We are open for Order and Collect

Did you know that all of our library buildings are open for an Order and Collect service again? You can email us details of books you would like us to gather for you or you can phone your local library or complete an online order form. You will only be able to return, order and collect stock from your local library. We will do our best to get the books you want to you as quickly as we can. The safety of our staff and customers is our priority and we are following Welsh Government guidance on how to handle library books. Please note all books returned to the library will be quarantined for 72 hours. When your books are ready, we will contact you to arrange an appointment for you to come and collect them. You can return books at the same appointment if you are collecting books. If you only want to return books, you will need to contact us by email and telephone to arrange an appointment. All books you currently have on loan and any you borrow via Order and Collect Service will be automatically renewed so you do not need to worry about returning them on time and you will not incur any fines. For contact details and to access the order and collect form please visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries. We look forward to seeing you again!

Anti Bullying Week, November 16-20

The effects of bullying can have a massive impact on all individuals, whether that is at school, work, college or socially. Anti bullying week is a great way to get involved, take a stand against bullying and raise awareness. Bullying doesn't just affect children but adults too. This year the theme is 'United Against Bullying' and you can show your support for this campaign by adding one of these books from our collection to your next Order and Collect list. Titles include Bullying: A Parents Guide by Jennifer Thomsen, Ali and Annie's Guide to…Feeling Good About Yourself, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Dr Christian's Guide to Growing Up Online, Self Esteem and Mental Health by Anna Claybourne and How to Handle Bullies, Teasers and Other Meanies by Kate Cohen-Posy.

Book Boxes for Schools

We often see stories about declining reading frequency and concerns that parents are not reading to their children often enough. But why does it matter? There is strong evidence linking reading for pleasure and educational outcomes. We know that academic attainment is of vital importance, but the benefits of reading for pleasure go beyond this and stretch throughout a person's life. During this pandemic, school visits to libraries have stopped but that doesn't mean your children can't continue to use the library or choose their own reading books. All libraries are now offering Book Boxes to replace the visits to the library. To apply for a Book Box, please contact your local library and discuss with library staff what books your class would like to read. Contact details can be found on our website www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries

Christmas is coming

It's almost Christmas, time to start prepping your presents, mixing up Christmas cake, planning a menu and making your own gifts. If you're struggling for inspiration why not try these books from Cefn Mawr Library - How to Clean Your House at Christmas by Aggie MacKenzie, Christmas Style by Debi Staron, Christmas Craft Book by Thomas Berger and Mary Berry's Christmas Collection. Or what about these from Llay Library – The Hairy Bikers 12 Days of Christmas, Primrose Bakery Christmas by Martha Swift or Quick and Clever Handmade Cards by Julie Hickey. You can add all of these books and more from any of our libraries to your next Order and Collect list, visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries and follow the Online Catalogue link or Order and Collect link.

Online book group

Are you missing being part of a Reading Group? Welsh Libraries Online Book Group Wales has released its November titles - I Botany Bay by Bethan Gwanas, and The Foundling by Stacey Halls. It is a great opportunity for you to read along with this online community and share your thoughts on either of these books. The selection will be voted by the public, and all are welcome to have their say. Books will be available to download from our online facility BorrowBox and read as eBooks and/or eAudiobooks. To find out more and get involved, search for "Online Book Group Wales" on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/231290021468538/

Book Review

Nemesis By Jo Nesbǿ

The Leader:

Nemesis is Nesbǿ's fourth book in the Harry Hole series. Great for lovers of noir crime detective stories, and recommended by Goodreads as a good book to curl up under a blanket with during chilly autumn days.

The solitary, surly Norwegian detective Hole investigates a bank robbery that went wrong leading to a death. Uncovering a web of evil, Hole becomes inadvertently implicated in murder. The dark, sombre setting, with the ruminative yet charismatic Hole, creates a shadowy, reflective atmosphere in this tale of revenge and vendetta. Once again, supported by the author's perceptive observations on human nature, life and society, Nemesis includes an interesting cast of characters to add complexity and intrigue.

Described by some as a little overcomplicated by plot and sub-plot, with a murder investigation, Hole's drink problem, and his involvement as a suspect, Nemesis is not as persistently action packed as some of Nesbo's other works. However overall, it remains a worthy example of clever and intelligent storytelling, and is another entertaining outing for this crime fiction hero for fans to enjoy.

Also available on BorrowBox as an eBook