Libraries in Slough are set for some fantastic new resources, with £36,000 being spent on new books for children and young people, and on e-books, and e-audio titles for adults.
The council has already received some of the new titles.
With nearly 5,000 books to choose from, these include books for babies, picture books for under 5s and storybooks for under 12s. Some of the new books include the latest titles from popular authors such as David Walliams, Michael Rosen, Russell Punter and many more.
Throughout the year the council will be buying more than 400 new e-titles. The new e-titles include books from Lynda La Plante, Lisa Jewell, Jo Nesbo and Karen Swan.
Councillor Chandra Muvvala, lead member for public protection, I.T, customer service and young futures, said: “It’s great news to hear there is investment being made in new library resources, as promised.
“Our libraries are a fantastic asset in the community, membership is free and there are so many physical and e-books to choose from. If you haven’t paid a visit lately, pop into your nearest library and see what’s going on.”
Recently, Councillor Iftakhar Ahmed, lead member for leisure, community cohesion, regulation, enforcement and planning, presented awards to volunteers who helped with the Summer Reading Challenge. Their role was to give out challenge rewards, hear children talk about the books they chose, promote the challenge to families in the library, prepare materials for library activities and support staff with book and wall displays.
In total, 34 young people aged between 14 and 17, and two adults, gave up their time to support the Challenge and gave a total of 622 volunteer hours.
Councillor Ahmed said: “It was a privilege to give these resourceful young volunteers their certificates. They acted as an inspiration to the younger children taking part in the challenge and by volunteering, they gained valuable new skills, encouraged others and gained confidence. Thank you to all our volunteers and we look forward to the challenge again next year.”
This year the challenge theme combined getting active with reading more, and the library team was supported by Slough Town Football Club, whose players acted as ambassadors for the scheme.
Adrian Gomm, Community Manager at Slough Town FC, said: “As a community club it has been brilliant to work alongside Slough Libraries on this challenge. Football has a great power and is clearly seen when reaching out to children. The children who completed the challenge will be invited, along with their families, to experience a Slough Town FC match.”
Visit the council website to find out more about our libraries.