News from across Flintshire's Aura Libraries

January is a very special month for us here at Aura Libraries as we celebrate the birthdays of some of our favourite Welsh authors, past and present. Starting with Hedd Wyn, one of Wales' most cherished poets, who was born on January 13, 1887. He was posthumously awarded Cadair y Bardd (the bard's chair) at the National Eisteddfod in 1917, now remembered as Eisteddfod y Gadair Ddu - Eisteddfod of the Black Chair. Many of his poems, particularly those centring on war, religion, and nature, are frequently quoted and beloved by many.

Next we have the brilliant Bethan Gwanas, who celebrates her birthday on January 16. She has written an array of books for people of all ages including popular titles such as I Botany Bay and Hi Yw Fy Ffrind, and is a go-to author for many Welsh learners and speakers. We recommend reading the fantastic Bywyd Blodyn Jones trilogy for Welsh learners and speakers alike.

Celebrating Welsh authors across Flintshire libraries.

Lastly, the wonderful Manon Steffan Ros celebrates her birthday on January 19: another treasured author for us here at Aura Libraries. Loved by readers of all ages, she is the author of many popular titles for younger readers such as Fi a Joe Allen (also available in English as Me and Joe Allen), and titles for adults such as Blasu (adapted in English as The Seasoning) and Llanw - not to mention the outstanding award-winning novel Llyfr Glas Nebo (recently translated as The Blue Book of Nebo).

Discover more about Hedd Wyn, Bethan Gwanas and Manon Steffan Ros via our online library catalogue. Why not add one or more of the above titles to your next Select and Collect order: search our online library catalogue and reserve titles, or email or phone your local library. To make an order please phone us on 01352 703750, or email 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.

E-books and audiobooks

As a reminder, Aura Library members can download e-books and audiobooks free of charge from Borrowbox and Libby to a PC, laptop or Mac. Alternatively, you can download the Borrowbox and Libby apps directly to a smartphone or tablet.

To access most online library resources you will need to enter your library membership number and pin. If you do not have this then you can join up as a member online via the Aura website for instant access. All links and further details about our digital library resources can be found on our website: www.aura.wales/libraries

Library Events

Sporting Memories: every Wednesday 10.30am-11.30am at Flint Library

Ffrindiau Darllen Cymraeg for intermediate Welsh learners: second Monday of the month 2pm-3pm (Zoom session)

Family History Group: second Tuesday of the month 2pm-3pm at Mold Library and every third Tuesday of the month 7pm-8pm (Zoom session)

Reading Friends Shared Reading Group: second Tuesday of the month 2pm at Flint Library

Reading Friends Shared Reading Group: second Thursday of the month 11am at Mold Library

Reading Friends Shared Reading Group: second Tuesday of the month 1pm at Deeside Library

Ffrindiau Darllen Cymraeg for Welsh speakers and advanced learners: second Tuesday of the month 7pm-8pm (Mold Library/ Zoom session – contact Francesca for details: francesca.sciarrillo@aura.wales)

Reading Friends Shared Reading Group: second Wednesday of the month 7pm-8pm (Zoom session)

Children's Reading Group: last Thursday of the month 4pm-5pm (Zoom session)

Please contact your local library to book a place at any of our events. To register for any of our online events, please email Susannah Hill at susannah.hill@aura.wales

Library Contact Information

Broughton Library: 01352 703760 broughton.library@aura.wales

Buckley Library: 01352 703860 buckley.library@aura.wales

Connah's Quay Library: 01352 703730 connahs.quay.library@aura.wales

Deeside Library: 01352 703770 deeside.library@aura.wales

Flint Library: 01352 703737 flint.library@aura.wales

Holywell Library: 01352 703850 holywell.library@aura.wales

Mold Library: 01352 703780 mold.library@aura.wales

Visit us on social media to view handy information about our services and the online monthly events we host, as well as lots of book and audiobook recommendations.

From everyone here at Aura Libraries, thank you for reading, stay safe and we hope to hear from you or see you soon!

• 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.