Essex County Council’s Library Update and Reading Guide

You may have seen that Essex County Council is consulting on its proposed strategy for library services over the next five years. The strategy sets out the priorities for library services, based on what you have told us, to shape a service that’s modern, focused and fit for the way we live now and in the future.

The consultation launched on 29 November and lasts 12 weeks. During this time there will be information drop-ins at every local library.

Find out more and complete the survey online at essex.gov.uk/libraries-consultation

Reading Ideas

Book of the Month

A young boy wakes to find his mother gone, and a snowman in the garden, with his mother’s pink scarf round its neck. When detective Harry Hole investigates, he discovers many women have gone missing over the years. With horror he realises a serial killer has been operating on his home turf.

Reserve our Book of the Month

Watch the trailer

Screen Reads

It’s the age old question, which is better the book, the film or the TV show? With this list of books recently adapted for the screen, you can judge for yourself!

High School Reads

Hundreds of books have been written about being at High School. Our selection of High School reads for teens glimpse into the joy, drama and heartbreak of those years. Includes first crushes, misfits, prom nights and a few vampires thrown in!

Box Office opening soon!

The Essex Book Festival box office is opening on Monday 14 January when the exciting line up of authors will also be announced. In 2019 the festival will be 20 years old and to celebrate we’re having 20 events in libraries. The festival happens across the whole of Essex during the month of March so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to meet authors in a venue near you!

December events

Every month hundreds of fantastic events take place in libraries at the heart of your community. If you want to find out what’s happening at your local library it’s easy to do a search on our events website.  This month many events will have a festive flavour, from card making to Christmas rhymetimes.

How did Saint Nicholas become Father Christmas?

We all know that Father Christmas lives in the North Pole with his wife, spending the year making toys with his elves. But do you know the story behind Santa and how he became the jolly red-suited gentleman we all know and love? Find out the fascinating legend of how Saint Nicholas became Father Christmas with Britannica online.

Listening to books is good for you!

There are so many reasons why listening to stories is good for you. It’s a hands-free activity that makes boring tasks more tolerable. It’s great escapism during your commute or on a long journey. Listening to a story is also a great aid for insomnia, diverting your attention away from not being able to sleep helping you to gradually drop off.

So if Father Christmas is bringing you a tablet this year check out our great selection of free e-audio books.

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