Wrexham Library Service: titles to download and reading recommendations

From today (May 4) Brynteg, Chirk, Gwersyllt and Rhos libraries will re-open to browse, borrow and return books by appointment only. If you would like the opportunity to visit these libraries and choose your own books then please call them to arrange an appointment. The Order and Collect system will continue to operate for customers who do not wish to visit the library at the moment. The safety of our staff and customers is our priority and we are following Welsh Government guidance on how to manage visits. All books returned to the library will continue to be quarantined for 72 hours. More branch libraries will re-open to browse, borrow and return over the coming weeks.

James Patterson junior books at Brynteg Library

James Patterson titles aimed at younger readers.

James Patterson is best known for his various adult mystery and suspense novels, particularly his Alex Cross and Women's Murder Club books. In recent times he has written a number of books for younger readers. The Middle School series of books from James Patterson includes many books that were co-written with Christopher Tebbets and Laura Park. Other popular titles include Unbelievably Boring Bart, Jacky Ha-Ha, Expelled, Max Einstein plus the popular series Treasure Hunters. If you'd like to order and collect any of James Patterson's books contact Brynteg Library on 01978 759523, or email Brynteg.Library@wrexham.gov.uk or use the online services via www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries.

Libby - the new digital reading app

More than 3,000 popular magazines will be available for download from Wrexham Library Service. Readers can enjoy Radio Times, National Geographic, Hello! and more through the new digital reading app -Libby. Digital magazines through Libby have no waiting lists or reservations, do not count towards checkout limits and provide readers with the option to renew their selections. Borrowers can browse lists of magazines within the app and search by format to find available titles. Readers may browse and instantly borrow titles then start reading for free with a valid library card. This service is compatible with all major computers and devices, iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets and Chromebook. All titles automatically expire at the end of the lending period and there are no late fees. Readers can also download titles onto Libby for offline use. To get started enjoying digital magazines, download Libby or visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries and follow the online service link.

The 2021 International Booker Prize

On March 30, the judges of the 2021 International Booker Prize revealed the 13 novels longlisted for the prestigious award which celebrates the finest translated fiction from around the world.

Complementing The Booker Prize for Fiction, the prize is awarded every year for a single book that is translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland. Celebrating the best fiction in translation published within the past year selected from 125 books, 13 have been chosen by the judges as, in their opinion, the best books in translation published in the past year. Translated from a range of languages including Chinese, Danish and Spanish, each of these books are unique and special. If you would like to find our more then please visit www.thebookerprizes.com. You can borrow a copy from your local library www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries

BorrowBox

The library's BorrowBox service has a wide range of e-books and e-audio books available for you to download onto your computer or most mobile devices to read and to listen to. There are English and Welsh language books, fiction and non-fiction, and books for adults and children and all are free of charge. 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/libraries and follow the online service link. Curious about what is available, then why not give it a go?

Book Review

The World At My Feet by Catherine Isaac

The World At My Feet by Catherine Isaac

From post-revolution Romania to the idyllic English countryside, The World At My Feet is the story of two women, two worlds, and a journey of self-discovery that spans a lifetime. I loved both of Catherine Isaac's previous novels but this one was something else - I absolutely loved it!! It was beautifully written and all credit to Catherine Isaac for writing such a heart-warming, moving and emotional novel. The research into all areas was spot on - from the orphanages of Romania 30 years ago, the gardening aspect, the social media, and the psychotherapy element! The novel had so many aspects to it that I felt it was in a class of its own and would be enjoyed by readers of all genres. It covered a lot of ground - from remembering those awful images we saw of the Romanian State orphanages 30 years ago, right up to today's Instagram influencers (with a few gardening tips in between). This was one of those books I didn't want to end and it will probably stay in my thoughts for quite some time. Already recommending it to all my reader friends. Lynda