Want to shape your future library?

Tell us what you think!

People visiting libraries during September will be invited to say how well libraries are meeting their needs. The results will help to prioritise future developments to modernise and transform Leicestershire’s library service.

A survey will take place at all libraries from Monday 14 September to Sunday 20 September. It will continue for a further week on mobile libraries until 25 September, so that customers at all stops on the fortnightly schedule will have a chance to complete a questionnaire.

Adults will be asked about the reason for their visit to the library and whether it was successful. They will also have the opportunity to rate their satisfaction with library facilities and services, including books, CDs and DVDS as well as the attractiveness of the library, staff helpfulness and opening hours.

Customers will also be asked to say what they think overall about the library, taking everything into account, and to offer any other comments about the service.

Margaret Bellamy, Head of Library Services said, ‘Everyone’s views are important to us. We are really keen to know what people want from their library. Results will be used to plan library services and to improve performance’.

Staff will be on hand to help if there is anything customers do not understand in the survey. All information given will be treated confidentially and individuals will not be identified in any way.

For further information contact your local library, call (0116) 305 6988 or send an email to libraries@leics.gov.uk.

Leicestershire Libraries

New Online Reference Library

How big is the largest squid in the world?  Where does the shortest man live?  How do you make rubber?  Why is the sky blue?  Who were your ancestors?

Reference Library

You can find the answers along with loads of other information via the Online Reference Library service at home on your computer.

This new online service has been set up by Leicestershire County Council Library Services and provides a wide range of information which can be accessed at home on the internet.

The subject topics vary from art to health and from family history to music – even newspapers and magazines – so there is plenty of information to interest all age groups.

Whatever information you seek, just pop into your local library or use our Online Reference Library in the comfort of your own home by visiting www.leics.gov.uk/reference.

There is normally a subscription fee upon registering for the Online Reference Library service, however Leicestershire libraries are providing the service absolutely free to members of the library service.  All you need is your library card number.

If you are not already a member, you can join by downloading a form and taking it to your nearest library with proof of identification.  Or you can register online by completing the form and a library card and a PIN will be sent to your home.

There are additional services available in libraries themselves which include the Ancestry Library Edition, a great place to research into your family tree.  Or if you’re looking for value for money, our Which? Consumer Reports will help you to decide and compare prices.

For those musicians around, you can find your favourite artist or album by clicking onto the SearchMuze online resource program.

The Ancestry Library Edition, SearchMuze and Which? Online services are only accessible in the library due to a licensing agreement with providers.

For further information, visit www.leics.gov.uk/reference

How has the Library helped you?

Did you use our books for some research?

Got your head down to get some work done in one of our study spaces?

Did you log onto one of our computers to plan your summer holiday?

Learn something new in a course?

Met some great new people through our readers groups?

Please comment below and tell us how the Library has helped you!

The Legacy of Partition, 1947-2009

Saturday 2 May 2009, Braunstone Civic Centre

This event showcases The Record Office’s 18-month long project telling the story of one of the most traumatic periods of 20th century history through the memories of local people who lived through Partition.

Legacy of Partition

Some of these eyewitnesses will be on hand to speak about their experiences, and what the project has meant to them.  We will hear from those who have contributed documents to the project, and from volunteers who have been making them accessible to researchers.
There will be a chance to view the exhibition which has come out of the project, and to see some of the website resources which are be freely available to all to access and use.

Four local teachers who have created teaching resources based on the project for use in the classroom will present their results.  The aim is to help future generations of young people to reflect and learn from Partition and see the relevance of this past conflict in Leicestershire today.

Project Director, Margaret Bonney, comments: “we have discovered that the bitterness brought about by Partition still lurks not far below the surface of many lives, despite the time that has passed, and the hundreds of miles between Leicester and the Punjab.  Every community suffered if they were caught up in this conflict. There are also stories of great humanity and compassion on all sides. This is one of the positive legacies of Partition.”
The project was funded by a grant from MLA Their Past Your Future phase 2 strand of the Big Lottery Programme, with additional support from Leicestershire County Council.

www.leics.gov.uk/legacy_of_partition

Family tree help for complete beginners

Television is increasing the popularity of researching family history, but for those who find it harder than the programmes make out, help is at hand.  Libraries are running a series of sessions for family history novices to learn how to get started on the research.  The free events will be held across the county during April and May.  Whether people have local family roots or not, these sessions will give basic information, show useful websites and direct people to relevant library resources.  Places on the sessions are limited, and booking is necessary.

Ernie White, Cabinet member for Community Services, said: “These events, which we hold twice a year, are extremely popular and are often over-subscribed.  “People who have taken part have said how pleased they are with all the interesting and helpful information and advice given and say the event has given them the confidence, motivation and encouragement to start studying their family history.”
Sessions will be held on:

22nd April. Glenfield Library (0116 305 3591)
23rd April. Glenhills Library (0116 305 3530
1st May. Kirby Muxloe Library (0116 305 3715)
12th May. Blaby Library (0116 305 3516)

For people who are unable to get to an event, libraries can still help. There are many books and websites giving information on how to research family history.  www.leics.gov.uk/focus_on_family_history