Library news - February 2024

Library consultation

A group of people standing in front of a book shelfLike all local authorities, the council is facing significant funding pressures. A 42% reduction in funding since 2010 has resulted in a duty to set a balanced budget.

The council must make savings of £39.4 million in 2024/25, and there is a forecasted budget gap of £118.7 million for the 5 years through to 2028/29. It is inevitable that savings will need to be made now and in years to come across council services to set a balanced budget.

The council is under a duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. In light of these funding pressures, we need to consider whether our library service can be delivered in a more efficient way, while ensuring that it continues to meet people’s needs and is comprehensive.

We want to hear from you about whether you use our library service and your experience of our libraries. We will use your feedback and ideas to help us develop a draft proposal for a new library strategy for Enfield. We will then publish and consult on this draft strategy in summer 2024. We will consider any responses to that consultation and anticipate being able to finalise a new library strategy and make any changes in early 2025.

Those who live, work and study in the borough, representatives of schools, colleges, health organisations, local business, voluntary and community sector organisations, the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade can take part in the consultation.

Please give us your views by completing our questionnaire. If you have difficulties completing this, you can instead fill in the easy read version of the questionnaire. As an alternative, you can email us at libraries.engagement@enfield.gov.uk.


Library events page

A round sign with textAre you keen to keep up-to-date with the latest library news, but cannot bare to wait a whole month between newsletters? Do you remember hearing something about a LEGO Club at Bowes Road Library, but cannot remember when it took place? Would you like to check if Edmonton Green Library is still doing Tea and Chatter?

Then you are in luck.

We have launched our libraries events page - our one-stop-shop for all library events. You can search for events by library, target age, and day of the week. We have something for everyone so you can find the event that's right for you.


Half term activities

A red and yellow sign with a dragon and textMonday 12 to Friday 16 February is Half Term, which means, among other things, my commute will be a little quieter. It also happens to be Lunar New Year Friday 10 February, with the Spring Festival lasting until 20 February. To celebrate this, we are putting on a series of special half term events centered around the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon. On top of that, we will be providing free lunch at select events, courtesy of the Household Support Fund. Call to book your place - spots are limited and going fast.


Turkish language toddler time

Two girls playing with toysWe are very excited to announce the beginning of Ridge Avenue's Turkish Language Toddler Time, Tuesdays at 2pm, where we will be reading stories and singing songs in Turkish for children aged 2-5. Enfield is a diverse borough, and we are proud to be engaging with our community and building bilingualism.

We are of course always looking to expand our community language offerings. If you speak a language other than English and would like to volunteer your time at the library, please get in touch by emailing libraryservices@enfield.gov.uk, or by calling one of our branches, or by applying online as a Children's Activity Volunteer. All languages are welcome. Help us make the library a more diverse and welcoming space.


Library talks

A collage of chinese charactersFor some reason, one of our staff members has a degree in East Asian culture and language. To celebrate the Lunar New Year, they are giving a talk about the history of Chinese characters, also called ‘Hanzi,’ and how they have changed and evolved over time.

If you have ever been curious about Chinese characters, we encourage you to show up.

This talk is suitable for all ages. Call 020 8379 2727 to book a seat.

Date and time - Monday 19 February, 6pm to 7pm
Location - Palmers Green Library


LGBT+ History Month

A group of books on a rainbow backgroundFebruary is LGBT+ History Month, when we celebrate the history of the LGBT+ community which was often hidden and destroyed until the repeal of Section 28.

This year's theme is Medicine, highlighting the important role LGBT+ people have contributed to healthcare and medicine both historically and today. To celebrate this, we've arranged a special talk from the LGBT Network Enfield.

This talk is targeted at adults and young adults. Call 020 8379 2727 to book a seat, and get in touch with another side of history and community.

Date and time - Monday 26 February, 12:30 pm to 2:30pm
Location - Palmers Green Library


New in...for children

Board book

Jane Foster’s Baby’s First Stories cover

Jane Foster’s Baby’s First Stories - Stories to read to your toddler, featuring a cute elephant, panda, whale and bunny. They deal with daily routines, from getting dressed, mealtimes, bathtime and bedtime.

Picture Book

Don’t Forget To Say The Magic Word…PLEASE! cover

Don’t Forget To Say The Magic Word…PLEASE! by Simon Philip and Nathan Reed - A laugh-out-loud story about Bill, who forgets to say ‘please’ when asking for something. This leads to wild and funny consequences.

Children's fiction 7+

The Penguin Race by Katie Woolley & Hannah McCaffery cover

The Penguin Race by Katie Woolley and Hannah McCaffery - Percy the penguin is having a race with the other penguins. He wants to win but his friends need help. Will he decide to stop and help or will he carry on racing in the hope that he can win?

Children's fiction 9+

The Worst Class In The World - Animal Uproar by Joanna Nadin cover

The Worst Class In The World - Animal Uproar by Joanna Nadin - A hilarious tale about two best friends which the headteacher has labelled the WORST CLASS IN THE WORLD.

Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey cover

Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey - Pablo and Splash, the time travelling penguins. They go on an adventure back to the time of the dinosaurs. A brilliantly funny full-colour graphic novel.

New in...for young adults and adults

Non-fiction

HAGS by Victoria Smith cover

HAGS by Victoria Smith - Ever wondered why women of a certain age are treated with disdain? HAGS traces the vilification of older women through history and deals with their very relevant contemporary demonisation. Each chapter deals with a different theme, ranging from beauty, care work, violence to political organisation and sex.

Smith analyses the mindsets that led to witch hunts and which inform a type of misogyny today. She also has some interesting potential solutions up her sleeve.

General Fiction

Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh cover

Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh - Reason slowly unravels in a town. The baker’s wife is at the heart of the mass hysteria. An intriguing novel based on a true unsolved mystery.

Romance

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover cover

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover - Family, first love, grief, and betrayal - they’re all here. Mother and daughter face increasing conflict with each other. The father, the peacemaker, is involved in a tragic accident. Mother and daughter are pulled so far apart they might never be able to reconcile.

Crime

Payback In Death by J D Robb cover

Payback In Death by J D Robb - Lt. Eve Dallas is back to investigate the death of a retired colleague. It appears, on the surface, to be suicide but things are not that simple…


You can also download our Enfield Libraries February 2024 newsletter (PDF, 1174.64 KB).

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