#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.

Lemn Sissay: 'My Name Is Why' Reading

Join Portsmouth Libraries and celebrated author Lemn Sissay on Friday 26 February at 7 pm for a special online event, part of Portsmouth BookFest.

Lemn will give a reading from his critically acclaimed, heart breaking memoir 'My Name Is Why'. After the reading, he will be interviewed by Dr Alison Habens of the University of Portsmouth.

New Words Festival

Time to Read's first ever New Words Festival will run from 1 to 26 March. This celebration of independent North West publishing will feature 11 author events.

Rhyme times

Northamptonshire Libraries - and craft times too!

Coventry Libraries

Devon Libraries

Dorset Libraries

Essex Libraries

Storytimes

Story making and author readings from Inspire

Derbyshire Libraries

Brighton and Hove Libraries

Aura Wales - in Welsh and English

Lego clubs

Lancashire Libraries

Havering Libraries

South Gloucestershire Libraries

Guernsey Libraries

York Explore

Code clubs

Carlisle Library

Hampshire Libraries

Wirral Libraries

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

Suffolk Libraries

Bournemouth Libraries - Every Tuesday lunchtime on Twitter #BCPBookChat

E festivals

Bradford Literature Festival

Lockdown Lit festival

Hay Festival

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.