EVENTS and activities that encourage life-long learning will be taking place across Leicester’s libraries next week, as part of the celebrations for Libraries Week.
Libraries Week takes place across the UK from 3-9 October and celebrates the central role that libraries play in supporting people to unlock and fulfil their potential at every stage of life.
Libraries across the city will showcase a varied programme of free events and activities, including computer skills, writing workshops, author talks and craft activities, plus free taster learning sessions from the city council’s Leicester Adult Education service.
Sessions taking place across Libraries Week will include art, textiles, pottery, digital skills, how to use smart devices, English, maths, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), employability skills and family learning.
Other events include:
- Quilting Conversations workshops at New Parks, Beaumont Leys and Pork Pie libraries - a project that aims to reduce social isolation and invites people to come along and try a relaxed, friendly stitching activity.
- The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, aged 13¾ - 40 Years On, at the Pork Pie Library - celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sue Townsend’s best-loved character with a talk by local author Bali Rai and Dr Emma Parker from the University of Leicester.
- Dancercise - Join in with a fun, Bhangra and Bollywood-style dance session led by a qualified teacher at Pork Pie, Westcotes and Belgrave libraries.
- Manga Fun Day at Central Library - a day of activities with the University of Leicester Anime & Manga Society.
Assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Libraries Week is a great chance to try something new – it could be just for fun, because you want to learn a new skill, or it could become the beginning of a longer learning journey with our excellent adult education service.
“Whatever your motivation, Libraries Week celebrates your local library as a vital community resource, where people go to learn, meet people and access services. Make the most of your local library by getting involved in Libraries Week.”
All events are free, although some have limited places, so need to be booked in advance. Find out more – including a full list of everything that’s on offer throughout the week – at www.leicester.gov.uk/librariesweek
Libraries Week is organised nationally by CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. To find out more, visit http://librariesweek.org.uk/
ENDS