Celebrate the life changing magic of libraries during Libraries Week 2021

Libraries across Devon and Torbay will be hosting a variety of events and activities this October to celebrate Libraries Week, from 4^th – 10^th October.

Libraries Week is an annual celebration of the nations much-loved libraries, and this year’s theme recognises the central role that libraries play in their community as a driver for inclusion, sustainability, social mobility and community cohesion.

Tabitha Witherick, Head of Library Service and Customer Experience at Libraries Unlimited said: “We are delighted to be holding a wide range of inclusive activities and social events to bring people together and celebrate the life changing services libraries provide. As shared social spaces that are open and free to all, our libraries are uniquely placed to help rebuild communities, combat loneliness and boost wellbeing through connection.”

She added, “Libraries also offer a wealth of information and support, from helping people get online or find work, to providing welcoming spaces to discuss and take positive action on the issues that matter to our communities.”

The theme of ‘Taking Action, Changing Lives’ gives recognition to the vital support and opportunities for change that libraries provide. From health & wellbeing initiatives to combatting social isolation, providing support for vulnerable groups, digital inclusion, and climate action, the library is a place for coming together and taking action. This is an opportunity to display how libraries and individuals are making a difference in their communities and inspire others to take action.

Library customers will also have unrestricted access to Paula Hawkins’ bestselling thriller Into the Water via eBook and eAudiobook during Libraries Week.

Some of the events taking place throughout Libraries Week in Devon and Torbay libraries include:

• In Conversation with Kim Nash, Milly Johnson and Nicola May on Facebook Live
• Additional Bounce and Rhyme sessions for families with under 5’s at Exeter Library
• Cake and biscuit decoration, live music, and in-house storytelling sessions at The Hayridge Library in Cullompton
• The Women as Usual Were the Beginning of the Disturbance: Podcast and Film Premiere at Exeter Library
• National Poetry Day Coffee Morning at Sidmouth Library
• A digital drop-in, newspaper discussion group and creative workshops with FabLab in the foyer at Barnstaple Library

Every library will be joining in the celebration with their own schedule of activities, so check your local library’s Facebook page to see what’s on.

You can get involved on social media by sharing stories of how your life has been changed by your library and the impact it has had on your community, using the hashtags #ShareTheChange and #LibrariesWeek.