West Barnes Library - Winter Events and News
Thanks to the ongoing efforts of a dedicated band of volunteers from across the community, the West Barnes Library remains open. Following a hugely successful launch party in the summer, the numbers of Friends of West Barnes Library continues to grow.
It is thanks to the efforts of the fabulous volunteers that the library remains open on Mondays. However the threat of closure in future financial years remains real. It is a much-loved and valued resource, offering a range of activities for adults and children, including the popular monthly local history group coffee-morning talks, but it have the lowest borrowing figures of any library in Merton. We need to use the library or be prepared to lose it. So do pop in, browse for and borrow a book or rent a DVD. A selection of national newspapers is available, together with magazines, and local papers can be picked up free. Computers allow library members to surf the web and to email free, and courses are offered for those new to computing. Call in to find out what’s on, or check the library’s events page on Merton Council’s website: www.merton.gov.uk.
There is a programme of events now planned at the library throughout December and January. Read on for details.
Be a library Friend
It costs nothing to become a library member – just call in with one item of ID, or you can join online (www.merton.gov.uk). If you would like to support the Friends of West Barnes Library, membership costs just £3 a year (or £2 for those under 16, over 60, or not in full-time work). Your membership card will entitle you to three free DVD or talking book loans and three free reservations – so it pays to be a member! Simply fill in a form at the library. For more information on the Friends, to see photos and video of the launch party, or to follow the group on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.friendsowbl.org.uk.
EVENTS (DECEMBER 2011 - JANUARY 2012)
Every Friday (10.30am-11.00am) Toddlers Rhyme Time. Bring along your little ones for a fun time of rhymes and musical activities.
Thursday 8 December (7.30pm) Christmas Quiz Evening. The Friends of West Barnes Library invite you along for an entertaining, fun quiz evening. Test your knowledge while enjoying a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine. Please speak to a member of staff or phone the library to book your place.
Friday 9 December (4pm-5pm) Think Chinese. Think Chinese runs Mandarin language clubs for both parents and children to learn Chinese and become aware of cultural diversity. It offers fun-packed activities and games for children aged four to eight. Please speak to a member of staff if you would like to attend.
Saturday 10 December (2pm-4pm) Children’s Christmas Craft. A chance for young ones to produce some colourful, festive creations. Please book with a member of staff.
Tuesday 13 December (10.30am to noon) The Festive Spirit: A Christmas Quiz. How much do you know about the history of Christmas celebrations in the UK? This light-hearted Merton History Group quiz and coffee morning will reveal more about the origins of seasonal customs and how our ancestors celebrated the festive season.
Thursday 15 December (3pm-4pm) Police Surgery. Pop in to see a local PC to discuss any neighbourhood, community or other related topics.
Friday 16 December (2pm-4pm) Festive Flower Arranging. Learn how to make a festive floral display without it costing the earth. A charge of £5, paid in advance, covers the flowers you use. Limited places so please book at the library or call 020 8274 5789.
Friday 23 December (2pm-4pm) Festive Fun For Children. Check the library’s events website (via www.merton.gov.uk) for more details.
Tuesday 10 January (10am-noon) Healthy Food on A Budget. Free taster course looking at how to plan healthy, tasty meals that don’t cost the earth. Please book a place.
Tuesday 10 January (1pm-3pm) How To Make An Impression. Free taster course looking at how to communicate effectively, body language, and making the right impression.
For other events, search for “West Barnes Library” on the Merton Council website (www.merton.gov.uk). For information on how to join and support the Friends of West Barnes Library, collect a leaflet from the library or visit www.friendsowbl.org.uk.