Story chair gift kicks off National Libraries Week in Northumberland

07 Oct 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

A bespoke story chair has been gifted to Wylam Library to mark the centenary of Wylam WI.

The chair, which was presented at a special event at the library on Saturday, was designed by Alnwick woodworker David Foote.

Children’s illustrator and author Liz Million was also on hand to read the first stories to children from the chair as well as hosting a number of children’s illustration workshops.

The presentation was the start of a week of celebrations and events at Northumberland’s libraries to mark National Libraries Week.

Cllr Cath Homer, cabinet member for Culture, Arts, Leisure and Tourism, who received the story chair on behalf of the library service said: “We are delighted to accept this stunning story chair at Wylam library and would like to thank the WI group for their generous donation.

“To have somewhere bespoke for the people and children of the community to come and enjoy reading a book together is very special and I am sure will be cherished by everyone who uses it.

“With National Libraries Week starting today it is a good opportunity for us to promote to everyone, whether they are regular users of the service or not, what is available in their local library.”

President of the Wylam WI group, Robin Piette said: “We wanted to do something a bit different to celebrate our centenary, and what better way of marking it than by giving something to the community which can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

The theme of National Libraries Week is digital and throughout the week, activities with a digital focus for adults and young people will be on offer, including digital storytimes, coding clubs, Techy tea parties offering an introduction to digital skills and sessions with Digital Champions.

Children are also being invited to build their “Library of the Future” as part of a national competition with LEGO, with events taking place at libraries across the county. 

During the week library service is also teaming up with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB), Northumberland Community Bank and the council’s customer service team to promote public access to council services. 

To find out more about events taking place during National Libraries Week go to mylibrary.co.uk. Or why not access the library any time, anywhere with the free Library App, available to download on Android and IOS by searching for Spydus.