Big Welsh Rhymetime

It's time to celebrate the #BigWelshRhymetime again! Whilst celebrations may be a little different this year, we here at Aura Libraries are still very excited to be able to bring you extra special rhymetime sessions online, and continue to spread a shared love of reading for all ages.

The Big Welsh Rhyme Time, organised by Book Trust Cymru, is aimed at children aged 0-7, takes place this year between Monday, February 8 and Friday, February 12. The purpose of the Big Welsh Rhyme Time is to encourage children to share rhymes and songs in Welsh and English, helping them to develop speaking, listening and language skills before, or whilst, they learn to read.

Sharing rhymes and stories from a young age, and encouraging a love of reading can be help children to grow into great listeners and build their confidence and communication skills - plus it's a great way to have fun together as a group or family.

Book Trust Cymru will be sharing lots of wonderful rhymes and activities during the Big Welsh Rhyme Time, find them social media by following @BookTrustCymru on Twitter or visiting their website: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/booktrust-cymru/

We are so excited to be taking part in the Big Welsh Rhyme Time again this year. Join us for not one but two extra special live rhymetime sessions hosted via Zoom: the first session will take place on Thursday, February 11 at 2pm, and the second session on Friday, February 12 at 10.30am. Please email Susannah Hill at susannah.hill@aura.wales to receive the meeting ID and passcode.

You can also pick up a Big Welsh Rhyme Time pack which includes stickers and a certificate from your local Aura library when collecting a Select and Collect order. As a reminder, our libraries are currently open for Select and Collect orders only: to make an order please telephone us on 01352 703750, or email us at libraries@aura.wales. You can browse our catalogue at www.aura.wales/flintshire-library-catalogue/ and place a hold on items to collect from the library counter. We will just need to know your library membership number, a contact telephone number and email address, your book requests/preferences, and your preferred collection point.

Free Adult Learning Courses

Aura Libraries are here to help and support you to gain more confidence using a computer or laptop. We are offering free six-week courses starting from February 15, where we will provide support over the phone to help you build confidence. These courses can also help you to gain confidence when using so that you can enjoy activities and events online.

Please call your nearest library to book your place:

• Buckley 01352 703860

• Connah's Quay 01352 703730

• Flint 01352 703737

• Mold 01352 703780

Book of the Month

Aura Libraries' February 2021 book of the month is Live a Little by Howard Jacobson.

Live a Little by Howard Jacobson

Live a Little by Howard Jacobson

Ninety-something year old Beryl Dusinbery is having some issues with her memories - not to mention some trouble remembering her own children and who their fathers are or were. Her two carers, Nastya and Euphoria, bear the brunt of her quick wit and honesty, listening to her stories of husbands and love affairs past.

Shimi Carmelli on the other hand, North London's most eligible bachelor, remembers everything, even his own birth and in particular, a childhood shame that looms over his life, even now in his 80s.

The two are brought together and discover that it is never too late to heal old wounds and enjoy life to the full right until the very end.

Splattered with moments of joy and humour, Live a Little is a touching story of regret, love, and the way we look back on paths taken and untaken. Aura Book Score: 4/5

Reading Friends Shared Reading Group

Our next reading group sessions will be on Tuesday, February 9, from 11am-noon and Wednesday, February 10 from 7pm-8pm.

Our monthly reading groups are fun, welcoming and a space for people to get together and socialise whilst sharing a love of reading! For more information or to join, please email susannah.hill@aura.wales

From everyone here at Aura Libraries, thank you for reading, stay safe and we hope to hear from you or see you soon! Whilst we may be facing difficult times, remember: we are always united by books!

• Aura is a charitable, not-for-profit, organisation responsible for managing the majority of leisure, libraries and heritage services in Flintshire. Aura is owned by its employees and operates for the benefit of local communities.