Page 22 - link magazine

22
Swirkir Wide
Battling for a local manager Old meets new
Despite assurances from senior library managers at Swindon Council A fascinating collection of rarely seen prints by Samuel Loxton will be
that Rodbourne Library is not under threat, residents of the area are still on display at North Swindon Libraryduring October, following a month's
angry that their senior librarian position has been cut. exhibition at West Swindon.
Amanda Pope, chair of the Friends of Rodbourne Library, said Loxton, 1857 to 1922, was based in Bristol and trained as an
residents are upset that smaller libraries are now being managed by architectural draughtsman then became a prolific book and newspaper
staff based at larger ones. "Our librarian was a key person in Rodbourne ill ustrator. He spent time in Swindon and the library service has a
and held in very high esteem by the community. She launched a fascinating collection of his pictures which evoke a leisurely, quieter age
successful homework club and ran the popular under 5s storytime. The when green fields were much closer to the town centre.
library will not be the same without a locally based manager. Were all Loxton s atmospheric image of the reading room at the Mechanics Institute
very worried that these changes are just the beginning and will eventu-
ally lead to closure."
Learn with the family
Libraries across No rth Swindon will be holding a wide range of events and
activities during Family Learning Week. 8 to 15 October.
Monday 10 October, 2pm to 3.30pm. Pinehurst Library
Sample the relaxation zone, try out hand and Indian head massage.
aromatherapy and learn about your health at the Fitness Station
Tuesday 11 October, 2pm to 4pm. North Swindon Library
Relaxation zone as above.
Tuesday 11 October, 4pm to 5pm. North Swindon Library
Kids' healthy food craft session. Create something healthy and try some
nutritious food and drink
Wednesday 12 October, 4pm to 6pm. North Swindon Library
Discover the SOKS homework help club and try some simple scientific New library and museum on the horizon
experiments
A start on a new central library is planned for April next year say leaders
Thursday 13 October, 11am to 12noon. Pinehurst Library at Swindon Council.
Rhyme. story and toy time for under 5s. Music, stories and a toy library
Architects and engineers are replace the inadequate provision
Thursday 13 October, 5pm to 6pm. Pinehurst Library looking at building it on the site of on Bath Road. Old Town. and also
Kids healthy food session as 11 October the existing library, a motley col- an information centre for council
Friday 14 October, 2pm to 3pm. Penhill Library lection of huts that have served the services.
Rhyme, story and toy time for under 5s. Music, stories and a toy library town for 50 years, behind the town Cabinet member for regenera-
Friday 14 October, 5pm to 6pm. Penhill Library hall. ti on coun Roderick Bluh said, "as
Kids' healthy food session as 11 October The building will also house a the town hall was never completed
new museum and art gallery to my preference would be fora build-
ing in keeping with the exist-
Old Bell Pottery ing design but with an inte-
rior suited to the 21st Cen-
& Crafts tury.
"However as a listed build-
_^ ng English Heritage has a
I major say on what the de-
High Street, Lechlade • Tel: 01367 252608 l
sign will look like. It could be
E-mail: victoria.h@virgin.net in sympathy with the town
hall or they may prefersome-
For great gift ideas Animpressionofhowthetownha//cou/d thing radically different.
be extended Com,oareitwithfoxton'i//us- We're in discussion about the
Knitting & Haberdashery tration on the frontpage guidelines.'
Sewing needs: X-stitch ' Tapestry — Rowan Asia on show
Jaeger — Patons — Yarns and Patterns Swindon Libraries has just revamped its Asian film collection with some
exciting new titles, full of drama, music and fun.
We'll also gladly order anything else you need.
The films are housed at Central Library but titles can be reserved with
cost and collected from any Swindon library.
Dolls houses - miniatures Librarian Joanne Richardson said the new films had been ordered
after a survey of users. "Many of the people who sent us their comments
Traditional games & toys; local craft items are West and North Swindon residents and I would particularly like to
thank them for their views and helping us improve the collection."
In the Stable There is an Asian film page at: www.swindon.gov.uk/libraries
A great selection of Connect to the network
local pottery.
Swindon Libraries are offering free computer sessions to help new
Also: China seconds
users discover the very popular People's Network.
from Stoke-on-Trent The sessions will be held between 1 Oam and 12.30pm at:
North Swindon Library - Thursdays 13 October and 10 November. Call
In the Garden
707120 to book.
Pots, planters & West Swindon Library - Wednesdays 5 October & 2 November. Call 465555
ornaments from Park Library - Fridays 7 October and 4 November. Call 463501
The courses are aimed at beginners who would like to learn how to
around the world
use a mouse, set up an e-mail account and navigate websites on the
Mon to Sat 10 to 5 • Sun 11 to 5 library computers. Each session lasts two and a half hours and will be
supported by two trainers.