libraries
• Increased opening hours
• Access to courses and ICT taster sessions
• CDs, DVDs and Talking Books
• Activities and storytimes for children
• Archives, Local and Family history information and advice
• Readers Groups and much more!

Come along and visit your FREE Public Library Service.  Anyone who lives, works or studies in Barnsley can join.  You can choose to use any of our 17 libraries or 2 Mobiles, or the Home Delivery Service for those who are housebound or have mobility difficulties.

We also offer FREE access to a range of online reference resources and a telephone reference enquiry line at the Central Library..

Whether you are seeking help with information or imagination, the staff at Barnsley Libraries can find the answers.  To discover more follow the links to our branches and services.

 

Last modified on 29/6/2009