From Surrey County Council
A raft of Surrey’s libraries will be opening their doors to the public for longer hours from Monday to celebrate the start of nationally celebrated Libraries Week.
The county’s libraries have been gradually reopening after lockdown with 49 libraries now open to the public, but for fewer hours than previously.
However, from 5 October, 17 of these libraries will be opening for longer periods each day to mark the start of Libraries Week, which runs from 5-10 October and this year highlights the significant contribution that libraries make to communities and to building a nation of readers.
Throughout Libraries Week, activities inspired by books and reading will be on offer online via the Surrey Libraries UK Facebook pages, and promoted on the libraries Twitter feed. Activities will be available to watch afterwards on the Surrey Libraries You Tube channel and the programme includes a variety of events such as book recommendations, craft activities, virtual Rhymetimes and Storytimes, STEM activities, origami club, Lego club and performance poetry.
Julie Iles, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for All Age Learning said: “Our libraries are a fundamental part of our community and we look forward to celebrating them during this year’s Libraries Week. We have a brilliant programme of activities lined up to bring the community together and help readers of all ages access books, ebooks, audiobooks and magazines. Libraries are free to join and we urge anyone who isn’t already a member to register and become a part of our library family.”
The 17 libraries extending their opening hours are Addlestone, Ashford, Ashtead, Caterham Valley, Chertsey, Cranleigh, Dorking, Egham, Epsom, Godalming, Horley, Leatherhead, Redhill, Shepperton, Staines, Stanwell, and Sunbury. Opening hours vary so check details here: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries/news-and-events/library-news/coronavirus
Surrey’s libraries have a dynamic reading offer with over 60,000 new books purchased since April. New visitors can join the library online 24 hours a day or when they visit the library.
For the latest news and updates, visit https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure
