Empathy Day 2022

Empathy Day is back! Celebrated each year (this year June 9), Empathy Day raises awareness of the crucial role that reading plays for children and young people as they build and develop their empathy skills. The EmpathyLab website has lots of fantastic ideas for getting involved, including family activity packs and author-led games such as Empathy Charades. You can also find new books to read with the EmpathyLab's #ReadforEmpathy book collections.

For more information about Empathy Day and how to get involved, visit: empathylab.uk/empathy-day-2022

Hi VIS Fortnight 2022

Join us at Aura Libraries between June 6-19 to celebrate Hi VIS Fortnight: a celebration of 'all things' related to accessible libraries and reading. Aura Libraries will be showcasing our resources, activities and support for people with sight loss. There will be drop-in events to find out more. Reading brings us all together, and there are so many options for every reader in many formats. For more information email libraries@aura.wales or call 01352 704400

Further information about Hi VIS Fortnight can be found here: readingsight.org.uk/hi-vis-week-2022/

Grŵpiau Sgwrsio Cymraeg - Welsh Conversational Groups at Flint and Mold Libraries

Are you learning Welsh? Why not join us for our new weekly Welsh conversational group at Flint Library. The session will take place every Thursday at 2pm and is suitable for learners of all abilities. We also have an informal Welsh learners conversational group at Mold Library which meet on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm. These sessions are a friendly and relaxed space for Welsh learners and speakers to socialise and build confidence. A very warm welcome to all! For more information, contact Flint Library on 01352 703737, or email: flint.library@aura.wales or Mold Library on 01352 703780, or email: mold.library@aura.wales

Digital Loan Scheme

Would you like help getting online? Why not get in touch with your local Aura library to find out more about our fantastic Digital Loan Scheme which allows customers to borrow a digital device for free. Once connected, the Aura team will be on hand to provide training and advice on how to get to grips with the digital world. The aim is to support residents to discover the many positive changes that can be made to an individual's life by being online and connected.

Funded by the Welsh Government's Community Transformation Fund, and delivered in partnership with Flintshire County Council, customers are able to loan a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 tablet from Aura's libraries, together with the following accessories:

Charger

Case

4G Wi-Fi (If you do not have internet access at home)

This scheme also aims to help customers:

Build digital skills and confidence to access online services such as shopping and banking safely

Keep in touch with friends and family with video calling

Access support and training in a number of ways:

Group Sessions - friendly six-week basic tablet training course

Library Drop In - Basic guidance to help you get started at your local library

Home Tuition - for Home Library Service customers

Online - access Learn My Way or the iDEA training programmes from home

Access our online library services, including free eBooks and eAudiobooks

Access resources to promote health and wellbeing including online activities and services

Try before you buy - devices will be available to buy at the end of the loan period

Whilst the tablets are free to loan from Aura's libraries, participants will be required to agree to the Terms and Conditions of the loan and to complete a questionnaire at the beginning and end of the loan period.

Anyone interested in borrowing a digital device should:

Call into their local Aura Library

Email: libraries@aura.wales

Phone: 01352 704400

Stay Connected with Aura Libraries

Build on your digital skills with Aura! Aura library members have access to a wide range of specialist resources online to support job seeking and to identify training and learning opportunities. Computers with free internet access are available in all libraries to search for job vacancies, produce a CV and apply for jobs online.

Plus, all of our libraries provide free, friendly group sessions which follow the six-week Learn My Way online basics course. To find out more ask at your local library, call us on 01352 704400, or email us: libraries@aura.wales

Visit us on social media to view handy information about our services, events, and 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.