The Summer Reading Challenge: behind the scenes
Each summer Richmond upon Thames Library Services, along with many other library authorities in the country, challenge children aged 4 – 11 to read six library books between mid-July and…
Follow the Drum: a reflection [Part 2] – The Home Front Response
‘Let us remember Spring will come again…’ (May 1915, Charlotte Mew) The Armistice Agreement had been reached, signed and implemented at am on the 11 November 1918. Permanent security was not…
A letter to Albert Barkas, Chief Librarian
I found a letter, sent to Albert Barkas, glued into our copy of the book The Private Palaces of London. The letter was sufficiently intriguing to prompt some detective work into…
Bibliotherapy: reading for health
Search self-help in the libraries' catalogue or in a book shop and you will find hundreds of publications. From anxiety, self-esteem and grief to mindfulness, self-care and cognitive behavioural therapy…
Discovering Richmond upon Thames Libraries
Did you know that here in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames we have thirteen libraries? They range from the small and cosy Kew Library to the grand Teddington…
Women who made history – a celebration
Today is International Women's Day. It's a chance to celebrate women's social, economic, cultural and political achievements. Women have faced many obstacles in society to make a name for themselves;…
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
With new Harry Potter films and a Hocus Pocus remake in the works, the occult seems as popular as ever. But before Twilight and American Horror Story became cultural touchstones,…
Cover Story 2017-2018: The best in teen fiction
Once again librarians from our Reading and Learning Teams have been busy promoting Cover Story our annual pick of the most exciting teen fiction reads published throughout the last year. Our…
Know Your Place – A year in the making
September 2018 will see the fifth Know Your Place heritage festival, and whilst the festival is on for one month, it takes all-year-round planning to get it…
Follow the Drum: Christmas 1917
Springbok Blue December 1917 To celebrate Christmas one hundred years ago in 1917, it was necessary for people to dig deep within their own personal reserves of strength as the…