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.
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.
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
'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.'
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.

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