Re-opening of Wrexham's libraries

Following the Welsh Government's announcement, we are now planning for how we can re-open our libraries in a safe and responsible way for our staff and customers. Further information will follow, but until then our library buildings remain closed. As you are not able to return books, you won't be fined and they will be automatically renewed. Please continue to keep your books at home. You won't be able to reserve books whilst we try to reshape our service. Please accept our apologies for this. Remember that you can download e-books, e-audiobooks and magazines free of charge plus you can still have temporary membership. Visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries and follow the online service link or the online catalogue link.

Empathy Day

Empathy Day was founded in 2017 and its aims are to drive a new empathy movement inspired by research showing that humans are not born with a fixed quantity of empathy - it's a skill we can learn. Empathy Lab have created a family activity pack with 14 activities for families to do in the 14 days run up to Empathy Day - (from May 26 onwards). The activities are simple and fun. Families can do them together, they don't need to print anything off. All you need to take part is some scrap paper and a pen or pencil. For more details visit https://www.empathylab.uk/family-activities-pack

Universal Skills - Universal Credit and Job Match

Wrexham Library Service has a resource which takes you through making a claim for universal credit and also through the jobs match portal. In addition to this it can also teach you basic computer skills, such as using a mouse. The site has some detail about preparing for an interview, CV writing tips and more. Each section is broken down into modules and you can check to see which modules you have completed. This invaluable resource is available from the library's webpages www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries(follow the online services link) and can be accessed at home with your library card.

BorrowBox

Did you know Wrexham Libraries offer a service where you can download 10 eBooks and 10 eAudiobooks for free for 21 days via the BorrowBox App? Borrowing digital content has never been simpler, smarter or more convenient. BorrowBox digital content is available any time from work, home or anywhere, 24/7. You can reserve or borrow up to 10 eAudiobooks and 10 eBooks at a time. Browse their library of the world's best authors and titles, as well as enjoying newsletters, bonus interviews and author profiles. How and where you enjoy your favourite titles is your choice in just a few easy steps, all you need is a valid library card. For more details visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/librariesand follow the online service link.

Book of the Week

Welsh Book of the Week is: Hiwmor Nigel by Nigel Owens. For all you sports fans missing a bit of rugby this short and fast-paced Quick Reads book is a collection of jokes by Nigel Owens, the rugby referee and entertainer from Pontyberem.

English Book of the Week is: Susannah's Garden by Debbie Macomber. For gardening fans and with a little romance this novel tells Susannah Nelson's story and her return to her hometown where she discovers is that things are not always as they once seemed. Some paths are dead ends. But some gardens remain beautiful...

Both titles are available to loan free of charge from our BorrowBox online collection (www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries).

Meet the team

Deryl works at Cefn Mawr Library.

What do you love about your job? I love meeting people of all ages-they've all got a story to tell - and it's lovely getting to know a wide variety of people. I love suggesting books that they might like to read and then look forward to hearing whether they like it or not - we are all different!!

How can the service help those in the community? The library is an essential service in the community. It is an open, inviting space for all ages to use in their own way, from popping in to read the paper; choose or request a book; use the computers (because they do not have one at home) or just to chat with someone in one of the groups or one of the staff. For many people it might be the only trip out in the day, and some even pop in each time we are open.

Favourite childhood book? The Owl Service by Alan Garner.

Books you could read over and over? Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

Favourite Author? At the moment, Claire Mackintosh.

Last book you read? The Long Call by Ann Cleeves

Any reading recommendations? Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce; The Upstairs Room by Kate Murray-Browne; You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen