Empathy Day

Aura Libraries are joining in for Empathy Day.

Aura Libraries are joining in for Empathy Day.

Aura Libraries will be celebrating Empathy Day on June 10, and encouraging everyone - particularly young people - to #ReadforEmpathy and walk in someone else's shoes. Empathy Day is all about building a more caring world. Scientific research shows that empathy is a learnable skill, and that books are a powerful tool. When we read, our brains experience characters' feelings as if they were real, and through this process we expand our understanding of other people. Read stories. Build empathy. Make a better world.

Look out for some special storytimes on our social media pages, or join one of our rhymetimes or Reading Friends groups. Please contact your nearest library for days and times.

You can find out more about Empathy Day and how you can get involved at https://www.empathylab.uk/empathyday-2021

There will also be some fantastic live events with great children's authors. Find out more here: https://www.empathylab.uk/empathy-day-live-2021

Sporting Memories

Are you a sports fan? Join us for our Sporting Memories group, every Wednesday at 10am via Zoom. Sporting Memories sessions are aimed at people over 50 and are designed to get conversation flowing, help relive positive memories and provide joy and companionship. At Sporting Memories clubs, everyone finds fun, friendship and increased well-being. Why not join us and find out what it's all about! The sessions will run weekly and we hope to be able to meet in person very soon. For more information and to register for the session please email susannah.hill@aura.wales

Select and Collect

It has been wonderful to see the community return to our library buildings. Whilst the libraries are open for select browsing, we are still really enjoying putting your Select and Collect orders together. You can browse and reserve items for collection via our online library catalogue at www.aura.wales/flintshire-library-catalogue/

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. If you would like to make an order, please telephone us on 01352 703750, or email us at libraries@aura.wales .

Aura Book Corner

The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves

The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves

The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves

This week's book recommendation comes from Inara at Mold Library.

She said: "I recommend The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves, the ninth novel featuring Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope.

"The book is set amid the snowy Northumbrian landscape and the story grips you right from the start.

"Vera and her team investigate two murders within the close community. Like all good detective stories, The Darkest Evening is full of twists and turns with possible suspects and red herrings: it will keep you guessing right up until the end.

"What makes this story different is that Vera uncovers not only mysteries and secrets in the village, but in her own family.

"I would recommend this book to all Ann Cleeves fans, and to anyone who enjoys a well written murder mystery.

"I would give this title an Aura Book Score of 5/5."

The Darkest Evening, along with other titles by Ann Cleeves, is available to borrow from your local Aura library. If this book sounds right up your street, why not add it to your next Select and Collect order!

Computer use at your local Aura Library

As a reminder, computers are available to book by phoning the library:

• Broughton Library - 01352 703760

• Buckley Library - 01352 703860

• Connah's Quay Library - 01352 703730

• Flint Library - 01352 703737

• Holywell Library - 01352 703850

• Mold Library - 01352 703780

Visit us on social media to view our weekly rhyme time or story time sessions, as well as lots of book and audiobook recommendations, plus handy information about our services and the online monthly events we host, including Zoom reading groups for adults and children. We can be found on Facebook at @LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries, Instagram at @llyfrgelloeddauralibraries and Twitter at @LibFlintshire.

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.