Dear Blogger
Message from Siobhan Shaw at Oswestry Library.
YOUR ARE NEVER ALONE WITH A LOCAL LIBRARY - So much goes on at Oswestry Library
JULY, AUGUST, and SEPTEMBER
Please feel free to pick and choose which events you include, according to the interests of your publication and the space available.
Apologies for the long gap in sending, we've had some capacity issues our side which has restricted the amount of time I could put toward event promotion.
New Private Meeting Pod
You may have noticed a new arrival in our downstairs Hub!
This private 2-to-4-person meeting pod will be bookable by individuals and organisations from 1 July. It is a furnished, partially glazed, fully enclosed acoustic pod, wheelchair accessible, with lighting, ventilation, display screen, a panic button to alert library staff, power sockets and usb ports. A laptop is available upon request, as well as a few different furniture layout options.
The price list for rental will be
- £13 per hour (09.45am 11am 12.15pm 1.30pm 2.45pm)
- £40 per half day (9.45 – 1) (1.15 – 4.30).
- £80 per full day (9.45 - 4.45).
Usage may be granted for free or reduced rate to any organisation or individual whose work directly supports Shropshire Libraries health offer. Contact Library Operations & Development Manager for details.
With special thanks to Arts Council England.
WiFi Printing!
We now have the capability to print directly from your phone or device, via the building's WiFi connection. Simply connect to SC-Public-Wifi on your device, then follow your usual procedure to print. When you select the printer to send the document to, choose 'Oswestry Library Print'. Your document will be sent through to our printer queue, after which you can collect them at the desk.
A4 printing costs are 25p per page for black and white, and 60p for colour.
Oswestry Family & Local History Group
Every Monday 10-12 noon
Every Friday 1.30-4pm
Oswestry Family and Local History volunteers run a twice-weekly advice service at Oswestry Library. Teams of trained, knowledgeable volunteers work alongside library staff to help both newcomers and experienced researchers to get the most from the expanded range of resources available.
No booking required, just drop in.
Digital Support Weekly Drop In Session
Every Monday afternoon 1-3pm
Join us at the library for a new weekly 'Drop-In' session for digital troubleshooting. If you could use some support with your device or a particular digital task that's giving you trouble, drop in to see us. Library staff and volunteers will be on hand to support with your query, and we encourage people to stay for a cup of tea and share your learning with others. NB: Library staff and digital volunteers cannot support with online banking queries. For these, you must contact your bank.
Free - No need to book. Open to all ages and abilities. Just come along and bring your device. If you feel you could provide help to others as a Digital volunteer, please contact us, we're keen for all the help we can get!
If you are seeking support to learn digital skills from scratch, contact us and we can refer you onto the waiting list for our 10 week course to get you started.
Digital Support Sessions (10 week course)
You may be aware that we have been holding Digital Support sessions at the library for some time, assisting people over the age of 65 to acquire basic digital skills to help combat digital isolation.
The scope of the scheme has now been broadened, meaning that anybody who satisfies any ONE criteria on this list may access the course:
- Aged 65 and over
- Is living alone
- Provides unpaid care for a friend or family member or who receives formal or informal care
- Has a disability or health condition
- Who is in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefit, or a low income.
No evidence is required.
If this is you, or someone you know, who would benefit from some support with their basic digital skills, please get in touch with the library. We have mentors waiting to work with you.
Hearing Loss Support Hubs
Usually 1st Wednesday every month [3 Jul, 7 Aug, 4 Sep]
Hearing aid support Hub run by NHS trained volunteers. Usually the first Wednesday of every month. Battery changes and hearing aid cleaning.
Booking is now essential for this, please contact the Hearing Loss Support Service on 01743 342168 or email shls@community-resource.org.uk to confirm dates and make an appointment.
Breastfeeding Network Drop-In
First & Third Friday of the month, 10-12pm
A free drop-in in the children's library for everyone who has questions about their breastfeeding journey, from pregnancy, early days, feeding older children and when you are ready to stop Come along to ask for support or advice or just for a friendly chat!
Free, no need to book.
Dungeons and Dragons
Usually 2nd Saturday every month
We are delighted to be welcoming the Shropshire Dungeon Master back for more Saturdays at the library filled with magic and adventure! New players welcome, no experience required Under 16s game in the morning, over 16s in the afternoon.
Booking is essential. To book for these games, or for more information, contact the Dungeon Master direct, either on his Facebook Page (@shropshireDM) or by telephoning 07454797995
Shropshire Local Drop-In
Thu 4 & 18 Jul 10-2pm
Thu 1, 15, 29 Aug 10-2pm
Thu 12 & 26 Sept 10-2pm
Your Shropshire Local team is coming to the library. Please come to see them where they will help you access Shropshire Council services, such as Blue badge applications, Concessionary Travel cards and so on.
Free, no need to book.
Board Game Café
Sat 20 Jul, 17 Aug, 21 Sep 10-1pm
**SUMMER SPECIAL** Extra Board Gaming sessions over the Summer, every Tuesday 10-1pm
Starting Tue 30 Jul, last one on 27 Aug.
A free board gaming session suitable for all ages! Come along and try out something new.
Free, no need to book.
Rhyme Time at the Library!
Every Monday 2-2.30pm
Half an hour of nursery rhymes and singing, suitable for under 5s. No need to book.
Story Time at the Library!
Every Wednesday 10.30am.
A free story session aimed at pre-school children. No need to book.
Lego at the Library
**SUMMER SPECIAL** From 20 July to 31 Aug , Lego will be out from 11-2 every weekday and 11-3pm every Saturday
From 31 Aug it is every Thursday 3.15-4.15pm, every Saturday 11am-2pm
Self-guided Lego play! Free of charge Suitable for all ages (children require parental supervision)
No booking required, just drop in!
**SUMMER SPECIAL**
Junior Scrabble
Every Wed 11.15-12noon.
First 24 July, last 28 Aug
Scrabble for kids! Come along and play. Age 5+, drop in
**SUMMER SPECIAL**
St John Ambulance First Aid demo!
Every Wed 10-12pm
First 24 Jul, last 28 Aug
Learn critical life saving skills!
All ages, drop in
**SUMMER SPECIAL**
Make a Book with Sarah
Thu 1 Aug, 2.30-3.30pm
Create your very own children's book with local author Sarah Parkinson!
Free, Age 5+, booking ESSENTIAL
**SUMMER SPECIAL**
Lego Extravaganza with Rob Spinks!
Tue 6 Aug, 2-3pm
Come and build a lego masterpiece on a Transport theme with professional Lego man, Rob Spinks! Ages 5-11 only.
Free of charge, booking ESSENTIAL
**SUMMER SPECIAL**
Water Painting!
All summer (from 20 Jul)
Drop in to have a go at our no-mess water painting in the junior library, on a special water painting cloth
Free, all ages, drop in
**SUMMER SPECIAL**
Storytime with Flossy!
Every Thu 2-2.30pm
First 25 Jul, last 29 Aug
Come and listen to stories, with Flossy the therapy dog
Free, ages 3+, drop in. Please be aware a registered therapy dog will be present at this session.
**SUMMER SPECIAL**
Crafting with Louis in August!
Thu 8th 10-1pm,
Sat 10th 12-3pm,
Thu 15th 12-3pm,
Thu 29th 12-3pm.
Join local artist Louis Eckersley for craft activities at the library!
Age 5+, drop in
**SUMMER SPECIAL**
Summer Crafts with Cathy!
Wed 7 & 21 Aug, 2-3pm
Drop in for crafting fun!
Free, ages 5+, drop in
**NEW**
Books Aloud for children
Sat 13 Jul & 10 Aug 10-10.45am
Drop in, pull up a chair and listen to great stories and poems for children read aloud by library staff.
Suitable for children 6-10 years old.
Free, no need to book
Books Aloud for adults
Wed 3 Jul, 7 Aug, 4 Sep 2-3pm
Looking for a daytime group with a difference?
Drop in, pull up a chair and listen to great stories and poems for adults read aloud by library staff and volunteers
Normally first Wednesday of the month. Free, no need to book. Just come along
Blood Pressure Checks
Wed 14 Aug 10-12noon
High blood pressure is the major cause of heart attacks and strokes in people over 40 in the UK. It often has no symptoms. In fact, 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure do not know they have it.
Get yours checked. Come along to one of our pop-up blood testing events at the library
Free, no booking required, just drop in.
Border Embroiderers
Tue 9 & 23 Jul, 3 & 17 Sep 10-12noon [No meeting in August]
Border Embroiderers meet every other Tuesday throughout the year, except for August. Come and join our friendly group, all ages and abilities welcome. We sew, chat and have tea/coffee.
Just drop in or contact Mary on 01691 658651
Dementia Specialist Admiral Nurse drop-in
Tue 9 Jul 10-12noon
Life changing advice and support for families affected by dementia.
No booking required, just drop in.
To refer a carer or an individual supporting a person living with dementia please contact your local Admiral Nurse. Call: 01952 580479 Email: Shropcom.admiral@nhs.net
Oswestry Central SNT Drop-in
Wed 3 July 10-1pm NB: Dates may be subject to change in the event of emergency call outs.
Meet members of the Oswestry Safer Neighbourhood Team at the library to talk about issues such as;
- Suspected drug dealing
- Vehicle crime
- Burglaries
- Problem youths
- Underage drinking
- Uninsured drivers
Would you like a say? Are you happy to provide information? For non emergency issues dial 101 or call into Oswestry Police Station.
For emergency issues please dial 999 or contact Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers is a way of reporting crime anonymously. Dial 0800555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Let us try to help make your community a safer place to live.
Free of charge, no booking required.
**NEW**
Natter & Chatter
Thu 11 Jul & 1 Aug 11-12noon
Join us at the library for a chat over a cuppa. Everyone is welcome. Drop in any time!
No need to book - this is a free session.
**NEW**
Scrabble Club for adults!
Every Tuesday 11-12noon
Do you enjoy playing Scrabble? We are setting up a weekly Scrabble group for adults. Everyone is welcome to come along to play, make new friends and have a good time.
No need to book - this is a free session.
**NEW**
Sharing Memories
Tue 9 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sep 2-3pm
Supporting people with dementia and their carers
Reminisce with books. Share your memories over pictures, try out new games and activities
Meet and chat with other people in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Normally second Tuesday of the month, every month.
Free, no need to book.
LiveLife Cancer Awareness Information Drop-in
Wed 17 Jul 9.30am - 4pm
Through direct contact with people of all ages our LiveLife Cancer Awareness Service works to break down some of the barriers people may have in talking about cancer.
Our trained team of professionals will help:
- People think more positively about cancer and separate the myths from facts.
- Develop knowledge and awareness of early cancer signs symptoms – especially those that are more easily preventable e.g. breast, prostrate, bowel, ovarian skin cancers.
- People understand the importance of being aware their body and visiting a doctor with any concerns.
- Encourage people to take up invitations cancer screening programmes such as bowel, breast, and cervical checks.
- People recognise how making small changes to their lifestyle can reduce risk of developing cancer in future. This include information on sun safety, support for stopping smoking, managing weight, healthy eating and increasing physical activity.
Free - no booking required
Star Housing Drop-In
Every Wed 9.30-11.30am
Drop in to speak to Star Housing advisors every Wednesday.
Free of charge, no need to book
Welsh Conversation Group
Every Friday 11-12noon
Would you like the opportunity to practice your Welsh Language skills?
Join us at the library every Friday morning,
Free but please book your place. Refreshments available, small donations welcomed.
Shared Sounds
NO MEETING in Jul/Aug
Next one 21 September 2.30-4pm
Delivered by the Shropshire Music Education Hub, in partnership with Shropshire Libraries.
Musical workshops for children with disabilities and their families. Predominantly aimed at 3-7 year olds, led by Shropshire Music Service professionals. Participants and their families will be able to listen to live music, help create music by singing/playing instruments, and interact with music physically in whatever way they choose.
Sessions will be informal and will adapt to the needs of the children involved.
Siblings welcome.
Booking is essential. Please book directly via the provider at: bookings@i-gnition.co.uk
Shared Reading
Fri 5 & 19 Jul, 2 & 16 Aug, 6 & 20 Sep, 10-11.30am
Normally first & third Friday each month
Shared Reading groups bring people together to talk, laugh and share. Just drop in and enjoy listening to a story or a poem with no pressure to talk or read.
Free, no need to book. Just come along.
In partnership with The Reader Org www.thereader.org.uk
OSMakes Craft Session
First & Third Wednesday 2-4pm
NO MEETING Jul/Aug - resumes 4 & 18 September
Interested in textile crafting? Like to learn a new skill?
Bring along any crafting project you're working on and have a chat with fellow creators.
Everyone welcome! Free to come along - just drop in.
Reflexology Demonstration
Wed 25 Sept 11-12.30pm
Are you curious about reflexology and what it involves? Would you appreciate the opportunity to find out more about the practice before you take the plunge to book?
To celebrate World Reflexology Week, Kerry from Rahanni-Reflex Healing Therapies will explain the fundamentals, including a live demonstration.
Free of charge, no booking required.
How to abolish War and build Peace - with Dr Phill Gittins
Sat 28 Sept 11-12.30pm
In this free talk, we'll discuss:
- The impacts of war and militarism
- Factors helping or hindering security
- Ways to resolve conflict and build peace
- And much more
Booking preferred but not essential
Carer's Support Drop in
Thu 25 Jul, 22 Aug & 26 Sept 10.30-12.30, and 1.30-3.30 for those supporting individuals who struggle with mental health.
Did you know that there is an open Carer's Support Drop in at the library, usually on the fourth Thursday of every month? If you are a carer for someone you can seek support and advice from Shropshire Council's Carer Support team here. You do not need to book, just come along.
Contact Shropshire Carers support line on 01743 341995 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm or email: Shropshire.Carers@shropshire.gov.uk
Thank you for your support, and as always if you would like to be removed from this mailing, just let me know.
Best regards,
Siobhan Shaw
say: shi-vawn shaw (she/her)
Library Operations & Development Manager
Oswestry Library, Arthur St. SY11 1JN
01743 250351 (01743 255394 direct)· siobhan.shaw@shropshire.gov.uk
For events and activities in libraries across Shropshire visit Shropshire Libraries
