Libraries - Food for Thought

We would know nothing about our history without the incredible ancient libraries of Alexandria, the Vatican, ancient Egypt and even the Dead Sea Scrolls. Libraries are our link to knowledge, adventure, romance, mystery, the past, present and the future. If you can read a book then you can learn anything. Previously undiscovered hobbies can be born from a quick trip to your local library and all kinds of new possibilities open up from reading and researching.

Modern libraries offer much more than books. Most offer the facility to rent DVDs, music CDs and console games. You can browse magazines and newspapers or research vital business information without having to pay a fortune for books that you may only refer to once or twice. Details on local reading groups, book clubs and adult education classes are available. Libraries also offer the use of free internet access which is crucial to many people.

Libraries have changed significantly from the quiet, rather staid atmosphere of the past and some activities may be quite surprising to traditionalists. A few establishments have successfully experimented with an idea of children reading to dogs. Yes, you read that correctly - dogs in a library! It has been discovered that reluctant readers are perfectly at ease reading to pets and, of course, anything that encourages a child to read is good.

Many libraries offer special Summer Holiday schemes to persuade children to make use of the facilities, opening up a lifetime of interest and potential. Depending on your location and local library, some of these schemes may include reading groups where professional storytellers bring stories to life in a magical way.

Other activities much enjoyed and anticipated every year by older children are reading challenges or quests. They may need to read a certain number of books in return for charts, stickers and a certificate. Others could be virtual treasure hunts where, by researching clues using all of the library’s facilities, the child finds the answer by utilising their own deductive skills.

Children bask in their success and enjoy the thrill of a traditional chase. Surely this is more satisfying than playing computer games or watching the television? It’s definitely more educational, as their research automatically helps them to assimilate other information at the same time. Besides, there’s nothing like a potential reward to encourage reluctant readers to enjoy books.

You may find creative writing programs and activity days to look forward to. Some examples that have been run around the country are as diverse as creating a bird nestbox, jewellery making, photography workshops, lantern making, comic book creation, dancing and art clubs.

The whole world opens up when you have access to a library. For the seemingly endless, and often rainy, summer holidays, what better way to spend some time than to explore other worlds, lives and hobbies by visiting your local library?

Steyning Library
24 Hour Renewals 01243 642110
Library Phone No 01903 812751
Email: steyning.library@westsussex.gov.uk

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 5.00pm
Saturday: 10.00 - 2pm

Rhyme Time at the Library
Friday between 2:15 - 2:45pm. A fun session with rhymes, songs and musical instruments. Children aged 0 - 3 are welcome.

Story Time for the up to 5's on a Monday afternoon at 2.15 to 2.45 where the children are read some stories and do a colouring.

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