Or call Bracknell Library at 01344 423149.
Bracknell Forest Libraries are working with the Reading Agency to use the proven power of reading to tackle loneliness and support mental health, as part of the country’s COVID-19 recovery.
The 'Read, Talk, Share' campaign provides the opportunity to offer Reading Friends, a reading befriending programme which starts conversations and connects people who are lonely and isolated.
Bracknell Forest Libraries have received £10,500 of funding from the Reading Agency to take part in the programme. We have a very busy schedule of virtual events planned for the end of February and throughout March, plus we are adding new weekly “Get Fit with Sarah” sessions, with seated exercise for people who prefer this gentler form of movement, and children’s exercise sessions as well (the first starting on Wednesday 24th March at 2pm, the second on Monday 15 March at 9.30am), a mental health support group, a knit and natter virtual group and a chat on food and cooking. Just check our website for more information and future events:
https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries/library-events/virtual-library-events
For children the programme currently includes:...
- weekly songs and stories for children under 5s, during our Wednesday virtual bounce and rhymes, every Wednesday at 11am
- an author’s visit on Saturday, 27th February at 10.30am, Anne Parsons, who wrote Archie Jump, an adventure story for children 6-9
- a special storytime appointment with 'The Gruffalo' on Saturday 6 March at 10.30am and one with the classic 'Guess How Much I Love You' on Saturday 27 March at 10.30am
- we are starting our first Chatterbox reading club for children aged 7-11. Children can talk about the books they have been reading, get new reading ideas and take part in fun activities inspired by the books, including crafts, quizzes and games. The sessions are:
- Thursday 25th February, 4pm - Action & Adventure
- Thursday 4th March, 4pm - Pirates and perils of the deep
- Thursday 11th March, 4pm - Time travel
- Thursday 18th March, 4pm - Shakespeare
- Thursday 25th March, 4pm - Thrills, adventure and spies
- Thursday 1st April, 4pm - Chocolates, sweets and other treats
For grown-ups, we have planned two different book groups (and you are welcome to join both), one for fiction fans and one for thrill-seekers. All the books discussed are available on BorrowBox on an unlimited basis, so no need to wait or queue.
The Fiction Fans book group is meeting on Friday, 26th February, 2-3pm, and discuss "Greek Island Escape" by Patricia Wilson.
The Thrills Fans book group is meeting on Thursday 4th March, 7-8pm, and we are reading 'The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox' by Claire Gradidge (available both in e-book and e-audio book format).
Also, many authors will be with us virtually in March and April to talk about their books, read extracts from their works and share their own writing and publication experience. Authors include:
- Anthony J Quinn, critically acclaimed writer of nine crime novels, the latest is “Turncoat”. He is going to be with us on Tuesday 23 March, at 3pm
- Peter Lovesey, internationally renowned author of over 30 mysteries, including the series featuring Chief Superintendent Peter Diamond, a golden age-style detective. The online event is on Thursday 25 March, at 3.30pm
- Julie Corbin, psychological thrillers author, with seven novels published and one coming in Autumn, on Thursday, 18 March, at 7pm.
- Annie Murray, born in Berkshire and popular author of family sagas, with over 27 books out and one coming this April, on Friday 23 April, at 2pm
We also have a quiz coming up, to test your knowledge of all things spring on Wednesday 31 March at 2pm, and four appointments to discover:
- our online reading app, Borrowbox - Friday 5 March, 11.30am
- how to get started on Ancestry and find information about your family history - Friday 12 March, 2pm
- local history resources (including pictures, maps and newspapers) to learn about the past of our town and local area - Monday 15 March, 11.30am
- caring for your own collection, a talk with the Berkshire Record Office – Tuesday 16 March, 2pm
The best part? It's all free!
Just register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/libraries-bracknell-forest-council-26376617855
Or call Bracknell Library at 01344 423149.
Befriending phone service
Our friendly staff are available over the phone Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, for a chat about books or any enquiries.
We are happy to help with a variety of enquiries, including:
- library book renewals
- digital access
- lockdown delivery service
- membership
- reading suggestions
- or if you just need a chat - we are always here for you
You can call the following libraries:
- Bracknell Library - 01344 423149 (Monday to Saturday, except Wednesday)
- Binfield Library - 01344 306663 (Thursday, Friday afternoon, 2.30-4pm, and Saturday only).
- Crowthorne Library - 01344 776431 (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday only)
- Sandhurst Library - 01252 870161 (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday only)
- Whitegrove Library - 01344 424211 (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday only)