Libraries from home
#LibrariesFromHome brought to you by Libraries Connected
Here at Libraries Connected, we are showcasing the best digital services from public libraries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Working with a team of public librarians from across the country, we’ll be highlighting key services that can be accessed through library websites and social media platforms.
On this page you can find some of the excellent online rhyme times, story times and lego clubs that keep children engaged and support early literacy and creative thinking. We want to help families to choose live and recorded events not just from their own library service but anywhere in the country.
We're also promoting activities to keep adults connected through library reading groups and book discussion groups.
On the right is an overview of the digital library resources that can be accessed through most public library websites. From audio and e-books, newspapers and magazines to encyclopaedias, music collections and free online courses: your library can support you.
If you aren’t already a member, you can join most libraries online. Just head over to your local library to find out what they offer.
Find your local library service here: https://www.gov.uk/local-library-services
Library events and activities
While our doors may be closed many of our library activities continue and they are now available to more people than ever before!
A full list of events is available in the resources section below.
Local author events
Join Shropshire Libraries on 22 April for an evening with popular local author, Diana Rosie. Diana will discuss the inspiration behind her novels, her journey from copywriter to published author, her writing process and the genre of historical fiction.
This free virtual event includes an author chat followed by Q&A.
Rhyme times
Northamptonshire Libraries - and craft times too!
Storytimes
Story making and author readings from Inspire
Aura Wales - in Welsh and English
Lego clubs
South Gloucestershire Libraries
Code clubs
Lambeth Libraries (Email for Zoom details)
Library podcasts
Around the World in 80 books - classics in translation by Norfolk Libraries
Libraries Unlimited - Devon Libraries
Dinosaurs Didn't Read - Bury Libraries
The Only Way is Reading - Essex Libraries
Reading and book groups
Barnsley Libraries - Online reading group
West Sussex Libraries - Virtual Reading Facebook group
City of London Libraries - Every Wednesday on Facebook
North Lincolnshire Libraries - Monthly book club
Neath Port Talbot Libraries - Every Wednesday from 2pm on Twitter
Blackpool Libraries Every Thursday from 2pm on Twitter #BookPool
Bournemouth Libraries - Every Tuesday lunchtime on Twitter #BCPBookChat
E festivals
Partner offers
Fun Palaces Tiny Revolutions
Practical suggestions for small, on and offline steps anyone can take to connect a little more in their local community or simply pass time creatively in self-isolation.
Publishers Association #MyThreeBooks campaign
Publishers, booksellers, authors, agents and readers of all ages and abilities are uniting around our mutual love of books. Use the hashtag #MyThreeBooks and share three books – one you loved as a child, one you love right now, and one you can’t wait to read.
CILIP's National Shelf Initiative
A new daily YouTube broadcast featuring book recommendations from professional librarians. Launched by CILIP and the Youth Libraries Group, the daily videos will focus on helping children and families discover new, diverse reading experiences. The broadcast will run Monday to Friday at 11.00am each day.
BBC Arts Culture in Quarantine
Culture In Quarantine across BBC television, radio and online, gives the nation access to the arts at a time when we need it the most. It provides access to shuttered exhibitions, performances and museums, a virtual book festival and much more besides.
British Library's Discovering Children's Books
Aimed at primary school children, teachers and book-lovers of all ages, the site explores the history and rich variety of children’s literature, through treasures from the British Library, Seven Stories, Bodleian Libraries and the V & A. It also has a bank of creative activities for children of all ages, from creating your own comic to making a miniature book or inventing a superhero.
National Literacy Trust's Learning at home
Ideas and guidance for fun, simple activities that will engage your children at home, while also benefiting their reading, writing and language development.
The Reading Agency Hub
Ideas, activities and challenges from across their programmes to entertain and educate yourself, your family or those you are teaching remotely.
Disclaimer
Libraries Connected endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, however, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.
Bradford Libraries have asked the Bookstart Bear to help your little ones to wash their hands. The rhyme (especially adapted by Bradford Libraries staff) will help children to wash their hands for the recommended 20 seconds following NHS guidelines.
Powerpoint
Books to help children through Covid-19 by The Reading Agency
Supporting children and families during the Covid-19 crisis with books that help children stay safe, calm, connected and hopeful.
Word
Book recommendations
Miss browsing at your local library? View our selection of online book websites that recommend books for adults and children.
Excel
Information at home
Advice and information on COVID-19 from the government and for key affected groups as well as general consumer advice and media information.
Health and Wellbeing at home
A collection of resources and contacts to help support positive mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 crisis.
