Teenagers scoop celebrity interviews

Teenagers from Leicestershire have scooped exclusive interviews with rock and sport stars, thanks to a pioneering website.  Elliot Minor and Chris Hoy are among the celebrities interviewed by users of the Jitty, Leicestershire County Council’s website and chat forum for 13-19-year-olds.

 

Rachel Palmer (21), from South Leicestershire College, interviewed the York rock band, Elliot Minor.

She said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for me. I was slightly nervous when I first went along, but I had all my questions prepared – Elliot Minor were one of the nicest bands I have ever interviewed. As I head off to study my degree in media production, I look back at the opportunities the Jitty gave to me. I’ve done interviews and taken photos and I find it rewarding.”

 

Nade Townsend (22), a Journalism and Film Studies student at De Montfort University, interviewed Myles Kennedy, from US rock band, Alter Bridge.  Nade said: “Doing the interview was one of those once in a lifetime chances that I’d kick myself about if I turned it down.”

 

Abbi Granger (15), from King Edward VII Science and Sport College, interviewed Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy.  She said: “Even though Chris is now world famous, he is still the same man as before – what you see is what you get.”

 

James Hunter, who runs the Jitty, said: “It’s great to see some of our 1,000 users become budding reporters.

“It just shows how the Jitty can help young people get informed about key issues and develop their skills and confidence.”

 

The Jitty – www.thejitty.com

Library Lounge -  www.leics.gov.uk/library_lounge

Children’s Author at Blaby Library

Blaby’s children are in for a real treat this April as local author, Pippa Goodhart, is holding a story telling session at Blaby Library. Pippa is renowned for her fanastic children’s sessions and will be reading from some of her many published works.

The session is for 5 – 11 year olds on Tuesday 21st April at 4:30-5:30. Tickets are FREE and available from Blaby Library on a first come, first served basis. So book early to avoid disappointment as this is sure to be a really popular event.

Blaby Library Telephone: 0116 305 3516

The Life of Lady Jane Grey

Lady Jane Grey was a local girl with the most extraordinary story. Queen for nine days, was she a traitor to the true queen or a victim of her power hungry family? Find out at Blaby and Kirby Muxloe Library in April! This is a great event for anyone interested in Tudor or Local History or just want to find out more about this local girl’s extraordinary life.

We will be hosting a talk on the life of Lady Jane Gray by history expert, Sally Henshaw.
Monday 20th April, 7pm at Kirby Muxloe Library.
Monday 27th April at 6pm at Blaby Library.
Tickets cost £2 from the library and include refreshments.

Tel : Blaby Library 0116 305 3516, Kirby Muxloe Library 0116 305 7114

Stock Survey

We are carrying out a pilot survey to gauge the views of customers on the type of books the readers would like to borrow.

Kibworth, Measham and Thurmaston libraries are taking part initially after which an analysis on the surveys will be performed to discover the type of subject areas those three libraries need more of, and also whether to roll out the survey across the County.  Particular attention will be paid to adult fiction, non-fiction, young people and children’s books.

If you are a regular visitor to one of the three libraries, please spare a couple of minutes to complete a short survey.  The pilot stock survey will run until 30 April.  This will help us to put measures into place and ensure that libraries have the best books in stock for their readers.

You can complete the questionnaire online at:

www.leics.gov.uk/libraries/stocksurvey2009

Leicestershire’s scene

What do you think of Leicestershire’s literature scene? How does literature help the community? Are you involved in a local reading group?

Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment!

FREE films and music

Fancy watching a great movie or listening to your favourite sounds for free this spring? Well just pop into your nearest County library and ask about the latest credit-crunching offer!

Just borrow 6 books on your ticket and save money with a free loan of any CD, DVD or talking book. This seasonal special offer is available in all Leicestershire libraries and mobiles that stock these items from 23 February until 6 March.
The library service has a great range of DVDs and CDs to keep everyone entertained, including new titles, available at the majority of Leicestershire libraries. The collections include children’s films, blockbusters, Bollywood, television series, drama and classics, plus a huge range of music to choose from, including …

• pop and rock
• jazz
• classical
• easy listening
• films and shows
• asian music
• music DVDs.

Head of Leicestershire County Council’s Library Service, Margaret Bellamy, said: “We have a great range of CDs, DVDs and talking books to suit all interests and ages. I’m delighted that we can offer this fantastic deal to all our users, including new library members. It’s easy and it’s free to join the library – just call into any county library and ask about joining or join online at www.leics.gov.uk/libraries

Barrow Library re-opens its doors

Barrow-Upon-Soar Library has re-opened its doors to the public at 2.00pm on Monday 16 February 2009.

In order to minimise disruption to the services and ensure that the library remained open during the Christmas period, the refurbishment took place over two phases. Replacement of windows was completed during the first phase between 25 November and 15 December 2008. During the second phase alterations to the internal layout and redecoration has been carried out.

Bharti Acharya, Library Development Worker, said: “We have had a total face lift creating more space and a designated space for the computer users. New windows, carpets and lighting all assist in making a welcoming change for all, we hope. New books have also been added to our shelves, arranging the latter a little differently, but we hope that our regular customers will have no difficulty finding what they want”.

We would like to invite all the borrowers, new and existing ones to come and enjoy the new facilities at their local library. There will be an official launch at a later date so watch this space.  www.leics.gov.uk/barrow_library

Fairtrade fortnight at Hinckley Library

Hinckley Library is inviting people for a hot drink to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. Tea and coffee will be served from 10am to midday on Tuesdays, February 24 and March 3, at the library in Lancaster Road.

On February 24, the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Jeff Bannister, will also be attending the Wriggly Readers session for children aged under five and their carers. He will be handing out Fairtrade bananas supplied by the Heart of England Co-operative Society and the Hinckley and Bosworth Fairtrade Forum.

Ernie White, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet member for Community Services, said: “I am delighted that Hinckley Library is supporting Fairtrade Fortnight. I encourage people to come along and enjoy a hot drink, learn about ethical trading and find out what their library has to offer.”

During Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from February 23 to March 8, the library will also have a display to enable visitors to find out about Fairtrade in the Borough of Hinckley and Bosworth.

For further information contact Hinckley Library

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the scientist Charles Darwin, on 12 February, Leicestershire County Council is planning a series of discovery events this year.

Theory of Evolution

The Council is inviting budding naturalists to join in the celebration of the science of natural history, local wildlife and Leicestershire’s landscape.

A programme of events is being planned for May to November which aims to increase awareness of the natural world through activities that inspire scientific exploration and observation of the environment and wildlife. The local landscape will be used as a study laboratory.

There will be outdoor events, lectures, workshops and creative sessions to give people a chance to explore the museum service’s inspiring natural history collections.

Events in this varied and exciting programme will be held at venues across the county including museums, libraries and country parks, with activities for all ages. Many activities will be supported by local naturalists, who undertake local conservation work in the county.

To register interest in the ‘Discover Like Darwin’ programme, or for more information, call the Natural Life museums collections team on 0116 267 0002 or e-mail: museums@leics.gov.uk

Graphic Novels Reading Group

Coalville Library will have the first meeting of the new Graphic Novels Reading Group on Saturday 7th March 2.30-3.30pm
The group will give readers the opportunity to chat and discuss their favourite graphic novels and comics.  The meetings will be a fun time on a Saturday afternoon to meet new people with similar reading interests from all walks of life.  Come to every meeting or just turn up when you like!  Bring your friends or come and meet new people!  You may bring snacks and soft drinks to share if you like.  See you there…