Tuesday, January 31st, 2012The Society of Chief Librarians is the local government organisation working to develop public libraries and promote their value and contribution.
SCL is not a campaigning group, but it is a peer support organisation. SCL supports chief librarians and the public library service by providing regional networks for heads of libraries to share best practices for the benefit of the public library service locally and nationally. SCL works to try and make sure that every community has a modern public library service that meets and exceeds customers’ needs.
SCL is a supporting partner of National Libraries Day and is actively involved in planning for events and celebrations. The Society of Chief Librarians welcomes the support from customers and the library community that has been galvanized for National Libraries Day. Celebrating what libraries do for their customers, and what customers do for one another in libraries is important because it reinforces the uniqueness and value of the public library service.
In thousands of public libraries across the UK, 4 February 2012 will be a special day. Someone will be helped to use the internet for the very first time. Others will get advice on opening a business, help with homework, or join a reading group. Authors will read from their latest works. Many libraries across the country will host coffee mornings and a chance for their communities to celebrate their libraries.
In Newcastle City Library, free events will include an author event and book signing of ‘The Radleys’ by Matt Haig, a NLD treasure hunt and an IT advice surgery to help customers learn to use the internet, email, Skype, online shopping and more.
A collaborative story writing week will encourage customers to create a brand new story in Gosforth Library.
Bath Central Library will put on a Click, Clack, Crocodile’s Back fun packed activity hour with local author Kathryn White.
Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson will be at Canning Town Library to celebrate the magic of libraries with customers, sing songs, and share stories.
South Petherton Library in Somerset will hold a book sale to benefit the library’s book fund.
Brighton and Hove Libraries will offer tours and a chance to chat with library staff.
Oxted Library in Surrey will hold a ‘Dragonese Party’, a dragon and Viking fun day for children and adults.
Essex Libraries are counting down the 10 Good Reasons to join your library on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for customers to share what they love about libraries.
Peterborough Libraries are hosting a Charles Dickens Re-enactment with local historian Richard Jones in full costume.
Salford Library is marking NLD and LGBT History Month with a free talk by Clare Debenham on Eleanor Rathbone (1872-1946), campaigner for women’s rights and pioneer of family allowances.
In Blackpool Man Booker Prize (2011) shortlisted author Carol Birch will appear at the newly refurbished Central Library to talk about her book, Jamrach’s Menagerie.
