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Be part of a safe, online library community, led by library staff and volunteers, and connect with others over a shared interest or activity.

Library ‘Connect Bubbles’ are small group chat sessions focused on different topics which take place online via Zoom. We run a number of ‘Book Bubbles’ that explore different authors and genres as well as general book chat and others that explore board games, knitting, craft, art, photography, seated dance!

There is no obligation to lead a conversation or be ‘well read’, if you simply want to watch, listen and join in when you are ready, you are more than welcome.

We welcome any suggestions for themes that volunteers, and the public would like to be made available. 

Book your place on a Connect Bubble via the .

If you would like to join a Connect Bubble but do not have the digital skills or confidence to use Zoom, we can help. Get a call back from a library Digital Champion.

 

Libraries provide informal opportunities for customers to connect socially while taking part in a shared hobby or interest such as Knit and Natter, Reader’s Groups, Scrabble Club, and Film Club, Photography Club or Reminiscers Groups. Many of these groups meet weekly so customers can drop-in to connect and share their current project, or find inspiration from others.

For a full list of Adult Activities available in libraries, search the events page and join a group in your local library.

 

Informal groups of readers, who can connect socially while discussing books that have been borrowed from the Library.

The majority of our Readers Groups are hosted in Libraries, while others take place outside the library environment but use books borrowed from the Library. There is also a number of online Connect Bubble Readers Groups covering Crime, Poetry and general fiction. All of the Readers Groups can be found on the events and activities page, searchable by location.

 

Bounce and Rhyme

Join in at weekly music sessions for babies and toddlers delivered in libraries. Bounce and Rhyme sessions focus on supporting speech and language development through singing songs and rhymes with accompanying actions and simple percussion music. They provide an opportunity for parents/ carers to connect with others in their local community.

Story time

Story times for pre-school children delivered in libraries with the aim of supporting language development and pre-reading skills through interactive, engaging storytelling. Story times provide an inclusive experience for children to listen to stories that develop their early concept knowledge, support speech and language development, literacy skills, school readiness and social interaction.

 

Libraries host a number of events and promotions throughout the year that support national reading and literacy programmes including World Book Day, World Book Night, National Bookstart Week, National Libraries Week, the Summer Reading Challenge and National Poetry Day. The programme of events include author talks, workshops, book displays, exhibitions and reading challenges.

Visit the Library events and activities section for all the latest details.

Health Walks

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â libraries are starting points for Health Walks which provide regular, guided local walks for different ability levels.

Dementia friendly libraries

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â Libraries are members of the Dementia Action Alliance and are part of an affiliation of local organisations that welcome and support people living with Dementia.

Libraries host Dementia cafes which provide an opportunity for people living with Dementia to meet and gain support. They also run targeted Dementia friendly activities focused on reminiscence

Autism friendly libraries

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â Libraries have adopted Autism Friendly Standards. Library staff are trained to recognise and respond appropriately to additional needs of people on the autistic spectrum. All libraries have identified appropriate quiet, safe spaces and offer ear defenders for customers with low noise tolerance.

Signposting

Library staff are experts in supporting customer to access a range of information, resources and to source additional services that might be of help to them. For example, library staff signposting students to counselling services, supporting online access to local GP information, supporting research to find charities who provide direct support for a particular condition.