Libraries' October Programme is an Open Book

LOCAL Authors Day is only one of many events Tameside Libraries has lined up for October when the nights get longer and reading – and writing – become more appealing.

Taking place at Ashton Library on Saturday October 26 (10.30am to 2.30pm) the event is billed as an inspiring showcase of creativity and talent. Highlights include author panels, an author meet-and-greet, and a bumper book sale.

The workshop is entirely free and no booking is required. For more information email information.direct@tameside.gov.uk or pop in to your local library.

October is also Digitober and dedicated to helping people gain or improve digital skills.

Throughout the month, Tameside Libraries will be hosting free and relaxed activities, most of which are drop-ins. You can take your first steps online, understand how to use the internet safely, or just try something new and fun.

For details see www.tameside.gov.uk/TamesideMBC/media/libraries/Digitober-Brochure.pdf

Over the half-term holiday, which takes place at the end of the month, South Lancashire Bat Group will be in to tell children aged 11 and under all about bats and why they are very useful creatures to have around. There will be lots of crafts, treasure hunts and games too.

Monday 28 October: Droylsden Library, 10.30 to 11.30am; Tuesday 29 October: Dukinfield Library,  10.30 to 11.30am; Thursday 31 October: Denton Library, 2 to 3pm; Friday 1 November: Ashton Library, 3 to 4pm.

On Wednesday 30 October Stalybridge Library hosts two performances (5.15pm and 6.25pm) of “The Wolf in the Walls”, a spooky retelling of Neil Gaiman’s book performed by Simon Sullivan, better known as Simon the Storyteller from Story Makers. Children must be six or over to attend.

Free tickets can be booked at http://tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk

October also includes Green Libraries Week. On Saturday 12 October, residents can collect a pre-owned Hallowe’en costume from Dukinfield Library between 10am and noon. From 11 to 11.30am the under-fours can also enjoy a storytime and crafts session.

The Wednesday October 9 meeting of Dukinfield Library Club features a talk on climate change and what can be done to stop it by Helen Rimmer of Friends of the Earth. It takes place between 10.30 and 11.30am and there’s no need to book. Free refreshments too.

Or if you just want a good book to while away the autumn evenings you’ll find plenty of choice on BorrowBox whether you’d like some horror for Hallowe’en, a murder mystery or something gentler. Download the free app now with your Tameside Libraries card.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage, participation and sport said: “I’d like to congratulate libraries on organising such a varied and multi-faceted programme for October. Young or old, there’s something to join in with.

“I’m especially interested in Local Authors Day as I know there’s a vast amount of writing talent in Tameside. The event will offer a valuable insight into what it takes to be a published author.

“The costume swap offers an innovative way of recycling for Hallowe’en; you can pick up digital skills that are so useful into today’s online world, and who doesn’t enjoy a good book? The BorrowBox app offers thousands.”