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Announcements:

Smartphone users up and down the country are being encouraged to celebrate UK public libraries by ‘putting their library on the map’ this weekend.

‘Put Your Library on the Map’ is a campaign led by the Collections Trust, with the support of the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) to encourage people to show their support for their local libraries, and to find out about the exciting range of services they offer.

Using the cross-platform ‘Find a Library’ app (http://www.findalibrary.org.uk), people go to their local library with their mobile, click ‘Use my Location’, select their library and then ‘Put Library on the Map’. This will ensure that their library is included in the national database of public libraries, which is freely available to all Internet users and includes information provided by the BBC and the national UK Online initiative.

Speaking about the initiative, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey MP said, ‘This campaign is a great way to encourage people to make use of their public library services. Libraries provide invaluable opportunities for literacy and learning and I really hope that people get behind this campaign and put their local library on the map. I will certainly be doing so for my local library.’

‘Find a Library’ includes basic information for 4,300 libraries in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The fantastic National Libraries Day website has now been launched, jam-packed with information, features and resources as well as discussion forums and an online community. National Libraries Day is a nation-wide celebration of libraries, librarians and library staff in all sectors.

During the week before National Libraries Day, which in 2012 is on 4 February, events and activities will take place in a variety of libraries including in schools, colleges and universities in order to showcase the wealth of resources available.

The focus will be on three key aspects of the event:

1. Libraries Open Late
2. Membership Campaign
3. Events leading up to the day

National Libraries Day is on Twitter @NatLibrariesDay and there's an event page on Facebook.

Kingston Libraries are holding a variety of children and adult events in all their branches on Saturday 4 February.

Saturday 4 February 2012 10am - 12noon and 1 - 3pm
You will need to attend both sessions and can bring your own drawings to work on. Materials and refreshments will be provided. To reserve your place call in at the Hook Centre, ring 020 8547 5006 or email hookandchessingtonlibrary@rbk.kingston.gov.uk.

Thursday 16 and Friday 17 February 10am - 4pm at the Hook Centre
Are you aged 11 - 17 years old? Would you like to script, shoot and edit your own film? Cineclub, Britain's first and only network for young filmmakers teaches young people to script, shoot and edit their own short films.
For two days in February 2012 we are offering 20 young people the chance to work with Cineclub on a two day film making course - for Free! All you need do is sign up and bring yourself along. You can register for a place from Tuesday 3 January in person at the Hook Centre.

You can look at Cineclub's work with young people

This course has been funded by South of the Borough Neighbourhood and is being run in partnership with Kingston Library and Heritage Service.

To renew books or place reservations from home, you need to access the library catalogue and login to your account. Please use the link to the Catalogue, Information and Resources on the left hand side of this page and then read the instructions and follow the links from the page it takes you too.

Download the documents below containing hints and tips on starting and running a reading group, how to sign up to the Kingston Libraries service supporting private reading groups, and a list of the reading group sets currently available for groups to borrow.

Also, take a look at  a new website which has been launched by the Reading Agency, Reading Groups for Everyone, at www.readinggroups.org. This has all sorts of information you may find useful, including finding groups near you, different offers, and lots of “reading” news.

For further details contact alison.townsend@rbk.kingston.gov.uk or phone 020 8547 6494.

Did you know we have ebooks and e-audio books available to Kingston library members?

We have two collections available, one from Public Library On-line the other from Netlibrary all you need is your card and PIN.

    

Available through Netlibrary

You need to access our E-Books and E Audio books through the links on the left had side of this page

Find out more about Jim on our dedicated Writer in Residence page.

To visit Alison's website please follow the link at the bottom of the page

'Rhythm & Muse has shown over the past four years that there is a wealth of creative talent in our area and this residency will help provide more events - and hopefully more inspiration - to local poets of all ages. I will also be working on a full collection to include some 'library and heritage' poems produced during my time as Poet in Residence.'

A range of books have been purchased specifically for people caring for a friend or relative.

The books vary from factual, written by clinicians, to books written by carers about their personal experiences.

For more information about Caring Matters, please click on the link below from where you will be able to see a full list of the books available.

Oyster Cards and top ups are now available for purchase at Kingston Library and the Hook Centre.

For further information telephone 020 8547 5006. See 'Opening Hours' page for branch details.

Badges are available for purchase from now up until the games begin. These badges are a limited edition with each London Borough incorporating its own design. The telephone boxes are the emblem for the Royal Borough of Kingston. Badges are available to buy in your local library and cost £6.

Did you know that if you are a Foster Carer living in Kingston upon Thames you are entitled to a Foster Carers ticket? With the Foster Carers ticket you can borrow up to 20 items, borrow books and spoken word CD’s for up to 6 weeks and will not be charged fines for overdue books.

However you will still have to pay the normal rental charge for loans of DVD’s and CD’s, can borrow DVD’s and CD’s for one week, the same as usual and will have to pay for any overdue letters you are sent.

For more information on Foster Carers Tickets contact: Mike Treacy on 020 8547 6431 or email:michael.treacy@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Come and get your photos here for your Freedom Pass, Passport, Driving Licence etc.

Kingston Library Service has made it easier for homeless people living in hostels in the borough to join and use local libraries.

Homeless people can now enjoy the full range of library facilities, including Internet access and a wide range of books, newspapers, magazines, CDs and DVDs, by providing a letter or stamped/signed headed piece of note paper from the hostel in which they are staying as proof of ID.  

Through Kingston Libraries you can access a wide range of learning opportunities. Ask at any branch library for advice and guidance to help you find the course or way of learning that is right for you.

Providing British Computer Society accredited IT courses since 1999, Kingston Libraries have developed a strong commitment to high quality ICT training. If you want to learn how to use the internet, email friends and family around the world, apply for jobs online, improve your CV or get to grips with Office IT skills why not attend a course at one of Kingston Libraries learning centres?

For more information see the Learning and Training in Libraries page

Surbiton, Kingston and Old Malden branches have book banks outside their buildings where you can deposit your unwanted books, DVDs, CDs or videos in whatever condition.

At Surbiton Library and Kingston Library the book bank is located in the car park at the rear of the library. The British Heart Foundation collect from the banks once a week and will transform your donation into much needed funds for their charity.