Library and Area Offices - Christmas Closures 2023

 

Libraries not open on Saturdays will close at 5:00pm on Friday 22 December. East Linton Library will close at 4:00pm.

Those libraries open on Saturdays will close at 1:00pm on Saturday 23 December, excluding Musselburgh and Haddington libraries who will close at 4:00pm.

Normal opening hours will resume from Wednesday 3 January. Please note that Port Seton Library will not re-open until Tuesday 9 January as the centre is closed until then. East Linton Library will re-open on Monday 8 January 2024.

All local area offices will close at 4:00pm on Friday 22 December and reopen as normal on Wednesday 3 January (The payment desks at Brunton Hall, Musselburgh and John Muir House, Haddington will close at 12 noon).

Customer Services within Brunton Hall, Musselburgh will be open 10:00am to 4:00pm from Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 December. Customer Services Reception within John Muir House will be open 10:00am to 4:00pm from Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 December, please note that no payments will be accepted at John Muir House during this time.

Details for all our opening times can be found on the library webpage

Book Week Scotland Round Up

Thank you to everyone that came along to one of our Book Week Scotland events and helped us to celebrate books and reading. We had a jam packed programme of events for children and adults which encompassed the theme of adventure and we were thrilled to have so many people join us! 

Author and Illustrator Morag Hood and pupils

Author and illustrator, Morag Hood worked with pupils to create a fantastic window display using chalk pens and crepe paper for Wallyford Primary School library. The display tied into themes of nature and literacy and is the first step towards the wonderful world of words project.

Musician and Storyteller Ailsa Dixon entertained unpaid carers at Tranent Library, taking them on magical journey of the imagination. This event was run in collaboration with the Carers of East Lothian.

"The storytelling was great, Ailsa was so expressive and told her stories really well, drawing us all into the world of imagination"(Audience member, Ailsa Dixon event)

Authors Martin MacInnes and Heather Parry
Photo credit: Rob McDougall - Photographer and digital film maker

Booker longlisted author Martin MacInnes and the award winning Heather Parry went down a storm at Haddington library! As well as telling us about their recent books we also found out Heather's artistic process includes painting octopuses and that Martin has sold the film rights to one of his favourite directors!!

"Amazing to have 2 highly acclaimed authors, Scotland-based and young. They were very open and generous in sharing their thoughts and experience" (Audience member, Heather Parry and Martin MacInnes event)

Joseph Waterfield, from Historic Environment Scotland gave the eager audience at Haddington Library, a fascinating talk using archive photographs and maps to take us on Samuel Johnson and James Boswell's unforgettable Tour of Scotland.

Author Maisie Chan

As part of Stand Up and be Counted we welcomed award winning author Maisie Chan to North Berwick High School and invited along local P6 pupils. As the project aims to increase awareness and representation of different races and cultures, LGBTQIA+ and disabilities, to help children and young people be more inclusive, confident, respectful and also feel respected, Maisie spoke about how important it was for her and children across the UK to see British-Asian characters in books.  She also spoke about the inspirations for her books and characters, her own personal reading journey, and treated us to a reading from Danny Chung does not do maths and Keep dancing Lizzie Chu.  There was a fantastic activity mid-way through where pupils were invited to draw like Danny Chung, and create a hybrid creature by picking two animals and drawing them as one.  Examples were provided and the results were amazing!  

"I've wanted to be an author since I was 3 and you've inspired me to finish my first book" (P6 Pupil, Maisie Chan event)

Image of some of the wildlife found on the walk

The 'Birds and Books' nature walk around Musselburgh, run by the East Lothian Countryside Ranger, was enjoyed by a mix of ages and there was great excitement when they managed to spot a Kingfisher! 

Best selling children's author Abi Elphinstone gave a fantastic talk about her real life experiences, and how they influence and inspire her writing. She even gave us a sneak peek of her next book! 

"I loved hearing Abi speak about how random things can give her an idea for a story, and she thought my name was lovely and might include it in one of her books!" (Audience member, Abi Elphinstone event)

The weather didn't deter the kids ( and parents) from coming along and enjoying the Big Wild Life Forest school event where they learned about the creatures in the forest, woodland crafts and storytelling. Some of the kids said they would love to do it again but perhaps not in the rain! 

We hope you were able to get along to one of our events and if you did and would like to give us feedback please email libraries@eastlothian.gov.uk  

We can't wait to see what next year's Book Week Scotland brings! 

Public Libraries/ Shared Services closures on 5 and 6 December

 

To support whole team training and development across Customer Services and look at how we provide the best service to our customers there will be a number of service closures or reductions on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 December 2023. 

Tuesday 5 December- closures

• Dunbar Library
• East Linton Library
• Musselburgh Library
• Port Seton Library
• Prestonpans Library

Wednesday 6 December - closures

• Haddington Library
• Longniddry Library
  
• North Berwick Library
• Ormiston Library
• Tranent Library

Brunton Hall 

To support whole team training and development across Customer Services and look at how we provide the best service to our customers Brunton Hall Customer Service desk will be closed between 1:00pm to 2:00pm for lunch on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 December 2023.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Your Libraries Supporting Your Wellbeing

Carers Collection Titles

In 2021/22 the library Service received funding from the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) through the Scottish Government's COVID recovery fund to support health and wellbeing work in our libraries. We were delighted to have Catherine Findlay Middleton join us from November 2022 to October 2023 as our Health and Wellbeing Officer and while we are very sad to have to say our goodbyes we'd like to share some of the fantastic work Catherine instigated that we will continue to develop.

Catherine worked with our teams to identify what we were doing well, where we could improve and where there were gaps. She mapped local health and wellbeing support across our communities so that our team can help you find local sources of support and establish community folders and noticeboards in each of our libraries - look out for them next time you visit!  

Our new health and wellbeing pages on the library webpage are designed to help you find trusted sources of information and support. Click to visit our Health and Wellbeing pages 

We know that if you don't use a library regularly you may be unaware of the wide range of activities, resources or events we offer so Catherine worked hard to establish relationships with partners across our communities and across East Lothian including Enjoy Leisure, Volunteer Centre East Lothian, Alzheimer's Scotland, Dementia Friendly East Lothian, Young Carer's Network, East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, Local Area Partnerships, GP practices and more which will be continued locally and as a service.

To highlight just a few of the many outcomes from these partnerships:

• Some of our libraries now offer sensory stories and support groups and we'll continue to look at how we can support neurodiversity and accessibility for all with an update to our webpage, a regular audit of our spaces, awareness training for our staff and we will partner with local groups and families to ensure our service is as inclusive as possible. If you have suggestions, ideas or would like to be involved in how we provide more inclusive spaces then please contact Caroline Messer - Team Manager, Library and Customer Services at cmesser@eastlothian.gov.uk 
• A partnership with the Carers of East Lothian has led to a carer's collection, roadshows and training for our staff and we will continue to build on this wonderfully positive relationships. 
• Our library staff have completed Dementia Friends training to help increase their knowledge, awareness and confidence and we'll continue to work with partners locally to support those living with dementia to feel welcome and safe in our spaces.

Dementia Awareness Week information stand

Thank you to all partners who have engaged so positively with Catherine and our teams to bring such as strong wellbeing focus to our service. The support from Catherine over the last year has been invaluable in opening up our libraries to new local partnerships and opportunities and different ways of working in some cases and though we will miss her we'll be inspired by her drive to make things happen and ensure we partner with everyone to improve the wellbeing of our local communities across East Lothian.

Book Week Scotland 2023

 

Book Week Scotland is a week long celebration of books and reading that takes place every November. During this week, people of all ages and walks of life come together to share the joy of reading. This year Book Week Scotland runs from Monday 13 November 2023 to Sunday 19 November 2023.  

Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust - the national charity changing lives through reading and writing - will deliver events and activities across the country linked to this years theme of Adventure. Now in its twelfth year, Book Week Scotland was initiated by the Scottish Government.  

Hundreds of free events happen during Book Week Scotland across many different local authorities, funded by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

Every year, the Scottish Book Trust also produces a free book made up of true stories from people all over Scotland. This year's book is called 'Adventure' and these will be distributed to our libraries during Book Week Scotland for you to pick up and enjoy!

Find out about events being run by the Scottish Book Trust, including their digital events, by visiting the Scottish Book Trust page or following Book Week Scotland on Twitter or Facebook pages. We will also be sharing their digital events on our East Lothian Libraries Facebook and Twitter pages.  Read on to find out about East Lothian Libraries' fantastic programme of events! 

Programme of Events 

• All our Book Week Scotland events are free
• Booking is required for all events, please see the appropriate event for booking information 

Johnson and Boswell's Scottish Adventure with Joseph Waterfield, Monday 13 November, 6:00pm at Haddington Library  

In 1773 the literary Scottophobe Samuel Johnson and his friend and biographer James Boswell embarked on a tour of Scotland from the Central Belt to the Western Isles. Come along for the ride as Joe Waterfield from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) uses archive photographs and drawings to recreate this unforgettable journey. Tickets are free but booking is required. Please contact Haddington Library by telephoning 01620 827827 or emailing haddington.library@eastlothian.gov.uk to book your space. 

Author event with Martin MacInnes and Heather Parry, Tuesday 14 November, 7:00pm at Haddington Library 

Booker longlisted author Martin MacInnes and the award winning Heather Parry will talk to us about how places they’ve travelled to or have lived influenced their work as well as speaking about their most recent novels - 'In Ascension' by Martin MacInnes and 'Orpheus builds a girl' by Heather Parry. There will also be questions from the audience. Tickets are free but booking is required. Please contact Haddington Library by telephoning 01620 827827 or emailing haddington.library@eastlothian.gov.uk to book your space. Night Owl Books will have a stall at this event if anyone would like to purchase copies of their books to get them signed.

A Morning of Storytelling with Ailsa Dixon, Wednesday 15 November, 11:00am at Tranent Library

Join us, and the Carers of East Lothian, for a morning of storytelling with Ailsa Dixon. This storytelling session will involve adventure, Scottish Mythology and music. The event is designed exclusively for unpaid carers. Ailsa is a traditional storyteller and musician deeply rooted in place and passionate about sharing traditional tales and unheard histories.  Refreshments will be available.  To sign up please contact the Carers of East Lothian by telephoning 0131 665 0135 or email centre@coel.org.uk

Author talk by Abi Elphinstone, Thursday 16 November, 3.45pm at Dunbar Library

Join us in welcoming best selling children's author Abi Elphinstone to Dunbar Library. Abi will be sharing her real life adventures that have inspired her books, from dog sledding in the Arctic to living with Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia. She will also be talking about her latest novel ‘Saving Neverland’ - a modern re-imagining of the classic tale which takes readers back to the magic and adventure of Neverland. Free event, but booking required. Please telephone Dunbar Library on 01620 827827 or email dunbar.library@eastlothian.gov.uk to book your space. Night Owl Books will have a stall at this event if anyone would like to purchase copies of Abi's new book and to get it signed.

'Birds and Books Nature Walk, Friday 17 November, 2:00pm at Musselburgh Library

Join the Countryside Rangers as they take you on a nature walk around Musselburgh and learn about all the birds and wildlife you encounter on the way! This event is for all ages. Free event, but booking is required. Please contact Musselburgh Library by telephoning 01620 827827 or emailing musselburgh.library@eastlothian.gov.uk.

Big Wild Life Forest school, Saturday 18 November, 10:30am - meet at North Berwick Library and then onto the Lodge Park, North Berwick.

Big Wild Life are running a forest school where families can explore and connect with nature by learning about the creatures that live in the forest, den building, woodland crafts and storytelling. Sessions are aimed at Primary 4 to Primary 7 aged children and their families. Free event, but booking required. Please telephone North Berwick Library on 01620 827827 or email northberwick.library@eastlothian.gov.uk to book your space.

Board Games at East Lothian Libraries

Board Games - let's laugh and play with friends and family

Did you know that we have an extensive board game collection?

Our board game collection has approximately 80 games with a mix of classic and modern games that rotate between our all branches.

There are games for children, games for adults and games for the whole family to enjoy together too!

With a broad range of themes, and content from Scrabble and Battleships to Mystery Cold Case files and Poo Bingo, there is something to suit all ages and interests!

We also have games available in several formats, as well as games with less text and more iconography for persons with low vision.

Board games are only available to play within our libraries, so why not pop in with some friends or family and enjoy a game or two?

Using board games at the library are a great way to learn a new skill or hobby or try out a new game for the first time - a great way to save money too!

Ask in branch about our board games or browse our library catalogue at www.eastlothian.spydus.co.uk or scan the QR code in the image above.

Some of our libraries also run board game clubs. Please visit our library directory for more information on activities and clubs at your local library.

Wallyford Library - Service Update

anent. To use this service please ask at the library for information during July or contact wallyfor

Image of Wallyford Library 

Throughout July the opening hours at Wallyford Library will be:

Thursday 9:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Friday 9:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Saturday 10:00am to 1:00pm

We’re looking forward to seeing you in July and asking for your input on the activities you’d like to see in our new home. Consolidating our opening hours in July will allow us to support local children with fun activities for the summer reading challenge, Ready, Set, Read.

In preparation for our move to the new Wallyford Learning Campus in the Autumn we will close the public library within Wallyford Primary at 1:00pm on Saturday 29 July.

From the beginning of August a click and collect service will operate by appointment from Wallyford Community Centre for those unable to access other libraries in Musselburgh, Prestonpans or Tranent. To use this service please ask at the library for information during July or contact wallyford.library@eastlothian.gov.uk to arrange.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new location this Autumn and will keep you updated as we finalise our opening date..library@eastlothian.gov.uk to arrange.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new location this Autumn and will keep you updated as we finalise our opening date

Summer Reading Challenge 2023 - Ready, Set, Read!

 

Get ready for a summer of reading and fun with the Summer Reading Challenge!

This year, the theme is sports, games, teamwork, and play. The Reading Agency has partnered with the Youth Sports Trust to create ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ and keep imaginations moving over the school holidays. By participating in the Challenge at East Lothian Libraries, young people will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills, and discover new interests.

With incentives to collect and plenty of brilliant books to enjoy, the Challenge is the perfect summer activity to build young readers’ skills and confidence during the break from school. Children can also take part online through the official digital Challenge platform summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

The Challenge begins in libraries across East Lothian on Saturday 17 June. Visit your local library to register and find out about the activities they have planned for you. 

Information on events taking place across our libraries can also be found on our webpage https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge 

Keep an eye out on the East Lothian Libraries Facebook page or on your local library's dedicated Facebook page for all you need to know too!

All children completing the Challenge will receive a certificate and a book for their home collection.

Carers Week 5 to 11 June 2023

Carers Week Roadshow

Next week is Carers Week ( 5 to 11 June) and we are delighted to have worked with the Carers of East Lothian to offer some events and a curated collection of books to support unpaid carers.

The Carers of East Lothian will be visiting five of our libraries hosting a pop up stand where you can find out more information and ask the team any questions you may have about being a carer.

Pop Up Information Stand

Monday 5 June at Haddington Library - 2:00pm to 4:45pm

Tuesday 6 June at North Berwick Library - 10:00am to 1:00pm

Wednesday 7 June at Musselburgh Library - 10:00am to 1:00pm

Thursday 8 June at Dunbar Library - 2:00pm to 4:45pm

Friday 9 June at Tranent Library - 10:00am to 1:00pm

We are also delighted to have worked with the Carers Panel to identify a range of books that they would recommend and we have pulled together a new collection for carers.

Carers Collection

Our collection includes practical guides, memoirs, lived experience, and fictional works.

If you are interested in borrowing one of these books you can visit our online library catalogue or the Spydus App and search the keyword 'Carers'. Alternatively ask one of the library staff to help you find the best book for you.