Hilary Robinson in York Library on Saturday

Central Library hit by anti social behavior

A York Council committee will consider an update report, from the City recently independent Libraries service, when it meets on 22^nd June.

It will here a generally upbeat report from the managers of a service which became a “Community Benefit Society” on 1^st May 2014

However there are some emerging issues.

Post its major renovation, the central Explore Library has struggled to achieve historic levels of book lending.

The report says,

“York reopened in January 2015 and looking at last quarter of 2014/15 we can see a small reduction in visits (1.4%) and book issues (8%). We are looking into the reasons for these”.

This is put down partly to an outbreak of anti social behaviour by young people (see right).

This isn’t the first report of issues with personal behaviour which now extend across an apparently widening part of the City.

Generally branch libraries, like those in Acomb and Dringhouses, are performing well with a wide range of activities taking place.

Coffee and chat at Dringhouses Library on 22nd June plus events at other venues

Start your baby’s family tree

Tue 9 June : York Explore
Thur 11 June : Tang Hall Library

Pop along to one of our Baby Days to find out how to start your baby’s family tree.

Booking not necessary. For more information contactallison.freeman@exploreyork.org.uk

Map attack with Lego

York Explore Library

Sat 13 June 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sun 14 June 11.00am – 3.00pm
Sat 20 June 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sun 21 June 11.00 – 3.00pm

Come along and get creative with Lego to make buildings, scenes and sculptures inspired by maps and photographs which tell stories of our city’s past.

Booking not essential, for more information please contactAllison.freeman@exploreyork.org.uk

Green watch and their fire engine!

Tue 16 June 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Strensall Library

The Green Watch are bringing their engine to Strensall Library so you can see what they do and have a good look at their big red fire engine.

No booking needed, all ages welcome, please contact Sarah at Strensall Library on 01904 552677 for more information.

Coffee, chat and community

Mon 22 June and every third Monday after.
Dringhouses Library

Join us at the All Seasons Cafe for delicious cakes, drinks, chat and fun. Book chat, games, and the chance to meet other people from the local community. Come alone or bring a friend.

Totally informal, everyone welcome. We don’t set a charge, but suggest a donation of around £2.

For more information contact Lucy on 01904 552674, or email dringhouses@exploreyork.org.uk

Dringhouses library – a journey through war

Dringhouses Library

Sat 20 June At 1.30pm – 2.30pm and 3.00pm – 4.00pm

‘It is of little comfort to Mrs Walker to receive a letter describing her son as ‘a credit to his mother,’ when it also reports him missing.’

Actor Chris Cade will play real Yorkshire veteran Arthur Walker in this interactive tale of Arthur’s journey.

Join him as Arthur is recruited, fights in the trenches and is taken prisoner!

Suitable for accompanied children 5 years and up, adults very welcome too.

Tickets available from Dringhouses Library, 01904 552674,dringhouses@exploreyork.org.uk or from any Explore library, priced at £3 for a single, or £6 for a family (up to 3 children and 2 adults).

Date: Tue 16 June
Mint Yard Lecture: What’s new with the Vikings? At York Explore Library .

Date: Wed 17 and Sat 20 June
Explore your first World War heroes at Bishopthorpe Library.