Oxfordshire announces launch of Libraries Week 2020

Library users are being encouraged to get to know what is on offer from their local branch as part of a special national week celebrating the role of libraries.

The theme of this year’s National Libraries Week will be books and reading - highlighting the great contribution that libraries make to building a country of readers, providing access through digital support, services and activities.

Throughout the week, activities inspired by books and reading for adults and children will be on offer via social media. Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries have an excellent range of online services such as information sources and e-books.

There are some great books available to explore and borrow in any of the 24 Oxfordshire libraries which are currently open to the public plus the vast range of electronic media which can be accessed.

The news comes as Chinnor, Woodgreen, Charlbury and Wychwood libraries are set to reopen in October. Oxfordshire County Council has already successfully reopened 24 libraries including Abingdon, Banbury, Berinsfield, Bicester, Blackbird Leys, Carterton, Chipping Norton, Cowley, Didcot, Faringdon, Eynsham, Goring, Headington, Henley, Kidlington, Sonning Common, Summertown, Thame, Wallingford, Wantage, Watlington, Woodstock, Witney and the Oxfordshire County Library in the Westgate Centre.

Oxfordshire libraries are looking forward to welcoming people to the world of books, reading and beyond whether you are a returning library user or a new one. Joining the library is very easy to do online. More information about the library service can be found at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Cultural Services, said:

“I hope that Libraries Week will provide the inspiration for people to visit our libraries, help bring the community together and find out more about all the ways we can help readers of all ages access books, e-books, audiobooks and magazines and learn how to find out about online job hunting via Learn my Way available from home or on a library computer. Everyone is welcome and the library is free to join.”

Since March, when all libraries had to close, the library service has delivered an increased range of online activities through social media channels such as Facebook @oxfordshirelibraries. The annual Summer Reading Challenge: Silly Squad, rhymetimes, poetry readings, quizzes, online book club, storytimes have become regular features.

Now that many Oxfordshire libraries are able to re-open we look forward to sharing the joy of books and reading in person with visitors.

For the latest news and updates, visit: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries

Twitter: @oxfordshirelibraries #oxonlibraries