North Yorkshire libraries will hold a week of wellbeing events to celebrate the nation’s much-loved libraries during National Libraries Week.
North Yorkshire has every reason to celebrate being one of few councils to keep all of its libraries up and running. Volunteer groups across the county are working hard, in partnership with the County Council, to create venues that serve their communities well.
Last year community groups took over the running of 22 libraries, joining nine already under volunteer management. Eleven libraries remain under County Council management supported by volunteers working alongside paid staff. North Yorkshire’s community libraries model has been highlighted by the Arts Council and the Local Government Association as an example of best practice.
Almost 2,500 volunteers help to ensure that North Yorkshire’s residents can access books, information and computers, have support to use digital services, receive books in their home if they can’t get to a library and have a safe place to meet and take part in a wide range of activities. Visits to North Yorkshire’s libraries have been maintained and the number of active users has increased.
This year’s National Libraries Week will focus on wellbeing, with libraries showcasing how they bring communities together, combat loneliness, provide a space for reading and creativity and support mental health.
County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said:
People are passionate about libraries and understood the valuable role they play in our communities. We have a brilliant programme of activities during National Libraries Week to show off the wide range of ways that libraries help with wellbeing. Everyone is welcome and the library is free to join, so if you haven’t yet visited, this is the time to discover your local library.
Libraries regularly hold groups and activities to give people the opportunity to chat, make friends and reduce loneliness. New faces are always welcome.
The groups include:
- Harrogate library, Tuesday, 9 October, 10.30am-11.30am: Coffee and Conversation.
- Skipton library, Wednesday, 10 October, 10am to noon: Knit and Natter.
- Selby library, Thursday, 11 October, 10am-11am: Mindfulness colouring.
- Colburn library, Thursday, 11 October, 10am-1pm: Thrifty Thursday, crafts, knitting, card making.
- Boroughbridge library, Thursday, 11 October, 11am: Scrabble Club
- Filey library, Thursday, 11 October, 1pm-3pm: Knit and Natter
- Ripon library, Friday, 12 October, 10.30am to noon: Bricks and a Brew in partnership with Bricktime. Adults enjoy a cuppa, a chat and the chance to build Lego models with new friends.
Several libraries are embracing the power of music to improve wellbeing on Saturday, 13 October:
- Harrogate library, 2pm: Collavoce Choir performance Sing and Swing.
- Knaresborough library: Orb Shared Harmonies Choir singing in the library.
- Skipton library, 11am: Coffee and Choir with Bradford Voices Community Choir.
- Malton library: Swinton brass band.
For those who struggle to get to their local library due to ill health, disability or caring responsibilities, the Home Library and Information Service is ready to help. Teams of volunteers deliver books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and information to you once a fortnight. For more information, contact your local library or email libraries@northyorks.gov.uk
