National Library Day is celebrated

A special events day is being held in libraries across the Borders on Saturday, February 6 to celebrate National Libraries Day.
Kelso writer and illustrator Tim Archbold  will be at Hawick Library.Kelso writer and illustrator Tim Archbold  will be at Hawick Library.
Kelso writer and illustrator Tim Archbold will be at Hawick Library.

There are currently over 17,500 registered library members, including over 6,200 children and as a thank you for their support, the council’s library services team has organised a number of free events.

These include: writer and illustrator Tim Archbold holding a fun-filled session of family storytelling and drawing at Hawick; a library champion is being sought in Selkirk to have their ‘Shelfie’ taken to help spread the word by sharing their images through social media at #librariesday; and Duns Library Contact Centre has a special Therapet guest in the shape of Pip the Golden Retriever, a pet therapy dog in training to be a listener for children and adults who need encouragement with their reading.

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Visitors to all libraries and library/contact centres can also enter into a prize draw competition by describing their favourite reason for visiting their local library, whether it’s to borrow a book or DVD, take part in a Bookbug session or access the internet. The draw is open from Monday, February 1, with the winner being contacted on Friday, February 19. Entry forms are available from all local libraries and library contact centres.

An additional session for people interested in finding out about the range of online services available can come along to Peebles Library on Thursday, February 4, between 2-4pm. The e-library adviser will be on hand to provide advice and information on accessing the wide range of free e-magazines and e-books available, as well as answering any other questions readers may have.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, SBC’s executive member for culture, sport, youth and communities said: “People come to libraries to borrow books, of course, and there is nothing our staff like more than recommending new titles to readers young and old.

“But there is so much more we do that lots of people don’t know about and National Libraries Day gives us a chance to raise awareness about all those other services. Here in the Borders, staff have organised a variety of events and activities and I would encourage existing and new users alike to come along and enjoy what is on offer.”

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In addition to all the fun for National Libraries Day, Scottish Borders Library users are due to benefit from a £195,000 scheme to replace ageing computers in libraries across the region which has been going on in recent weeks.

Councillor Davidson added: “This is an exciting time for our libraries and library contact centres as we are in the process of replacing all our public access computers with new equipment. The work is being done to give our users a more efficient and enjoyable experience and hopefully encourage even more people to use their local library and all the services on offer.”

To find out more about National Library Day or the computer replacement programme, visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/libraries or call into your local library.

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