Oswestry Library news, events & updates - you are never alone in a library

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WHAT GOES ON AT OSWESTRY LIBRARY - You are never alone in your local library

Oswestry Library news, events and updates Volunteers needed! Computer Support Can you use computers confidently? Consider sharing your skills with other people by providing them with one-to-one help and support.  If you're interested, download an application form and pop it in to us or email it to oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk Donations needed - can you help? Period & incontinence products We are collecting donations of sanitary pads, tampons, and incontinence pads to help those in need. Any donation will be very gratefully received so we can continue to support dignity, health, and wellbeing in our community. Donated items are available for anyone to take for free in our Health Zone (to the right of the library counter) and just outside the toilets, ensuring easy and discreet access. Playdough & cutters Do you have any surplus playdough you no longer use? We are looking for donations of playdough and 'cookie' style cutters to use during our craft sessions for children. Events for children in November! Penguin Story & Craft Saturday 14 November 11.15am-12noon Join us for a penguin themed story and craft session. Suitable for children aged 4-8 years. No need to book, just come along. Rhymetime at the Library! Every Monday 2-2.30pm Looking for a fun way to spend Monday afternoons with your little one? Join us for half an hour of singing and rhymes – perfect for under 5s! Free, no need to book, come along and enjoy the fun! Bilingual Welsh/English Story & Rhymetime Every Tuesday 10-10.30am Dewch i’n sesiwn stori a rhigwm dwyieithiog ar gyfer plant oed cyn ysgol yn y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg. Come along to our bilingual story and rhymetime in English and Welsh for pre-schoolers. Ymuwch a^ ni bob dydd Mawrth. Rhad ac am ddim. Nid oes angen archebu lle. Free - no need to book, just turn up.  Storytime at the Library! Every Wednesday 10.30-11am Join us for our weekly Storytime adventure! Enjoy magical tales and fun rhymes especially for pre-school children. No booking needed, just drop in and join the fun! Spanish lessons with Sunshine Spanish Wednesdays 4-5pm - Classes will begin as soon as we have a group of 4–5 children Sunshine Spanish for children aged 8–11! Fun and engaging Spanish classes are coming to Oswestry Library! Children will learn Spanish through interactive activities, conversation and games in a friendly and encouraging environment. Please contact Luz for prices and to book in advance. luz@sunshinespanish.uk 07703 748499 Learn to Knit for children & adults Every Saturday 10am-12noon Have a go at basic knitting in a relaxed and friendly setting. Perfect for beginners and those wanting to refresh their skills! Open to all ages. Parental supervision required for children under 8. Free, no need to book, just drop-in and discover how fun and easy knitting can be! LEGO Club Every Saturday 11am-2pm Bring your imagination and build something amazing at our LEGO Club! All ages welcome 0-99 years. Parental supervision required for children under 8. Free, no need to book, just drop-in and let your imagination run wild!  Children's Chess Club Second Saturday of the month 10-11am Checkmate boredom - come to our chess club for children where every move is a smart one! Free, no booking required. Oswestry Jets (Junior Embroiderers and Textile Students) First Saturday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm Do you enjoy arts and crafts? Come and join us at Oswestry Jets! Ages 5 years and upwards. £3 per child. To book, please email osjets.leader@gmail.com Spark Young Writers Third Saturday of the month except August 1.30-3.30pm Creative writing groups for children at Oswestry Library. Poetry Playwriting Fiction Wordplay Fun, playful sessions for children who love writing in school years 4-8 (aged 8-13). All sessions are run by professional writers. £10 per session, bursaries available. Visit Spark Young Writers for more information and to book. Dungeons and Dragons with the Shropshire Dungeon Master Normally second Saturday of the month We are delighted to welcome the Shropshire Dungeon Master 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. Board Games for Families Last Saturday of the month in the library hub 12.30-3pm Bring the whole family along for an afternoon of fun and friendly competition! A free, all-ages event filled with classic games, new favourites, and activities everyone can enjoy. You're welcome to bring along a game from home. Free, no booking required – just come along and join in! Events for adults in November!

Infant Feeding Peer Support Group & The Cuddle Collective Monday 2 November 12-1.45pm Trained peer supporters will be here to support you in the following areas: Thinking about how to feed your baby Starting your breastfeeding journey What to expect in the early days/weeks Expressing and storing milk Introducing solids Breastfeeding challenges Responsive feeding Returning to work/study Offering a non-biased listening ear and safe space Meet other families who are going through the same experiences as you are. Representatives from The Cuddle Collective will also be in the library offering baby carrier advice and checks. Free, no booking required, just come along. Get the Nation Learning Week Thursday 5 November 9.30am-12noon Walford & North Shropshire College 12noon-5pm The Gateway Adult & Community Education Centre Chat with representatives from the college and education centre, ask questions and find out where your passion could take you. The Murder at Trefoil Manor Oswestry Library Friends Production Thursday 12 November 7-8.30pm An interactive Murder Mystery event! A play about a murder at a Country House Weekend in November 1926, but the audience must work out who the murderer is. There are plenty of clues and breaks in the action where the audience can discuss who they might think is guilty. They can also ask questions of the actors - but don't forget, as one of them is the murderer they may not be telling the truth. Work in a team, or individually, to identify the culprit. Proceeds go towards supporting Oswestry Library. £5 per person. Wine and soft drink available - NOT included as was previously advertised. Tickets available from the library and online. Meet the Author - Jo Jackson: My journey to becoming an author Wednesday 25 November 10.30am-12noon Jo Jackson, a Shropshire author has written 4 character-driven novels and a novella. Her latest book 'Them Hills Be Holy', set in the early 1900's, opens in the Black Country and moves to The Clee Hills. Discover Jo's interesting journey to becoming an author and learn of the inspiration behind each of her novels. Free. Please pre-book your place with library staff 01743 250351, oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk or via Facebook. Oswestry Family & Local History Group Every Monday 10am-12noon 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. Poetry Share Second Monday of the month 1-2pm Connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts at our monthly Poetry Share! Whether you're a seasoned poet, a first-time writer, or simply a lover of verse, this welcoming event is the perfect space to share your own work or enjoy listening to others. Free, no booking required. Border Embroiderers Tuesday 10am-12noon 10 & 24 November Border Embroiderers meet every other Tuesday throughout the year, except for August. They are a friendly self-help group, working pieces of their own choice.  Just drop in or contact Mary on 01691 658651 Scrabble for adults! Every Tuesday 10am-12noon Every Thursday 2-3pm Do you enjoy playing Scrabble? Come along and join the fun every Tuesday and Thursday – everyone is welcome! A great opportunity to connect, play, and share good times with others in your community. Free, no need to book – just turn up and take part. **NEW** OsNosh Share Table Every Wednesday 9.30am-12noon OsNosh are bringing their 'Share Table' to the library! Drop-in to collect surplus food for a donation. Hearing Loss Support Hub First Wednesday of the month 10am-12noon Monthly Community Resource Hearing Loss Support Hub for Shropshire audiology NHS hearing aid wearers in need of general advice and support, hearing aid retubing, or minor repairs. Booking is essential, please contact the Hearing Loss Support Service on 01743 342168 or email shls@community-resource.org.uk to make an appointment. Oswestry Makes Craft Session First and third Wednesday of the month 2-4pm 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 is welcome! Free to come along - just drop in. Oswestry Library Reading Group Last Wednesday of the month 4-5pm A friendly, informal reading group who obtain a monthly book selection via Shropshire Libraries to read and discuss. The group are looking for new members, please contact the library for further details by calling 01743 250351. Free, no need to book. Free blood pressure check Second Wednesday of the month 10am-12noon High blood pressure is the major cause of heart attacks and strokes in people over 40 in the UK, and often has no symptoms. In fact, 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure do not know they have it. Get it checked for free at the library. We also have a blood pressure monitor available to loan by library members, just ask staff on your next visit. Free, no need to book. Shropshire Health Visitors 0-5 years Open Access Clinic First & third Thursday of the month 9.30am-12noon Come along to the Shropshire Health Visitor’s 0-5 years drop-in clinic for health advice, information and support for you and your baby/child. Emotional health & wellbeing Growth/Weight review & health advice Infant feeding & weaning support Development, behaviour & sleep support Free, no need to book.  Oswestry Cancer Buddies Second & fourth Thursday of the month 2.30-3.30pm Join Oswestry Cancer Buddies for a coffee and a chat. Are you living with cancer, in treatment, or in remission? You’re not alone. Come along for friendly conversation and support in a relaxed setting. Open to anyone affected by any type of cancer - men or women. Free – drop-in. For more information, contact Linda Lade on 07711 981984 Stop Smoking Clinic Every Thursday 10-4pm Shropshire Healthy Lives Stop Smoking Service is a comprehensive program designed to help residents quit smoking and lead healthier lives.  Stopping smoking is one of the most significant steps an individual can take to improve their health. Research demonstrates that stopping smoking can drastically reduce the risk of numerous health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and various forms of cancer. It is never too late to quit, and the benefits of stopping smoking can be felt almost immediately. Shropshire Healthy Lives Stop Smoking Service is available to: All tobacco smokers aged 12 years and over Individuals residing in Shropshire People registered with a Shropshire GP who seek support to quit smoking To find out more and book an appointment visit the Stop Smoking website. For those unable to book online or who require additional assistance, appointments can be made by calling 0345 6789 028 between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday. Shropshire Local Every Thursday 10am-1pm & 1.30-4pm (closed for lunch 1-1.30pm) Advisers will be on hand to answer any queries you may have on council services ranging from Blue Badge enquiries to concessionary travel and council tax. They will also be able to signpost you to other organisations. This is a drop-in, please be expected to queue at busy times. Please note, date and times are subject to change. Natter & Chatter First Thursday of the month 1.15-2pm Join us for a friendly chat over a cuppa. Everyone is welcome! Free! No need to book - just drop in and say hello! Welsh Conversation Group Every Friday 11am-12noon Want to practice your Welsh in a relaxed and friendly setting? Whether you're fluent or just starting out, come along meet new people and celebrate the Welsh language! Perfect for learners and improvers to build confidence.  Free, no booking required, drop-in and siarad! Spanish lessons with Sunshine Spanish Every Friday 12noon-1pm Would you love to speak Spanish with more confidence? Join our friendly Adult Spanish group at Oswestry Library! Practical, conversational Spanish Relaxed and supportive atmosphere All levels welcome — including complete beginners Learn, practise and meet new people Places must be booked in advance. Contact Luz for prices and availability: WhatsApp: 07703 748499 luz@sunshinespanish.uk German for beginners 10-week course starting Saturday 26 September to Saturday 28 November 2-3pm New beginners course in conjunction with Oswestry Stammtisch - a group of Germans and German speakers living locally. The group has also donated a collection of German fiction, which is available to lend along with the existing foreign fiction. Free. This course is now FULLY BOOKED. Get in touch to join the waiting list 01743 250351, oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk or via Facebook LEGO Club Every Saturday 11am-2pm Bring your imagination and build something amazing at our LEGO Club! All ages welcome 0-99 years. Parental supervision required for children under 8. Free, no need to book, just drop-in and let your imagination run wild!  Dungeons and Dragons with the Shropshire Dungeon Master Normally second Saturday of the month We are delighted to welcome the Shropshire Dungeon Master 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. My Money Matters Find free, independent and impartial advice in the library. Take control of your finances with Oswestry Community Action’s (formally The Qube) My Money Matters service, in partnership with Citizens Advice Shropshire! This can be anything from: Benefit advice Maximising your income Budgeting support Money & debt advice Assistance with filling out application forms (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, PIP etc.) Call Oswestry Community Action on 01691 656882 or email info@qube- oca.org.uk to self-refer. Events coming soon... Wilfred Owen - Reader & Writer in Residence Wednesday 17 March 2027 2-3pm OR 3-4pm A short talk by Dave Andrews, author of Wilfred Owen: Poet of Oswestry introducing the life of Wilfred Owen and including a reading of two of his best-known poems. There will be two opportunities to hear the talk/reading. Free. Please pre-book your place with library staff 01743 250351, oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk or via Facebook. The Island Britain Bought - A talk by Diane M. Hinds in conjunction with Black History Month Tuesday 3 November 2.30-3.30pm Diane's debut novel, Conquerabia: The Struggle for Identity, tells the story of Trinidad from Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1498 to the island's cession from Spain to Britain in 1797. It follows the installation of Thomas Picton as the island's first British governor, the torture of thirteen-year-old Luisa Calderon under his authority, and the social upheaval that came with the approaching abolition of slavery. Caribbean history in Britain tends to be told through Jamaica and Haiti. Trinidad's story is different, and almost nobody here has heard it. Free. Please reserve your place here. RAF Handling Collection Session Monday 9 November 10am-12noon Free RAF Museum History Session! Engage with RAF history through hands-on experience with authentic RAF objects and uniform. Free to attend, no booking required. The Uke, the Beatle and Me - John Croft Wednesday 25 November 2-3pm Calling all Beatles fans! Did you know that Beatle George Harrison visited Oswestry, and nearby Llanyblodwel, on several occasions, and that he loved to play the ukulele? Hear John talk about his latest book and his friendship with George Harrison. Copies will be available to purchase on the day, please bring cash. The front cover of John Croft's new book shows George Harrison in the back garden of John's house in Oswestry in April 1991, and it tells the story of how, over the eleven years of their friendship John came to realise, setting aside his fame and fortune, what a lovely man George Harrison was. ”Absolutely great and a wonderful tribute to George” ”I have really enjoyed your book, it was so very much more readable than I expected it to be and I couldn’t put it down!” Free. Please pre-book your place with library staff 01743 250351, oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk or via Facebook. Peaceful Warrior Wellbeing® Rest & Reflect Saturday 28 November 10.30am-12.30pm Welcome Yourself Home As the year begins to close this nourishing 2hr workshop offers space to release some pressure & guide you to look at the year ahead with renewed perspective — without resolutions. Expect A curated blend of; mindful movement, breath awareness, reflection & Essential Nidra™ integrating neuroscience, ancient wisdom & lived experience. Explore What nourishes you? What you’re grateful for, ready to release & what you’d like to embrace. Learn how to nurture & integrate seeds of intention. Helping you feel more resourced & grounded as you welcome the coming year. A personalised experience with practical Take Aways to support your practice beyond the workshop. Limited availability, booking essential 01743 250351 oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk or via Facebook. £25 per session | £20 *concession *(NHS, Emergency Services, Military, Low Income, Seniors, Loyalty - those who attended funded workshops). Enquiries to hello@peacefulwarriorwellbeing.co.uk Tech Help & Digital Support Every Monday Tech Drop-in 1-3pm Drop-in with your digital worries and woes every Monday except bank holidays. Free, no booking required. Just bring along your device. Saturday Tech Help Free bookable 30-minute appointments. Please contact the library for availability and to book 01743 250351 oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk or via Facebook. NB: Library staff and digital volunteers cannot support with online banking queries. For these, you must contact your bank. Digital Skills Programme for Shropshire residents This support is available for anyone meeting any of the following criteria: Aged 65 and over Live alone Provide unpaid care for a friend or family member or receive formal or informal care Have a disability or health condition Are in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefit, or a low income The programme offers one-to-one support from an experienced member of staff or volunteer through a weekly one hour session, for eight to ten weeks. Please contact the library to find out more or click here. Grw^p Darllen Cymraeg Welsh Language Reading Group Ail ddydd Mawrth y mis 2-3yp. Second Tuesday every month 2-3pm. Dewch i ymuno â'n clwb llyfrau Cymraeg newydd. Come and join our Welsh Language Book Club. Nid oes angen archebu lle. Sesiwn rad ac am ddim yw hon. Free, no need to book. Chess Club Every Wednesday 4-6pm Weekly Chess Club for adults and teens. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, come along and enjoy a friendly game in a welcoming atmosphere. No booking required, just turn-up, make your move and meet fellow chess enthusiasts! Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult. No booking required, just turn-up, make your move and meet fellow chess enthusiasts! Sight Loss Opportunity Group First Wednesday of the month February to November **NEW TIME** 10am-12noon Empowering people with visual impairment to live fully, learn together, and unlock new possibilities. If you’re aged 18 and over and living with sight loss, we’d love to welcome you to our group. The group offers a friendly space to meet others, share experiences, and discover local support and services. For more information: 07778 956096 Drop-in, just £2 per session, including tea, coffee and biscuits. Books Aloud  First Wednesday of the month 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. Free, no booking required – just come along and unwind! Carers of Adults with Learning Disabilities Group Third Wednesday of the month 10.30am-12noon Oswestry Carer Peer Support Group Fourth Thursday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm Are you an un-paid and/or family carer? You are not alone, come and join us to connect and chat over a cuppa. We are a welcoming, and informal group providing a safe space to talk about everyday things that you and many other carers may be facing. We offer support and encouragement, information, guidance and suggestions along with peer support. For more information, please contact Shropshire Carers support line on 01743 341995 (Monday to Friday 9am-4pm or email: Shropshire.Carers@shropshire.gov.uk Free to attend, no booking required. Oswestry and Community Family Hub – Coffee & Chat, Stay & Play Every Thursday 9.30am-12noon Get free information, advice and support on all aspects of family life, at the weekly Oswestry and Community Family Hub drop-in. These free chat and play sessions let your baby, toddler or pre-schooler have fun in a relaxed environment. While they are playing you can chat to the team, have a coffee and see how they can help you with: Family life Parenting support Domestic abuse support Money worries Housing support and much more The Early Help Team support families with children aged 0-19 years (up to 25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities). The team aims to make it easier for you to ask for help and get support when you need it. Drop-in anytime. Toys for your child and refreshments will be available, please bring your own sealed cup/travel mug. Housing Drop-In Every Thursday 9.30am-1.30pm Drop-in for help and advice on housing related issues. Facing Homelessness? Need help and guidance on applying for housing, tenancy arrears, or managing a budget? Free of charge, no need to book. Gweithdy Gloywi laith Welsh Language Skills Development Workshop Dydd lau Cyntaf y Mis 11yb-1yp First Thursday every month 11am-1pm Ar gyfer pobl sy'n siarad ac yn ysgrifennu Cymraeg on sy'n dymuno gwella'u hyder. Siardwyr Cymraeg sy'n dymono gwella'u sgiliau ysgrifenedig. Dysgwyr sydd wedi cyrraedd safon uchel (Canolradd/Uwch) ac sy'n dymuno gwella'u sgilau ysgrifenedig. Suitable for people who speak and write Welsh but sometimes lack confidence, Welsh speakers who wish to improve their written skills, and Learners who have reached a high standard (intermediate/ advanced) and who wish to improve their written skills. Nid oes angen archebu lle. No need to book. Bydd Lowri o Siop Cwlwm yn rhedeg y digwyddiad hwn. This event will be run by Lowri from Siop Cwlwm. Chair Yoga Friday 12.30-1.30pm 7, 14, 21 & 28 November Chair yoga is a gentle, accessible form of yoga where poses are adapted for sitting or using a chair for support. It's ideal for those with limited mobility or balance concerns, offering benefits like improved flexibility, strength, and posture. Chair yoga enhances balance, supports joint health, boosts circulation, and reduces stress through mindful breathing and movement. £5 per session. Please pre-book your place with library staff 01743 250351, oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk or via Facebook. Financial Q&A Drop-in Second Friday of the month 9.30am-12.30pm Do you have a question about your finances? Drop-in to see Jamie Lea DipPFS – Financial Planning Consultant LinkedIn Facebook Topics include: Retirement Investments Protection & Insurance Inheritance Tax Budgeting & Debt For general information only – not personal financial advice. Free, no booking required. Board Gaming! Third Saturday of the month 10am-1pm Roll the dice and join the fun! Come play Board Games at the library third Saturday of the month. Suitable for teens and adults. Free, no need to book, just bring your game face! Learn to Knit for children & adults Every Saturday 10am-12noon Have a go at basic knitting in a relaxed and friendly setting. Perfect for beginners and those wanting to refresh their skills! Open to all ages. Parental supervision required for children under 8. Free, no need to book, just drop-in and discover how fun and easy knitting can be! Board Games for Families Last Saturday of the month in the library hub 12.30-3pm Bring the whole family along for an afternoon of fun and friendly competition! A free, all-ages event filled with classic games, new favourites, and activities everyone can enjoy. You're welcome to bring along a game from home. Free, no booking required – just come along and join in! To book for any of these events, or for further information, please contact Oswestry Library on 01743 250351, oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk or via Facebook If you or anybody you know is interested in running an event at the library, or if you have any ideas for new events we could run, please get in touch!  Read-a-Lottery challenge! For the National Year of Reading, we're challenging everyone - adults, children, and teens - to Go All In and complete the Shropshire Libraries Read-a-Lottery! Pick up a form next time you're in. You have until the end of the year to complete the 12 themed reading challenges. Completion will get you an entry into a prize draw at the end of the year. Good luck! You don't have to have a library card to come in and use the library building. You need a library card to borrow books and take them home, but even if you don't have a membership with us, you can come in and use all of our facilities, attend events, read the books, pick up leaflets, seek health/career advice and have a go at the workshops we have running. You can even use the computers (non members need to pay £1.65 for a guest pass). Everyone is welcome at the library, but we're sure once you've spent some time here, you'll be keen to sign up for a library card of your own! You can lend jigsaws from us? We have a large selection of jigsaws that you can take home for FREE and we take donations too. Just enquire with staff when you're next in. Meeting Pods available to hire Get in touch to find out more. 01743 250351 or oswestry.library@shropshire.gov.uk