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The new site will allow for a larger, more accessible, and modern library in a central location that better meets the needs of the community and the growing local population.

Following works to the site, the new library is expected to welcome the public in its new home at Castle Quay, by the end of 2027.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Libraries are more than just a place to borrow books. They are community spaces that play a vital role in helping people in everyday life from getting information and support to a place to socialise.

“The relocation will transform our library provision in Banbury with massively improved facilities, including better digital resources, flexible study areas, and dedicated spaces for community events. The new library, which will be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, will also be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all residents can benefit from its services.”

Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “As a big supporter of libraries and their vital role in our communities, I’m delighted to be welcoming Banbury library into Castle Quay. This will provide a larger, more modern space that places the library in the heart of Banbury, which will be a significant cultural investment in our town centre and for our residents to be able to enjoy all the benefits a contemporary library provides.

“Through previous engagement residents have shown support for improving and regenerating Banbury town centre, and the library relocation forms an exciting part of our upcoming plans.

“In its new, central location, the library will add to the cultural vibrancy of the town as a hub for education, leisure and social connection. This move reflects our commitment to Castle Quay as a multi-use, community destination and to ensuring Banbury thrives as a place where people want to live, work and visit.”

The news forms part of an ongoing project to update Oxfordshire’s libraries, with a number of other local communities already benefitting from upgrades to modernise and improve accessibility.

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A new and improved Witney Library is set to reopen to residents later this year, 6 December, following a comprehensive programme of modernisation.

Improvements to the Oxfordshire County Council library include new windows, more efficient heating, and a complete refurbishment, making it brighter, warmer, and more energy efficient.

The interior has been redesigned to create a flexible space that features new shelving, public computers, and areas with electric sockets for customers who wish to work.

A new community meeting room has also been created, alongside a vibrant and expanded children’s area.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “We are delighted to reopen Witney library after extensive repair and a fantastic refurbishment.

"The work, which coincides with the 60th birthday of the library, will make an even more welcoming and accessible space that will serve the local community for many years to come.

"The work will also make the library more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.”

A large number of new books have also been bought for the library.

The upgrades form part of an ongoing project to modernise Oxfordshire’s libraries, and improve accessibility, reflecting the changing needs of local communities.

The project has been made possible through a combination of central government decarbonisation funds, and developer funding also known as Section 106 Funding.

The work is being delivered by the county council’s libraries and minor works teams.

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Hook Norton residents are being encouraged to get behind a new crowdfunding campaign that aims to raise money for the local library, with Oxfordshire County Council set to add £3 for every £1 raised.

Friends of Hook Norton Community Library and the council are working in partnership with the goal of raising £10,000, which, if successful, will turn into £40,000 to fund the work, by the end of October.

The proposal will see an expansion into the Norman Matthews Hall next door, reconfiguring the existing library to maximise space, and provide a flexible area for more activities.

A new proposed larger space for children’s books will also delight the many young readers who make up 40 per cent of existing users.

Mark McCree, Head of Libraries and Heritage at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The project to expand Hook Norton Library is an exciting opportunity for us to develop and enhance this well used and much loved community asset, responding to changing customer demands and needs.

“It is also a chance for us to pilot a collaborative approach to project delivery, planning and funding by working with the Friends of Hook Norton Community Library.”

Jane Orchard, Chair of the Friends of Hook Norton Community Library, said: “Libraries have never been more vital. We’re launching this crowdfunder campaign to raise the all-important funds so the work can begin early in 2026, ready to celebrate the National Year of Reading.

“While other, libraries around the UK have closed, Oxfordshire County Council is offering us this exciting opportunity to reunite the whole building into a fun social space for reading, learning and community activities."

The library is currently in a small Grade II listed building dating from 1855, which has served the village well as a school, youth club and social space before becoming the library in 1973.

Now it will be re-configured to create a space that inspires the joy of reading for all, with dedicated reading areas for children and adults, and the flexibility to support more fun, social activities.

There will be more room for the many library facilities from books to PCs and a warm, welcoming place for all in the heart of the village.

To support Hook Norton Library with its fundraising, visit its crowdfunder page.

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Jake Tilling, Witney Library Manager, and Karen Seymour, Hook Norton Library Manager, have been nominated for their work around the council’s Every Contact Count (MECC) initiative.

MECC is a national programme aimed at improving health outcomes through everyday conversations with residents. It uses the natural interactions that occur in community hubs, such as libraries, to support people with their health and wellbeing.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health and Communities said: “Libraries are community hubs where thousands of conversations take place every day between staff, volunteers and library customers.

“MECC is perfectly placed to fit into these conversations and support people with their health and wellbeing. Often library staff are already having these types of conversations, but training in MECC ensures these conversations are high quality and effective.

“Jake and Karen have led our programme for almost six years on top of their roles as branch managers. In that time, they’ve helped us to train 44 MECC champions - one in every branch, resulting in almost 10,000 interactions per year. Together they have worked very closely to transform what we offer and improve health outcomes of their local communities. It is an excellent example of the benefits of collaborative working between the public health team and the library service.

“The nomination is a much deserved recognition of their brilliant work, and we wish both Jake and Karen every success.”

The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users, or their local communities.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 10 during the Libraries Connected annual seminar in Warwickshire.

The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users, or their local communities.

 he winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 10 during the Libraries Connected annual seminar in Warwickshire.

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Two years later, he kept his promise with support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC).

Now that his business, The Drone Rules, is thriving, 32 year old William is encouraging others to consider the BIPC to help turn their business ideas into reality.

Inspired by his Nigerian-born mother who was one of the first female aeronautical engineers in her town, William wanted to capitalise on his background in aerospace and astronautics engineering to create a business that centres on changing the world for the better through aerial technology – drones.

He said: “I had been working for an Oxford University spinout, having spent five years as a flight simulation engineer, building simulators and travelling the world to test them, but I had promised myself I would start my own business.

“The drone industry is a fast paced and rapidly growing market. This is because drones offer incredible value if used correctly – anything from aerial photography to delivering medical supplies at hospitals. There are so many opportunities with these incredible flying robots!”

William first came into contact with the team at the BIPC when he was offering free services at Oxford Westgate Library.

As he explains, “I quit my job in 2021, and I then began to offer free services to the library in the form of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) drone workshops. These were STEM based coding classes for young people.

“I was then introduced by a library manager to the BIPC management as she saw that I was keen to develop STEM workshops for young people.”

William was one of the first people to use the popular start-up networking huddles, which are now one of the most well attended of its kind in the country and has utilised almost every resource available.

“I have used almost everything at the centre to help my business, including the databases on offer, photography and lighting equipment, the green screen background, the meeting rooms for client discussions, and even the main room for various STEM sessions.”

Thanks to the help on offer at BIPC, William’s business is now thriving, providing educational and consultancy services to a range of different organisations.

“I have managed to branch the business out into two main areas: education and consultancy. “Drone City provides further development of STEM by inspiring young people (key stage one to two) through all mediums of education through practical sessions utilising our very own story books, online resources and STEM drones

“Meanwhile, Droneworxx (key stage two to post-16) helps with the development of careers by inspiring those aged 12 - 21 and over by offering programmes, workshops and practical sessions to help young adults to succeed in the world of autonomous aviation.

“The Drone Rules is the parent company for both Drone City and Droneworxx and is also helping businesses and organisations across Oxfordshire and surrounding counties adopt drone solutions including NHS, Oxfordshire County Council, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and Oxford Business Park.

“I would strongly recommend anybody who is thinking about starting their own business to attend a meeting with the BIPC for a one to one, or join one of the start-up huddles, and gain insights into taking the leap into developing your idea into a viable business.

“You may feel ready to fly, but learning about the financial, administrative, and business planning frameworks may help make the ride a little less bumpy!”

Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “The Drone Rules is just another example of a small Oxfordshire startup that has benefited from the expertise and resources on offer at the BIPC.

“It’s always great to hear these success stories, and I hope to hear many more.

"The BIPC offers various free resources, including free business advice and mentoring from our team, networking events, database access, meeting spaces, and equipment. It's the perfect place to bring your business idea to life.”

Located in the Oxford Westgate Library, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one on one support or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

A monthly startup huddle is held to provide a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's national network of business and intellectual property centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.

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The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge ‘Marvellous Makers’ is taking place at Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries from 6 July.

In collaboration with The Reading Agency and Create, a top charity that delivers the creative arts to the most disadvantaged people, this year’s challenge wants to spark children’s imaginations and inspire them to be creative and tell stories through the magic of reading. 

From 6 July until 7 September, children aged four to 11 taking part in the free challenge can discover new stories, join in with free activities across the county’s libraries and explore their creativity – from junk modelling to music, dance to drawing and painting.

A mini challenge with a special card and stickers is also available for children under four.

Mark McCree, Service Manager, Libraries and Heritage at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual opportunity for children to ignite and develop their love of reading, with the added bonus of being able to win some great prizes and take part in a whole range of activities at their local library. Reading, as well as being a fun hobby, sparks imagination and ideas.

“We welcome and encourage children across the county to visit the library and enjoy some great books over the summer. There are plenty of creative events to take part in too, and it’s all free!”

This year’s bespoke illustrations are created by Natelle Quek, celebrated illustrator of titles including Wild Wild Wood (Puffin Books) and I Am Nefertiti (Five Quills).

To find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge

Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries service hosts activities and classes throughout the county for people of all ages. Residents can find out what’s on by going to oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries.

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Now in its tenth year, the competition continues to be a platform for the talented writers of Oxfordshire, with three categories to reflect the breadth of talent in the county.

Winning for the second time in the adult category was Jez Fernandez from Grove whose story ‘Dreamland’ is a wickedly funny, yet strikingly poignant story littered with pop culture references and a diverse cast of authentic characters, all set within a quintessential American diner.

Commenting on his second victory, 50 year old Jez said: “This is such thrilling news, and I am so honoured to win again.”

His 2017 winning short story ‘Time of Death’ is one of the most downloaded ever for a competition-winning title.

Thirteen year old Oxford High School student Alison Zhao was victorious in the young adult category with her story 2056. It is a thought provoking vignette exploring how bringing an AI robot into the home can have an unimaginably profound impact, for better and for worse.

“I couldn't believe it and had to stand there for a minute to just let it sink in. And then it hit me, I'm going to be published. That's amazing!” said Miami-born, self-confessed Swiftie, Alison.

Finally, this year’s children’s winner was eight year old Sophia Skidmore from Witney. Her story ‘A Street of Time’ is a rip-roaring time travel adventure spanning multiple centuries and countries.

Sophia said: “I felt emotional because I found out I was going to be an author and they were going to release an eBook and audio book and the whole world could hear me read out my story, which is a massive thing for a little girl like me. It makes me really happy!”

Mark McCree, Service Manager, Libraries and Heritage at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “It is fantastic that we have been able to run this competition for a decade now, and the creativity and talent of the writers continues to astound us. Well done to all the brilliant authors who submitted a story this time around, and particular congratulations to those who have been chosen as our winners.”

All the winners are available to read on Oxfordshire libraries webpage , or on the Libby app, available to download from the Apple store or Google Play store.

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The new and improved library, which reopened on 25 March, boasts an exciting new children’s area, complete with reading dens, dedicated working and study spaces with charging points, and moveable shelving to allow the space to be used for events.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “We have transformed Chinnor library on multiple fronts. We installed new signage and branding, updated the furnishings, created a flexible layout, installed a new heating system, and incorporated environmentally sustainable features.”

“This has been a real team effort, with the local community, our volunteer group, our staff and suppliers all pulling together, and we are really proud of the end product. We are confident that local people will love the changes; and they now have a library that is modern, warm, welcoming and better able to meet their needs.”

Work was also carried out to improve the building’s environmental footprint, including the installation of additional loft insulation and solar panels, lighting upgrades, and replacing heaters with new air source heat pumps, which will also provide air conditioning in the warmer months.

The refurbishment was made possible through developers’ funding, alongside some additional council contributions.

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The Oxford-based author of the Sunday Times bestselling DI Fawley crime series will be coming to Oxfordshire County Council’s Abingdon Library to talk about her first stand-alone novel, Murder in the Family.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “I am delighted that once again Abingdon Library is welcoming another critically acclaimed author.

“Our Oxfordshire libraries have hosted so many acclaimed authors of both fiction and non-fiction writings in the past, including Mick Herron, Nicola Cornick and Peter Tickler. It’s great to be able to welcome to many big names and hopefully encourage more people to develop a love of books.”

Cara Hunter also commented on her upcoming appearance: "I love doing local events and especially in libraries. We didn't have many books at home when I was growing up so I owe my love of reading – and where I am now – entirely to libraries."

Cara's novels have sold over a million copies worldwide. Her upcoming release Murder in the Family has already been optioned for TV by Neal Street Productions – the company behind TV hits such as 1917 and Call the Midwife.

The event starts at 6pm and will include an audience question and answer session and a chance to purchase signed copies of her new book. Tickets cost £2, which includes refreshments, and are available by asking at the library or calling 01235 520374.

Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries regularly hold events, most of which are free of charge, for people of all ages, from ‘rhymetime’ for young children to ‘knit and natter’ for adults and much more. Find out more about what’s on by visiting the county council’s libraries’ webpages.

More information

Murder in the Family is an ingeniously plotted and addictive novel about an unsolved murder that gripped the nation. When Luke Ryder was found dead in the garden of the family home in London in 2003, he left behind a wealthy, older widow and three stepchildren. Years later, a group of experts are filmed on the set of a true-crime show as they re-examine the evidence – with shocking results.

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The annual competition, hosted by Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries service is a chance to discover new writers, original stories and unique voices from around Oxfordshire.

The winners will have their story published as an ebook and eaudiobook on Oxfordshire libraries’ OverDrive platform, where they can be borrowed, read and listened to from anywhere.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Community Safety, said: “The annual competition is a wonderful opportunity to inspire people of all ages to put pen to paper make their unique writing voice heard. 

“Past winners have proven to be the most popular downloads of the year, so this is the perfect way for new writers to get their story published and enjoyed by others.”

The competition is split into three age categories free to enter.  The short story competition categories are:

• children: seven to 11 years
• young adults: 12 to 17 years
• adults: 18 and above

Entries can be submitted from Wednesday 3 January until Sunday 26 February 2023. Stories can be up to 3,000 words.

Full terms and conditions as well as instructions on how to submit entries can be found on Oxfordshire libraries’ webpages.

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People will be able to choose from a range of different and exciting items including a Baird television from 1949, a collection of items from Didcot A Power Station, an ice-cream container from L Smallbones in the 1930s or a medieval cauldron and jar.

 The chosen item will be accompanied by events delivered by Oxfordshire Museum Service staff.

 Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Community Safety, said: “Instead of our museum curators deciding the programme for next year at Didcot library, this is an exciting opportunity for library users to become the curators and decide instead.

“What object evokes the most memories and interest for residents of Didcot? Do explain your vote on the library Facebook page.”

The deadline to cast a vote is 17 December, which can be done using Didcot Library’s Facebook page or in person at the library.

Shortlist

Ice-cream container from L Smallbones, 222 Broadway, 1930s

In the early 1930s, Broadway became the town’s thriving shopping centre. Leslie and Betty Smallbones ran a tobacconist and confectioner’s shop at 222 Broadway in the 1930s, where this ice cream cup was sold.

Baird television 1949

This television belonged to a family from Didcot who worked at Harwell and were always interested in the latest technology. Only few households would have owned a television in the 1950s. Broadcast hours were strictly controlled by the postmaster general.

No broadcast went out between 6pm and 7pm for a while to make it easier for children to be put to bed, a time slot known as ‘toddlers’ truce’. It was dropped in 1957.

 A collection of items from Didcot A Power Station

Didcot A Power Station operated from 1970 until March 2013. Its impact on the landscape with its striking cooling towers often divided opinion but became the defining image of Didcot. In 1968, the power station won a Civic Trust Award for how well it integrated into the landscape, but in 2003 a poll in Country Life magazine judged it to be Britain’s third worst eyesore.

The items here came from the training room at the station:

·       Work order: This is an example of a typical work order issued to the engineers working at the plant in 1974.  

·       Fuel tokens and fuel ration book: These were issued for the working vehicles on the site during the oil crisis of 1974.

·       Placemat set: This leatherette table set came from the training room at the power station while it was operated by Central Electricity Generating Board between 1970 and 2004.

 Medieval cauldron and jar

The 11th to 12th century bronze cauldron and jar were found by a metal detector user on the outskirts of Didcot. The cauldron was placed on top of the jar as a lid and has been repaired many times with patches. The repairs illustrate how important the cauldron was to its owner, but it is not known what it would have contained.

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Popular author, Mick Herron, will be dropping into the library to promote his new short story ‘Standing by the Wall’. He will be holding a question and answer session and will spend some time talking about the bestselling Slough House series – adapted into the TV series Slow Horses.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: "Mick Herron is one of Britain’s most popular authors. I am delighted he is coming to Abingdon Library next month. 

“Abingdon Library regularly holds events like this with popular authors from across genres – keep an eye out for some of your favourites!"

Commenting on his appearance at Abingdon Library, Mick said: "I’ve been a user of the public library system my whole life, and regard it as one of our great national institutions, enriching the lives of its users and, in dark times, providing a safe, warm place for those in need. Like the NHS, its value is incalculable.”

The event starts at 6pm. Tickets cost £2, including a complimentary glass of wine, and are available by contacting the library directly on 01235 520374.

Abingdon Library holds regular events with authors, hosting a great selection of both fiction and non-fiction writings in the past, including Nicola Cornick and Peter Tickler.

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 To mark the occasion, the library is going back to 1972 with a nostalgic display of 70s memorabilia, including some of the bestselling books of 1972, fashion, pictures and film.

 Staff, volunteers and councillors will be marking the occasion with a small birthday celebration – including cake – at 2pm. Local Member of Parliament, David Johnston, will also be visiting on Friday 11 March to mark the anniversary.

 Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Consumer Services, said: “Libraries are a critical part of so many of our communities. They provide a safe and welcoming space and are trusted, free to use and open to everyone.

 “I am delighted Grove Library served its local communities for 50 years and hope residents and media can join volunteers and staff to mark the occasion on 14 March.”

 The library is run with the help of volunteers through the Friends of Grove Library group. Find out more, including how to get involved at grovelibrary.co.uk

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The strategy sets out how such services will be delivered in the years up to 2027 considering the changing needs of Oxfordshire's growing population. The council’s Cabinet agreed that the strategy should be released for consultation at its meeting on 21 December.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “Public libraries and heritage services are trusted, free to use and open to everyone. They act as safe and welcoming spaces, serve as launchpads for information and knowledge and provide opportunities for creativity and enjoyment.

“Our libraries and museums also serve as hubs, providing a wide range of services and facilities accessible to local communities.

“We are passionate about our services and know that access to our collections can make a real difference to lives in so many ways. They inspire, challenge and stimulate us to think about where we have come from and our future as individuals and communities.

“It is crucial our services actively respond to the current and changing needs of the local population. This strategy, supported by an ambitious action plan, provides the strong foundation for that to happen.”

As well as continuing to make available books and access to our collections, Oxfordshire County Council's library and heritage service will increase its focus on support and opportunities for people. This includes promoting digital inclusion and increasing access to programmes and activities that help improve health and wellbeing. 

The strategy forms part of the county council's long-term vision for Oxfordshire, which aims to make it a greener and fairer county. An action plan, updated annually, will set out how to achieve the priorities laid out in the strategy.

Residents can read the strategy and take part in the consultation on Let’s Talk Oxfordshire from 24 January 2022.

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During the pandemic, hours were reduced to allow additional safety measures to be monitored by staff. As these have been eased over the past few months, evening and Saturday opening hours can be restored.

Mark Haynes, Director for Customer Experience and Cultural Services, said: “We are delighted to see libraries return to 97 per cent of pre-COVID opening hours. Since reopening in April 2021, our libraries have been visited over 250,000 times, with over one million items borrowed during the same period. While this is still below our normal level of business, we are seeing an upwards trend as customers return to get the most out of the many services available from their local library.”

A few locations are exceptions to this. Littlemore and Bampton libraries remain closed for planned refurbishment work. Old Marston remains on a click and collect service due to restricted space.

Measures remain in place across the libraries to reflect government guidance and safety messages from Public Health England. Users are reminded to keep socially distant from others when visiting and not to visit if you feel unwell. Alongside this, library staff are gradually reinstating the services that users value so much, including events, rhymetimes and book groups.

Residents can visit the county council’s library webpage to check the opening hours for their local library. The opening hours are also available on the library app (search Oxfordshire Libraries in the app store) and on Google business listings.

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The competition held in partnership with charity the Reading Agency, encourages children to borrow and read any six library books over the summer. The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way for children to keep up their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays and prevent the common holiday reading dip.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “This is a great chance for children to ignite and develop a love of reading combined with a chance to win some great prizes. We welcome and encourage children across the county to visit the library and enjoy some great books over the summer.”

Summer Reading Challenge ambassador Steve Backshall, said: “I am thrilled to be supporting the Summer Reading Challenge 2021. The Reading Agency has teamed up with the World Wildlife Fund for Wild World Heroes, an exciting nature-themed reading challenge that will inspire children to take action for the environment. Wild World Heroes will spark conversations about the issues facing our planet, from plastic pollution to wildlife decline and will show how we can all work together to look after our world.

“By taking part in the challenge, children will unlock the benefits of reading for pleasure – it’s never been more important for young people to keep up their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays. Wild World Heroes is a brilliant way to get children reading and talking about big issues! Happy summer of reading!"

In this fun, free challenge, children will team up with the Wild World Heroes and their friends to them help make Wilderville become a better, greener place to live.

The challenge is packed full of ideas children can use to care for their environment and inspire them to stand up for the planet. Once they complete the challenge, they will receive a Wild World Heroes certificate and medal. They will also be entered into a prize draw with a falconry experience at Millets Farm with VIP entry, national book tokens and more to be won.

Since its launch in Oxfordshire in October 2020, the app has been met with great enthusiasm by schools and communities with Oxfordshire having the highest sign-up rate for Street Tag in Britain. The Farthing Truss team won season two, which ran from January to May with 1,400,370 points.

Councillor Damian Haywood, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equality, Oxfordshire County Council, said: “During this pandemic, finding time to get active has been shown to be doubly important: fitness helps our immune systems and better mental health is linked to increased physical activity – Street Tag can help you get both.

“By turning being active into tag competitions between friends and family members, while linking it to prizes, Street Tag can be an invaluable way of motivating you to get outside and staying healthy.

“I’d like to congratulate our winners of this season’s community league and all others that took part. However many points you collected you will have really benefited your health and wellbeing.”

Street Tag has two leagues; one for schools and one for communities. The community leaderboard provides opportunities for residents of an area to compete in smaller teams of up to six and scan virtual tags of their area, converting steps into Street Tag points, as well as joining online fitness classes to earn PE codes to be redeemed for more points. 

Other results from the season two community league are that players walked and cycled 29,546 miles and walked 30,187,775 steps across Oxfordshire.

Further good news on Street Tag is that ten libraries have teamed up with the scheme to offer bonus points. If players go to pick up a book, they can now scan the Street Tag QR code to collect bonus points. The libraries are Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, Didcot, Henley, Kidlington, Oxfordshire County, Thame, Wantage and Witney.

Players can also treble their points during ‘Power Hour’. Players can pre-select a 60 minute burst on the Power Hour tab in the main menu of the app to boost their scores.

To sign up to the community leaderboard, install the app, create a team and join.

Players can earn Street Tag points from physical activities, indoor and outdoor – walking, running and cycling by scanning virtual tags.

The most active communities and schools benefit from real rewards. Those with the highest rates will be rewarded with £50 for parent teacher associations of the top three leading schools in the districts and rewards of sports equipment, Amazon vouchers and more for the highest scoring communities within each district.

For more information visit Street Tag online or find Street Tag on the Play Store, App Store, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

For the first time, the contest featured winners in three age ranges and included a new junior short story category, open to ages 5 - 11.

Lesli Good, Oxfordshire County Council’s Interim Assistant Director for Cultural Services, said: “The judging panel enjoyed reading and debating the entries from many talented writers and there was particularly stiff competition this year. The winners should be doubly proud of their achievements.”

Winner of the adult short story category was Hannah Blanton for her story ‘The Gingerbread Man’, a darkly comedic satire on the themes of greed and ego, with a macabre sensibility. The Oxfordshire libraries judges were almost unanimous in their decision selecting Hannah as the adult category winner.

Hannah said: “It was such a surprise when I learned that my story had been chosen as the winner! It feels great to know that the judges enjoyed reading my story, and I hope others enjoy reading it too. I’ve always enjoyed creative writing and winning the competition has inspired me to keep writing more.”

The young adult category winner ‘Nightmares’ by Meredith Corley was chosen for its confident style and powerful impact. Meredith’s atmospheric horror story was praised for its vivid and cinematic style, subtly building up the tension to its deadly, grotesque conclusion. 

The junior short story winner was Erin Ellis with a lockdown-inspired dog story called ‘Marvellous Max and the Choccy Whoccy Woof Bar,’ which blends comedy, surrealism and a magically inclined dog to take the judges on a laugh out loud adventure.

The competition, now in its seventh year, is all part of Oxfordshire County Council’s commitment to thriving communities – helping people live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their communities.

Download the winning stories

To see what made Hannah, Erin and Meredith this year’s outstanding authors and ensure them pride of place alongside national bestsellers, visit the Oxfordshire Library eBook webpage or the Overdrive app today.

Oxfordshire County Council has restarted the scheme, which was suspended while libraries were operating a click-and-collect service only.

Drop-off points are for unwanted small electrical items that are still in good condition are available at the following libraries:

• Banbury
• Bicester
• Witney
• Oxfordshire County Library in Oxford’s Westgate Centre
• Cowley
• Blackbird Leys.

A crate will be provided at the library entrance for users to donate their unwanted electrical items. The items will be collected by Bicester Green or Orinoco, two local charities who help reuse and recycle waste.

Volunteers at each charity will make minor repairs, test the items for electrical safety and the items will then be sold on to benefit the charities.

The drop-off point is for small electrical items only – such as toasters, kettles and radios – which can be easily carried. The libraries are not able to accept anything large or heavy, including televisions, monitors, microwaves, white goods or fridges and freezers, or anything damaged and beyond repair.

Drop-offs can only be made when the libraries are open – please check opening hours before visiting. To make your donation safely, remember to follow the rules that apply for all library users.

People are asked to ensure any disposable batteries are removed from donations of battery-powered devices. Batteries can be recycled at the kerbside by placing in a clear bag on top of your wheelie bin. If the item has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery – such as the ones in cordless power tools or mobile phones – please leave them in the device when donated.

Small electrical items that are beyond repair can be recycled either at the kerbside or a recycling centre.

To find details of all recycling services, please visit the Waste Wizard online tool: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wastewizard

Oxfordshire County Council is planning a phased approach to the re-opening of libraries and will be maintaining safety measures including track and trace, use of face coverings and social distancing.

Lesli Good, Interim Assistant Director for Cultural Services, said: “Our libraries and registration staff have missed serving the Oxfordshire public in person and being the heartbeat of their communities. It’s a moment we have been anticipating hugely for many weeks and now it is very close.

“Our excitement is being blended with a safety-first approach. Each building is different and they are all being fully assessed to make sure they are as safe as they can be.

“We will keep everyone up to date on our website and through social media whenever a new re-opening is due and also on the safety arrangements that have been put in place.”

As a result of the safety precautions required, library opening hours are also temporarily limited. Visitors are advised to check times on the library pages of the county council’s website.

Since the November lockdown, all loans have been extended on a rolling basis. This will end on 10 May, at which point all loans will be due for return or renewal. You can safely return items by dropping them off in the returns boxes at the doors of any library during opening hours.

No library customers will be penalised as a result of having to self-isolate or being unable to travel to return library loans. If there are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from returning or renewing your loans, please contact your nearest open library.

In addition, the Oxfordshire History Centre will be re-opening to visitors on 13 April. All visits must be booked online in advance via Eventbrite. The centre has also now re-started its remote enquiry service.

Dates for libraries

The following libraries will reopen on the week beginning 12 April:

• Oxfordshire County Library
• Abingdon
• Banbury
• Berinsfield
• Bicester
• Blackbird Leys
• Botley
• Carterton
• Charlbury
• Chinnor
• Chipping Norton
• Cowley
• Didcot
• Eynsham
• Faringdon
• Goring
• Headington
• Henley
• Kennington
• Kidlington
• Sonning Common
• Summertown
• Thame
• Wallingford
• Wantage
• Watlington
• Wheatley
• Witney
• Woodcote
• Wychwood

The following libraries will reopen on the week beginning 19 April:

• Adderbury
• Benson
• Deddington
• Grove
• Littlemore
• North Leigh
• Stonesfield

Old Marston and Burford will reopen with a click and collect service only due to the difficulties of social distancing in small spaces.

The following libraries are closed until further notice:

• Bampton and Hook Norton – closed pending ongoing building work
• Barton – closed pending the reopening of the Neighbourhood Centre
• Woodgreen - closed pending reopening of the leisure centre
• Woodstock – closed pending reopening of the Oxfordshire Museum

Click and collect will continue to operate at our larger libraries, in addition to Burford and Old Marston.

For further details of library opening hours, re-openings and safety measures for visitors, please visit the county council’s libraries’ webpage.

Oxfordshire County Council’s home library service is offered free to users in partnership with Age UK to almost 800 residents of all ages. These residents are unable to visit libraries themselves through frailty, infirmity or a disability and have no other means of getting access to loaned products. It is also available to full-time carers and those who might need the service in the short-term following illness or hospitalisation.

The service depends on a team of around 180 volunteers who supply the users with loan items on visits every three weeks. The service matches its volunteers carefully to specific residents to allow the same volunteer to visit each time. During the pandemic the number of volunteers has dropped linked to the impacts of COVID-19.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Cabinet Member for Education and Cultural Services, said: “The home library service has continued to play a vital role during the pandemic for those who cannot access libraries with books and other cultural resources provided by the council.

“As well as council staff, I would like to thank the dedication of our team of staff and volunteers who keep this service running and offer a very valuable resource to our residents who may otherwise be isolated. The home library service is about far more than books; it offers real and meaningful connections with residents whose needs may otherwise go unnoticed. Wherever you may live in Oxfordshire, the service would welcome new volunteers to help keep up the good work.”

Recent survey feedback (48 responses) underlines the real value its users find from the service. The survey was aimed customers who have no volunteers free in their area or who are awaiting a volunteer to take over once their application has been completed.

Home visits are supported by COVID-19 safety measures with staff wearing face coverings, gloves and/or hand sanitiser and remaining at least two metres at all times from customers to keep people safe. All items collected are quarantined for 72 hours before being allowed back into the library.

Residents can volunteer to join the home library service by emailing homelibraryservice@oxfordshire.gov.uk or calling 01865 810259.

The winner from each of the three categories will see their short story published as an e-book; on our libraries webpages, which can be borrowed and read across Oxfordshire. Previous winners have been some of the most borrowed e-books in the library collection - so this is the perfect time for new writers to take this opportunity to get published. The competition aims to inspire writers, whatever their age, to express themselves and tell their own original story.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services said

“The e-book competition is a great chance to get your unique writing voice heard and could be an inspiring first step for new writers of all ages. We welcome and encourage everyone to enter the competition and share your creative talents.”

What’s new this year?

Now in its seventh year, the competition has newly added a third category, so that children are invited to enter their short stories.

This follows on from the success of the children’s poetry and art competition, in early 2020, where our libraries were overwhelmed with creative responses from children and young people. Oxfordshire poet, James Carter, who wrote in the foreword for this collection, noted that the writing “dazzles, intrigues and enchants.”

The short story competition categories are:

• • children’s category for 5 – 11 years
  • young Adult category 12 – 17 years
  • adult category 18 years +

The competition is free to enter and entries can be submitted from Tuesday 1 December 2020. The closing date is Sunday 21 February 2021.

Full terms and conditions as well as instructions on how to submit your entries can be found on our libraries’ webpages.

Although Oxfordshire County Council’s library service is currently unable to open libraries for browsing, the government has made it clear that libraries may offer a collection service during this period.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, said: “The first lockdown highlighted how much our residents missed borrowing books. The government has listened to that feedback and so even though our doors must remain closed for now, the new click and collect service offers a way for us all to access the reading materials we want and need during this lockdown.”

To access the service, residents need to complete a short online form available on the council’s website, telling the library what sort of books they like to read and how many they would like. Or residents can call 01865 897811.

Experienced and knowledgeable library staff will handpick up to six books that fit the interests and preferences given. There is even an option to select a surprise extra book – maybe something a little bit different.

The service also covers audiobooks and DVDs, although charges may apply for these. The service user will be notified when the books are ready for collection at one of the 14 participating libraries.

Click and collect will only be available at the following libraries: (All other branches will remain closed until further notice in line with government guidance).

• • Oxfordshire County Library (Oxford)
  • Abingdon
  • Banbury
  • Bicester
  • Botley
  • Cowley
  • Didcot
  • Headington
  • Henley
  • Kidlington
  • Summertown
  • Thame
  • Wantage
  • Witney.

Ends

For more information about this release contact the Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council communications team on 01865 323870 or email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

• To comply with lockdown restrictions, libraries will not be open for browsing
• The service can be found online at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraryclickandcollect

The site in Botley replaces a previous, smaller library in the area and demonstrates the County’s commitment to its library provision.

The new library brings Botley the best of contemporary library design. Curved, open shapes create a discovery layout which showcases the library collections and makes browsing a pleasure. A walk through the central shelving zones leads you into a children’s library in front of picture windows.

In addition to a great range of library materials, the new vibrant space offers a much larger space than the previous site. It provides great capacity for library activities and events. Almost everything in the library is mobile to enable a wide range of events and activities - talks, performances, workshops and displays – to take place, making it a valuable community resource when circumstances mean we are able to reintroduce these services. There are also spaces with power to plug in your own device as well as a dedicated zone for teenagers.

If you are new to the library service you can sign up for your library card at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries and enjoy all of what Oxfordshire Libraries offer.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for Education & Cultural Services, said:

“We are delighted to announce the relocation of Botley Library into a new site within the new West Way shopping centre, bringing additional services to this end of the city. The new library is playing a big part of this exciting development for the public and community alike and will be an improved offer for customers in a larger space following the best of contemporary library design. This demonstrates our commitment to library services in Oxfordshire and to ensuring our customers have access to all the opportunities that a modern library service can provide.”

The library is located at: 5A Church Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 9TH.

Botley Library is currently open from 9.30am-1pm on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 1pm-5pm on Thursdays.

Further details on the library service offered at Botley can be found at:

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/libraries/find-library/botley-library

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

The changes mean that from Monday 28^th September, Sonning Common will be open and on the 29^th Faringdon, Watlington and Goring libraries will reopen. Work is progressing for, Chinnor, Woodgreen, Charlbury and Wychwood libraries to be open early October.

Oxfordshire County Council has already successfully reopened 20 libraries including Abingdon, Banbury, Berinsfield, Bicester, Blackbird Leys, Carterton, Chipping Norton, Cowley, Didcot, Eynsham, Headington, Henley, Kidlington, Summertown, Thame, Wallingford, Wantage, Woodstock, Witney and the Oxfordshire County Library in the Westgate Centre.

Please check Oxfordshire Libraries website for the current opening hours as they may not be the same as pre-Covid-19 and may be subject to change.

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

“The fact that more of our county libraries are reopening to serve the community is a great step for residents. I’d like to thank our library staff and volunteers for their hard work in making this possible.

“Please take care of yourselves and others when visiting libraries as there will be some important adjustments made for your safety and that our staff. Remember also that a wealth of electronic services and e-books can still be accessed via our library website.”

Library users can now return items with no risk with the book drop boxes accessible in or out of opening hours. People can also of course return them inside our safely-adapted libraries.

Library visitors will be asked to wear face coverings, pay by card where possible and contact details will be requested when visiting.

Please check our website for any changes and advice for visiting libraries as they reopen at our library service page:

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/libraries

There are already many ways to recycle small electrical items that are beyond repair either at the kerbside or a recycling centre. Funded by Valpak, these drop off points are provided for unwanted small electrical items that are still in good condition at a number of participating Oxfordshire libraries.

The service will start again at Banbury, Bicester, Witney, Oxfordshire County Library, Cowley, & Blackbird Leys libraries on 28th September.

In the same way that library users can drop off returned books into crates at the library entrance, an extra crate will now be provided for library users to donate their unwanted electrical items.

Once goods have been dropped off, the items will be collected by Bicester Green or Orinoco – two local charities who help reuse and recycle waste – where they will be tested. Minor repairs will be made by volunteers and the items will then be sold on to benefit the charities.

The drop off point is for small electrical items only – toasters, kettles, radios etc – items you can easily carry. The libraries are not able to accept anything large or heavy – such as televisions, monitors, microwaves, white goods or fridges and freezers – or anything damaged and beyond repair.

Drop offs can only be made when the libraries are open – please check opening hours before visiting.

We ask residents to ensure any disposable batteries – i.e. standard AA/AAA/9V batteries – are removed from donations of battery-powered devices. These can be recycled at the kerbside. If the item has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery – like the ones in cordless power tools or mobile phones – please leave them in the device when donated.

To make your donation safely, library users must remember to follow the rules that apply for all library users.

Marian Morgan Bindon, Service Manager for Libraries and Heritage said: “We are delighted to again be able offer residents a convenient way to donate electrical items through local libraries and to save them from becoming waste.”

To find details of all recycling services, please visit the Waste Wizard online tool: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wastewizard

Regular handwashing, keeping a safe distance from others, minimising the handling of goods and wearing face coverings are among vital steps libraries are taking to #stopthespread.

Allie Thomlinson and Kim Kearney from our library service have both been central to the reopening of our libraries during Summer in their areas of the county. Oxfordshire’s libraries have been gradually reopening with 20 of the 44 now open for business - and work behind the scenes has not stopped.

Allie lives in Thame and is the group library manager for the Thame group of libraries which includes the Wheatley, Watlington and Chinnor sites. She has been working for the county’s library service for 37 years and started her career aged 16 at the Blackbird Leys library in Oxford in the early 1980s. After spending 28 years of her career at Oxford Central Library, Allie moved to the Thame branch in 2010 and became group library manager from 2012.

Thame Library reopened in July but before that could happen, lots of planning was required to keep residents and staff safe. In the early part of the lockdown, Allie was working with colleagues across the library service; planning for reopening of as many sites as possible with all the measures that would be required. To keep staff safe, these planning meetings were held online using Microsoft Teams. Senior library staff then came up with a series of measures and risk assessments to allow libraries to open again after a number of important steps were taken to #stopthespread.

Allie said: “As an individual, hand washing is something I do, many times a day and wearing a mask. We’ve also staggered staff start times and allowed them to work at home when possible. The safety changes mean that quarantining books for 72 hours is now standard. We’ve also introduced test and trace forms, hand sanitiser at the door as well as limiting visits to the library to 30 minutes. The number of people able to access the building at any single time is now 12 library users plus four staff at any time.

“Another handy thing we’ve done to make life easier and keep people safe is to introduce a book drop box if people do not want to come inside. This can be used both when the library is open or closed.”

“Other important steps are also being taken to keep you and librarians safe including an extra visit by a cleaner at midday to make sure a full and rigorous extra level of sanitisation is made. We are also asking visitors to pay by card to help reduce the risk further. It is still possible to pay for photocopying by coins.”

“Many staff have even gone as far as to record or hold Zoom sessions of activities that would normally be held at libraries including popular reading events and rhymetimes.

Amid the lockdown and school holidays, demand for books and materials has soared; an important plea to residents now is to return children’s picture books as soon as you can. The quarantine process and demand means that available stocks of picture books are now very low.

Library users can now return items with no risk with the book drop boxes accessible in or out of opening hours. People can also of course return them inside our safely-adapted libraries if you want to.

Kim, the Group Library Manager for Abingdon manages our sites in Cowley, Blackbird Leys, Littlemore & Kennington and has also taken measures to #stopthespread.

She’s been at Abingdon since April 2017 and joined the service in January 2007..But she wanted to join a lot earlier! When she left school in 1985, the first job she applied for was as a library assistant at Abingdon Library but went onto a career in banking as well as working for a lettings agency in Didcot before starting work where she had first applied to..in 1985!

Kim said: “We took a consultative approach to look at what was possible. To keep people safe, we have removed furniture such as study tables and chairs and repositioned self-service machines to allow people to keep a safe distance. We have moved some book stock to allow room for book quarantine as well as fitting protective screens up at service counters. We’ve also installed a new area in lobby for a no-contact book drop and we now have a person to meet & greet visitors at the entrance and ask them fill in a test & trace form.”

Kim follows the guidelines to #stopthespread: She wears a mask and washes her hands very regularly as well as keeping a two-metre distance from staff and visitors.

Kim also says that now the changes have been made, she’d love to see more residents return to use the libraries:

“We welcome residents to come back to our libraries; we are only at a third of our previous level of visitors. We have taken extensive steps to keep you safe and we’d be very glad to see you again soon.”

In the earlier period of the lockdown, a number of library staff played a vital role by adapting their customer service and administration skills to frontline needs. This included moving to meet the immediate needs at the Registration service, by acting as marshals at Household Waste Recycling Centres and by making calls to vulnerable residents to support them though their needs in the emergency.

In September, Oxfordshire County Council’s Libraries will be commemorating the anniversary with a series of activities on social media and a nostalgic look at our memories of schooldays. School – Best Days of Your Life? will run from 2-16th September on Oxfordshire Libraries Facebook page.

Among the activities will be a scheduled video demo of reminiscence session using a Childhood Reminiscence Box, examples of quirky and nostalgic school photos from the past and the regular online book club (Bloomin’ Good Books) will take a nostalgic look at book covers of titles like Just William, Mallory Towers and Harry Potter.

We take the right to education for granted today but in the 1870s, some children continued to be employed on farms and in factories. Others had family care duties, all of which interrupted their education. In Oxford in 1871, records show that nearly one in five children received no education at all.

Forster’s Education Act – or to give it its true name, the Elementary Education Act of 1870, changed the course of history for our education system, setting a framework for the education of all children aged between five and 12. Local authorities were required to submit a return on the number of children in their area, compared with the number of places available.

The History and Museum Services will, in due course, be preparing an online collection of photographs, historical objects and records to support research from local communities interested in starting a community project about a local school.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay Gale, with joint responsibilities for Education and Cultural Services said:

“This educational landmark presents a fantastic opportunity to spend a moment reflecting on our own experiences of school and the books we enjoyed as well as new books which continue to be inspired by schooldays. I look forward to the upcoming collection of historical records, photographs and objects which will inspire students and communities shape a research project about local schools.”

For more details on School – Best Days of Your Life? 2-16 September plus other great library activities, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/Oxfordshirelibraries/

In addition, the Oxfordshire Museum and Woodstock Library will re-open from Wednesday 12 August. Their hours will be Weds to Sat 11am – 5pm Last admission 4.30pm Sunday 2pm - 5pm.

Oxfordshire County Council has already successfully reopened 15 libraries with Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, Blackbird Leys, Carterton, Cowley, Didcot, Headington, Henley, Kidlington, Summertown, Thame, Wantage, Witney and the Oxfordshire County Library in Westgate having successfully reopened.

Opening hours for all sites are those pre-Covid-19 with the exception that no library will open past 5pm.

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

“The fact that more of our county libraries are reopening to serve the community is a great step, especially now the summer holidays have begun. I’d like to thank our library staff for their hard work in making this possible.

“Please take care of yourselves and others when visiting libraries as there will be some important adjustments made for your safety and that our staff. Remember also that a wealth of electronic services and e-books can still be accessed via our library website.”

The county council has been receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers as each library has reopened. One social media post relating to Banbury Library recently read: “Just want to say how impressed I was with Banbury library’s set up today. They were very kind and welcoming and made me feel at ease!”

Please check our website for any changes and advice for visiting libraries as they reopen at our library service page:

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/libraries

Oxfordshire Libraries is thrilled to publish “Now is the time to rhyme!” – an art and poetry collection written by local children aged 6 to 17 in a competition held in the Spring.

In April, in response to the Covid-19 crisis, when lockdown was in force and schools were closing – Oxfordshire Libraries launched an art and poetry competition for children and young people. It was launched as a chance to let young people escape through art or poetry and express their feelings at this challenging time.

Oxfordshire County Council librarians were thrilled to receive masses of brilliantly creative entries and enjoyed selecting those to be published for the final e-book.

Young people in Oxfordshire sent in drawings, designs and poems in all sorts of styles and forms – from funny limericks to wistful haikus, romantic rhyming couplets to political polemics.

Favourite subjects for poetry were nature, animals, the environment, emotions, seasons and life in lockdown. The artwork also reflected a child’s view of the world – delighting in the intricate details of animals, books, toys and playful cartoons.

Oxfordshire Libraries also asked Oxfordshire poet James Carter to read through the final anthology and write a foreword. He said: “Now Is The Time To Rhyme does so much more than its title promises: it dazzles, intrigues and enchants.”

The e-book poetry collection is just published and is available now for all Oxfordshire library users to borrow from the Oxfordshire Libraries e-book site: https://oxfordshire.overdrive.com/

Contact: librarydigitalservices@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Facebook: @oxfordshirelibraries

Twitter: @oxonlibraries

Oxfordshire Libraries and The Reading Agency are inviting children aged 4 to 11 to get reading and get silly this summer. Although the doors to Oxfordshire’s libraries are closed, our libraries remain open and this year’s challenge is going online. Join in to celebrate funny books, happiness and laughter.

The Silly Squad are a team of adventurous animal friends created by the award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson. They love reading, especially books that make them laugh but they must watch out for the mysterious baddie waiting to spoil their antics.

Parents and carers join their children to the Silly Squad, Summer Reading Challenge online at sillysquad.org.uk and it’s all free!

The children set their own reading challenge over the summer. They can read any books they like. If they are already a member of Oxfordshire Libraries they can download e-books and e-audio for free. If not, join the library online www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries.

Alternatively, children can read books they already have at home. It can be comics, jokes books, stories and information books. For ideas of books to read, Oxfordshire Libraries have their own Silly Squad e-book and e-audio collections, visit: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ebooks

As they track their reading, children collect virtual badges that will unlock further exciting downloadable activities and videos from the Silly Squad website.

To support Silly Squad, Summer Reading Challenge 2020, a fun programme of virtual activities and mayhem will be coming soon on the Oxfordshire Libraries Facebook and Twitter pages.

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

“Our country libraries may be closed for the time being, but we are still committed to serving our communities through an array of great online services and programmes available to all. The Summer Reading Challenge is one of these fantastic initiatives to enthuse children in the joy of reading that will help maintain their love of books and reading through the summer and into the new school year in September.”

Marian Morgan-Bindon, Libraries and Heritage Service Manager said:

“What I love about the Summer Reading Challenge is that children and all library customers can still enjoy the celebration of reading and the “silly squad” by taking advantage of the huge volume of e-books, magazines and other online resources Oxfordshire’s libraries offer. This summer, the Reading Challenge is all about funny books, happiness and laughter; let the fun begin with great reads from your library.”

The challenge will run throughout the summer into mid-September.

For more information go to: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/SummerReadingChallenge

Readers are invited to return a postcard telling library staff about a favourite book – and then will be entered to the prize draw. Libraries will be displaying Oxfordshire’s best-loved books; from classics to crime, science-fiction to espionage, chick-lit to chillers, feel-good fiction to fascinating factual books.

Prizes will include days out and vouchers from some of Oxfordshire’s top attractions, shops and businesses.

Marian Morgan-Bindon, our County Librarian, has already starting her wish list for this spring.

“I’m looking forward to discovering lots of new books this spring. I’ll be one of the many who will get inspired by your recommendations, who will be laughing out loud, who will grapple with that mystery and read books I would never have sought out.”

Cllr Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Cabinet member for Cultural Services, added:

“There’s a wonderful selection of books across our network of libraries and Oxfordshire Reads will encourage people to try something a little bit different. I’m very interested in discovering what people think about the books this spring.”

When: Monday 2 March until Saturday 11 April 2020

For more details: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/libraries/library/books-and-reading/oxfordshire-reads-0

Problems with the walls of the former Woodstock Library were uncovered during routine maintenance and health and safety inspections last year. Further extensive surveys revealed that the building in Hensington Road was damaged beyond economic repair and since then the county council has been preparing the site for demolition.

Work is due to start during the week beginning 16^th September, however the start date could be brought forward on the advice of surveyors who are monitoring the condition of the structure, and a cordon has already been established round the site to ensure public safety.

The preparations included obtaining planning permission for the demolition and the termination of all utilities at the building. The county council has carefully planned the project to minimise the impact on people living and working in Woodstock but acknowledges there will inevitably be some disturbance from noise, dust and site vehicles in the area.

Cllr Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Cabinet Member for Education and Cultural Services, said:

“As safety has to be our first consideration there is no alternative to demolishing the library building. I know there will be some disruption in the town during the site works. We are doing everything we can to minimise that disruption and apologise for any inconvenience caused to residents, visitors and library users.

“We are determined, however, to ensure there is a permanent library in Woodstock, as well as making sure the temporary arrangements for the library in The Oxfordshire Museum, café and gardens work as well as possible. A full library service, spread over two floors, will continue to be temporarily provided in The Oxfordshire Museum. This includes books, public access internet, activities (stay, play and learn), wifi, printing and photocopying.”

The County Council is responsible for a network of more than 43 libraries across Oxfordshire. The nearest libraries to Woodstock are Kidlington, North Leigh and Stonesfield. Its Home Library Service is offered in partnership with Age UK to people who are unable to visit the library themselves due to frailty, infirmity or a disability, and County Libraries also provides an online library service.

As part of a packed Digital Summer, children aged between 8 and 13 can earn a selection of cool badges for taking part in a variety of projects – from building robots to making banana pianos.

The digital-making activities are a continuation of the space theme which has taken over the county’s 43 libraries as we celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the moon landings.

From August 19-31, young creators can work on badges including Robot Engineer, Scratch Coder, Kitten Rescuer, Microbit Star, Web Hero and the Maker Pioneer badge for those who teach someone else.

ROBOTS AND GADGETS

Have fun building robots and gadgets, making circuits and banana pianos at the following libraries:

• Oxfordshire County Library, Monday 19, Friday 23, Wednesday 28 and Friday 30, 2-4pm
• Bicester Library, Tuesday 20, 2-4pm
• Henley Library, Thursday 22, 2-4pm
• Wallingford Library, Thursday 22, 2-3.30pm
• Burford Library, Wednesday 28, 10.30am-12.30pm
• Wychwood Library, Wednesday 28, 2-4pm
• Witney Library, Thursday 29, 10.30am-12.30pm
• Bampton Library, Thursday 29, 2-4pm
• Thame Library, Thursday 29, 2-4pm
• North Leigh Library, Friday 30, 10.30am-12.30pm
• Carterton Library, Friday 30, 2-4pm

OXFORD RASPBERRY JAM

Control hardware with the Raspberry Pi computer and micro:bit.

• Oxfordshire County Library, Saturday 31, 2-4pm

3D PRINTING

Learn the basics of designing a 3D object and see the 3D printer in action.

• Oxfordshire County Library, Thursday 22 and 29, 2-4pm

INTERACTIVE FICTION

Get creative making a text adventure game with interactive fiction software.

• Witney Library, Monday 12, 2-4pm
• Oxfordshire County Library, Tuesday 20 and 27, 2-4pm
• Abingdon Library, Monday 19, 11am-12.30pm

All the county’s libraries are also offering a range of self-supported activities for young people to take part in independently and earn digital badges. They can also get to grips with micro:bits, an amazing tiny computer in your hand.

Librarian Mark Sutcliffe, who is co-ordinating Digital Summer, said: “We have a lot more library locations on board this year and it is great to be doing something that reflects our space theme.

“The aim is for children to learn some fun digital making skills by following step-by-step projects, earning digital badges in the process to inspire them.”

Youngsters are also encouraged to join in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and join the Space Chase to read six books. For more details click here

To book on to Digital Summer events, click here

Representatives from Thames Valley Police (TVP), Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards and Age UK will talk about fraud, online and doorstep scams, and how to stay safe and alert to rogue trader activities.

The event is free for residents. It will include a talk from TVP’s Cyber Protect Officer, Mark Godsland, and an informal question and answer session.

For further information, contact Andrew Bayliss at Carterton Library, phone 01993 841492 or email andrew.bayliss@oxfordshire.gov.uk

The Oxfordshire County Council-run library service at HMP Huntercombe, a Category C men's prison near Henley, has teamed up with the National Literacy Trust and Soha Housing association to create a more inclusive book club.

The Breaking Barriers Book Club has seen a group of Soha Housing staff and residents join the prison library reading group to discuss Pigeon English, a novel by the 2011 Man Booker prize shortlisted author Stephen Kelman.

Twenty prisoners and 10 Soha staff and residents have been taking part in the project, meeting at the prison to share thoughts on the book with one another in an effort to build bridges between the different groups.

Oxfordshire County Council provides library facilities at HMP Huntercombe and HMP Bullingdon under service level agreements with Her Majesty's Prison Service. This is a costed service so is not delivered to the detriment of public library service budgets.

Neelam Rutti, Oxfordshire County Council Library Manager at HMP Huntercombe, said: “I see it as my role as Library Manager to help promote literacy and support the rehabilitative culture in the prison.

"When prisoners voiced concerns about not feeling part of the community, I was able to facilitate links with the local housing association and set up this reading group. The interaction between the groups has helped dispel some of the myths around prison life and enabled the prisoners to feel more comfortable with the wider community’s views. This has been extremely well received as a very worthwhile initiative that highlights the similarities between people rather than the differences.”

Pigeon English is one of the books given to prisoners throughout England and Wales for free as part of the National Literacy Trust’s Books Unlocked programme. Funded by the Booker Prize Foundation, Books Unlocked helps prisoners discover a new world of literature by giving them free copies of Man Booker Prize-shortlisted books, serialising audiobooks of the titles on National Prison Radio and facilitating author visits to prison reading groups.

On July 25, the group will hold its last reading session, when Mr Kelman, is expected to read from Pigeon English and answer questions about the book and his work as an author.

Stephen Kelman said: “Working with the Books Unlocked programme has been a huge privilege for me, allowing me to witness first-hand the restorative role literature can play in the prison environment. 

"The Breaking Barriers Book Club is another innovative project of which I’m proud to be a part, and I’m really looking forward to meeting all the participants and discussing their reactions to my book.”

Paul Crossey, Deputy Governor at HMP Huntercombe, said: “As all of our men here will be released at some point, it is important that we do everything we can to help them avoid reoffending. When members of the community, prison staff and prisoners come together in the library to talk about books and our common characteristics, it breaks down barriers and gives the men hope that they can turn away from a life of crime.”

Jude McCaffrey, Head of Housing at Soha said: “Soha’s purpose is to ensure that people in need can access affordable housing. We often work with people who feel socially excluded such as prison leavers. The Breaking Barriers Book Club has helped Soha staff see the people behind the label and that there is more that unites us than divides us.”

That’s because an exciting ‘out-of-hours’ service being trialled at the village library means members can visit the building until 11.30pm, seven days a week, extending access to books, online services and study space.

Council staff and councillors joined local library users to see the new service in action and try out the 'self access' key pad and card-scanning technology at the entrance.

What's the verdict?

“There’s a book club in here tonight, which is a good example of the sort of thing that could be possible with the extension of opening hours”, says Mary Fletcher, a founding member of the original Friends of Eynsham Library.

Indeed there is. A group of around six local book enthusiasts are chatting eagerly away in the corner - taking advantage of this newly available community space to hold their regular evening meeting.

Mary says: “It’s open at a time when people are not working and I think that is the key thing. There are so many people who work during the day who just can’t get to the library, and with the extra hours at the weekend I think a lot of young families will bring their young children too.”

Her friend and fellow founder member of the Friends group, Jane Thompson agrees. “I think people will definitely use it more as soon as they realise it’s available to them. People want to be able to come when it’s convenient to them.”

Council Leader Ian Hudspeth tries out the new 'out-of-hours' access sytem

Trial taking off at new-look library

It’s just a few weeks since the new access system was installed both here, and at Summertown library – the other site taking part in the trial. All library members have to do is speak to a local member of staff who can provide them with a personal access code registered to their membership card. New members have also signed up specifically to take advantage of the new service.

As a further incentive to visitors at Eynsham, the library has also reopened with improved shelving, soft seating, carpeting, lighting upgrades and a new staff counter. It’s all designed to give a light and open feel to encourage greater use by the community.

“It just feels fresher and lighter now, and is very welcoming, says Mary. “Before it looked a bit like an old fire station – which, of course, is what it was. The staff are always really friendly and the new design has also enabled the library to have extra stock. I’ve seen a few new titles and authors I’d like to read already.”

Your friendly staff at Eysham Library

Coming in for the "quiet space"

Staff are monitoring visitor numbers, and there is also plenty of anecdotal evidence about patterns of use from visitors during ‘normal’ opening hours, who of course, are also now making ‘out-of-hours’ visits.

“The feeling is that people are definitely coming in for the quiet space when it’s a bit less busy, and to use the computers”, says manager Katherine Mercieca. “In some cases library members are bringing their young children with them and staying to read for half-an hour or 45 minutes, which is great.

"There’s no doubt this has the potential to make the library a real focal point for the community – a place where people can come to access council services online and take advantage of the community space, as well as borrow and return books.”

Wider plans

The system is also being trialled at Summertown Library, and if successful, will be rolled out to other libraries across the county, making them available to thousands of people who cannot currently visit during normal working hours.

It means giving Oxfordshire residents unprecedented access to library and wider council services, and cementing libraries’ position at the heart of the communities they serve. More opportunities, for instance, for groups like tonight’s book club here in Eynsham.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale is among those trying their access code at the entrance for the first time tonight. She says: “This is hugely exciting and has the potential to be a real ‘game-changer’ in terms of opening up access to local libraries and encouraging more people through the doors. It’s as easy as swiping your card at the entrance to your bank after it has closed to use the cash machines.”

“Eynsham library is very well supported at the heart of a thriving community, where we believe there is great potential for this to be a success. We’re really keen to see how people take to the idea so we can assess the scope for rolling it out more widely across the county. That’s ultimately what we would like to do.”

Eynsham residents can now visit their local library outside normal opening hours using an exciting new system being trialled by Oxfordshire County Council.

The self-service scheme gives members access to the building late into the evening and at weekends, extending access to books, online services and study space.

Library members should speak to local staff to register to use the access system

If successful the scheme will be rolled out to other libraries across the county, making them available to thousands of people who cannot currently visit during normal working hours.

It means giving Oxfordshire residents unprecedented access to library and wider council services, and cementing libraries’ position as important focal points at the heart of the communities they serve. The system ‘went live’ at Summertown in late September.

Huge potential

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet Member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “This is hugely exciting and has the potential to be a real ‘game-changer’ in terms of opening up access to local libraries and encouraging more people through the doors.

“It’s a little bit like swiping your card at the entrance to your bank after it has closed to use the cash machines.

“We’re really keen to see how people take to the idea at these two libraries so we can assess the scope for rolling it out more widely across the county. That’s ultimately what we would like to do, and we know other councils are looking at introducing similar schemes elsewhere.

She added: “It will be a case of seeing how things go and looking at what we can do to improve the service as we go. Both Eynsham and Summertown libraries are very well supported at the heart of thriving communities, where we believe there is great potential for this to be a success.”

Refurbishments at Eynsham

In addition to the newly installed keypad entry system. Eynsham library is reopening with a new-look interior, with refurbishments including: improved shelving throughout, soft seating, carpeting, lighting upgrades and staff counter, all designed to provide a light and open feel to encourage greater use of the library by the community.