Magi Ann leads Easter fun events across Wrexham libraries

Magi Ann is fast becoming a favourite character among Welsh children across the country. Generations of children from Clwyd and beyond have learned to read with the black and white Magi Ann books since the 70s, but today her stories are available for free, and animated on six exciting apps. The apps have now been downloaded over 200,000 times, and Magi Ann's calendar remains full to the brim with visits at events and eisteddfods all over the country! Magi Ann will be visiting Chirk Library, 10.30am-11.30am and Ruabon Library, 1.15pm-2.15pm on Monday, April 11; and Wrexham Library, 10am-11am and Coedpoeth Library, 2.30pm-3.30pm on Wednesday, April 20. We look forward to seeing you!

Wrecsam2025 Events

To celebrate Wrexham's City of Culture 2025 bid why not join us for story times over Easter with storytellers Jacqui Blore, Jude Lennon and Sarah Parkinson. Between them they will be bringing their own special magical stories to all libraries across Wrexham. For more details phone your local library – details can be found at www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries Sessions will be suitable for young children under five.

Carnival of Words

There is still plenty of time to get your tickets for this year's Carnival of Words literary festival held at locations across Wrexham County Borough. Headline authors include Mark Billingham, Barbara Erskine, Patricia Bracewell, Milly Johnson, Carys Davies, Matthew Hall, Simon McCleave, Bethan Gwanas, Sarah Hilary, Gervase Phinn and Alan Johnson. There is also a range of supporting events for all ages, including storytelling for all of the family, a Writers' Carousel for people interested in becoming writers, local authors talking about the slate mines and River Dee, plus Rev Dr Jason Bray (vicar of St Giles, Wrexham) talking about his book, Deliverance, open mic poetry with Viva Voce, plus Welsh poets Iestyn Tyne and Elan Grug Muse. Something for everyone. For more details please visit www.wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com

Easter activities at Wrexham Library

Book your places for some free fun activity sessions at Wrexham Library this Easter! There will be Easter craft session on April, Wednesday 13 and 20, 1pm-2pm (suitable for children aged 5+); plus we have several story times across the fortnight with professional storyteller Jacqui Blore on Thursday, April 14, 10am and Magi Ann the popular children's Welsh character visiting on Wednesday, April 20 at 10am. Throw into the mix our regular story times for children on Thursday afternoons 2pm-2.30pm and Fridays 10am-10.30am, and you have a full holiday taken care of. To book your place on the craft sessions please call the library on 01978 292090.

Learning at Lunchtime

With energy bills rising there has never been a better time to review your household bills. Join us for this special Learning at Lunchtime at Wrexham Library on Wednesday, April 6, 1pm-2pm. An energy specialist from Groundworks will be leading the session advising you on how to reduce your costs. For more details call Nerys on 01978 292090.

Book review

Wales Book of the Year Winner 2021: Salt by Catrin Kean

Salt by Catrin Kean

Cardiff in 1878 is grimy, crowded and grey, and Ellen dreams of escaping her dreary life as a domestic for the sea. But when she falls in love with Samuel she is able to fulfil her destiny by running away with him. Life at sea is brutal and dangerous, and when circumstances bring her home the hardships of working class life and racism begin to poison their lives. This is a cleverly written book about love, commitment and travel. I particularly liked the way the author described the countries they visited on their travels. It was an insight into the different cultures and just how brutal and unfair life could be for coloured people in that era. I would highly recommend this book. I can totally understand why it was the Book of the Year winner 2021 and I look forward to reading Catrin Kean's next book. Nerys