A popular Library storytelling session is set to move to a park in Taunton now that lockdown measures are further easing.
James Denslow – AKA ‘Library Man’ – has created quite a buzz on social media in recent months with his quirky Facebook story-times. Now lockdown is further easing – and the summer holidays are here – Library staff are running weekly storytelling sessions in Lyngford Park throughout August.
James has created quite a following reading stories on the Priorswood Library Facebook page over the last few months. Now he and his colleague, Somerset Libraries Outreach Officer, Katy Chick, have started to emerge from the virtual world to deliver social distanced outdoor story-time sessions.
James and Katy will be turning pages at Lyngford Park, Taunton, each Wednesday in August at 12pm (weather permitting), so people can have some library fun during the summer holiday.
David Hall, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries at Somerset County Council, said: “Library staff have come up with many innovative ways to entertain the public during lockdown. Children from across the county and beyond have been captivated by their virtual storytelling.
“With fewer restrictions on us all now, James and Katy have the opportunity to deliver their story-time sessions outdoors, for all to enjoy. We ask families who attend to abide by all social distancing rules whilst enjoying the story-time.”
All families are welcome, but places are limited and need to be pre-booked by contacting Engagement Lead Angela Bolitho from the North Taunton One Team, email: a.bolitho@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk. More details are available via ‘Somerset Libraries Priorswood’ on Facebook. #
Families on a low income can pre-order a free picnic on these Wednesdays in August from Angela, which have kindly been provided by Fair Share and prepared by Somerset County Council catering staff at Kilve Court.
Other online events and activities for families are available every day – including story-times, performances and activities as part of the 2020 Summer Reading Challenge – delivered this year by ‘The Silly Squad’. Visit www.somersetlibraries.co.uk for information, or find ‘Somerset Libraries UK’ on Facebook.
Library staff have also been busy creating a range of videos for grown-ups such as nature walks, a gardening club, cookery tips and tips to help with health and wellbeing.
What’s more, anyone who is a member of Somerset Libraries can also download audiobooks, magazines, books, comics and access other online services such as Ancestry UK.
Joining Somerset Libraries has been made even easier, with a simple online form available fromwww.librarieswest.org.uk/join
