Libraries Week is an annual showcase and celebration of the best that libraries have to offer. Between 2-8 October 2023, libraries across the country will celebrate the innovative and surprising ways in which they support their local communities. The Atkinson is proud to be home to Southport Library, and to support the range of services they deliver to the local community and tourists alike.
In 2023, Libraries Week becomes Green Libraries Week!
Using a library is eco-friendly for several reasons. Firstly, it reduces the demand for new book production, saving trees and energy used in printing and shipping. Libraries promote resource sharing, as multiple people can read the same book, reducing the need for duplicate copies. Libraries also encourage the concept of borrowing rather than buying, which extends to other materials like movies and music, reducing the production and disposal of physical media.
The Sefton Library network offers a range of digital resources, reducing the consumption of paper and reducing waste. The Sefton Directory provides comprehensive online information about a full range of opportunities and services across Sefton. In Sefton Libraries, Members can access websites including Ancestry, Find My Past and The British Newspaper Archive. Outside the library, free apps including BorrowBox, Libby and Press Reader offer a range of e-books, e-audiobooks, newspapers and magazines to Members. Transparent Language Online allows Sefton Library Members to build vocabulary, practice skills, and maintain what they have learned.
Most importantly, by providing a communal space, libraries foster a sense of community and reducing the need for individuals to travel to access knowledge and services, thus lowering carbon emissions.
Here is an overview of free events you can get involved with at Southport Library at The Atkinson during Libraries Week 2023:
Tuesday 3 October
Family History Help Desk, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Sefton libraries offer a comprehensive range of information sources including those for local and family history.
Wednesday 4 October
Digital Drop-in Sessions, 10am-1pm
If you need help with your digital devices or with accessing online services, come along to a digital drop-in session.
Story & Rhyme Time, 11:30am-12:25pm
Explore stories through rhyme and help develop your child’s language and communication skills while meeting other parents and carers.
Grounders Graphics Group, 6:30pm
A group for those interested in graphics, comics and manga. Share your ideas, art and opinions.
Thursday 5 October
National Poetry Day 2023, 6:30pm-8pm
£5. Ticket price includes a hot drink and a piece of cake. Tickets available from Southport Library.
Join us for this mass celebration that encourages everyone to make, experience and share poetry with family and friends. Each year we come together because voices, words and stories help to bridge understanding in our community. This year, the theme is Refuge. At Southport Library, local writer Gillian Floyd will be sharing her poetry.
Saturday 7 October
Ukulele Lending Library: Launch Day, 11am-2pm
Find out how you can loan a Ukulele from Southport Library the same way you would loan a book. Enjoy a jam session and gain access to music and connect with your local community. The Atkinson and Southport Library are working in collaboration with The Ukulele Project North West and Ukulele Buddies to allow our adult Library Members to gain access to music.
Coming soon!
Thursday 12 October
Shared Reading Taster, 2pm-3:30pm
Reading literature aloud in real-time, means that everyone is involved in a shared, live experience. The group are encouraged to respond personally, sharing feelings, thoughts and memories provoked by the reading. Come along to Southport Library, grab a cuppa and enjoy listening to a story or poem – no pressure to talk or read. This event is delivered in collaboration with The Reader.
How to join Sefton Libraries
To join Sefton Libraries, you can join online using the Sefton Libraries Catalogue. Alternatively, you can visit any Sefton Library and join up in person. It’s free to join and you don’t need to bring an identification – all we need is your name, address, email and a few other details. However, if you simply want to browse, read, study or find out the answer to a query, do feel free to come in – you don’t need to join.
Southport Library at The Atkinson
Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB
southport.library@sefton.gov.uk / 0151 934 2118
Monday – Friday. 10am – 5pm. Saturday. 10am – 2pm.
Useful Links
sefton.gov.uk/libraries
theatkinson.co.uk/visit-us/thelibrary
Posted on 1 October 2023 under General news
