News from library authorities:
Salford
Living Library event - Swinton Library
On Monday 29th June, visitors to Swinton Library were able to hear unique stories from Unison members at a 'Living Library' event. At 'Living Library' events people 'borrow' a Unison member each with their own unique story to tell, instead of checking out a normal book. 'Books' at the event included, 'I see dead people,' a journey in spirituality.
'Readers' were able to choose from a catalogue of twelve books, sit and listen to their stories on a one to one basis or with a friend and ask questions for a maximum of twenty minutes.
The concept of the 'Living Library' originated in Denmark in 2000 and has been praised around the world. Jane Mathieson of Time to Read said: "Public library staff in the North West are excited about the idea of trying out the 'Living Libraries' concept. There are so many people with interesting stories to tell in our region and this is a novel way of getting them out to readers."
More 'Living Library' events are planned in the autumn in a number of authorities including Blackburn and Oldham.
Get into Reading update - July 2009
Get into Reading is expanding within day care centres for the elderly in Salford. Having liaised with those responsible for provision of care for the elderly, Sarah Coyne (Reader Development Officer) and Amanda Brown (Get into Reading project worker) led a training morning at Sahal Court in Salford on Monday 15th June. There were ten participants, including care staff and managers from four centres: Brierley House day centre, Humphrey Booth day centre in Broughton, Humphrey Booth day centre in Ordsall and The Limes Respite care centre, Swinton.
Training began with an inspirational introduction from Kate McDonnell from The Reader organisation, after which the reading of extracts from Laurie Lee's Cider with Rosie provided much discussion and much laughter. By the end of the morning, participants had led their own mini-reading sessions - working in pairs to prepare an extract and facilitate discussion. Enthusiasm ran high as people began to appreciate the flexibility running their own groups would give them. The session ended with all agreeing that they had enjoyed learning about Get into Reading. Groups are now developing as a result of this training in all four day centres and further training sessions are at the planning stage in other areas.
For more information about Get into reading in Salford contact:
Sarah Coyne Tel: 0161 778 0887
