Drumbrae – not long now!

Last few days before the brand new Drumbrae Library and Community Hub opens on Tuesday 31st! The books are almost all on the shelves and we’re just sorting out the last few bits and pieces.

The Hub brings together lots of services under one roof: a new library for the area, access to Council services and the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, a cafe area, community meetings rooms and a day care centre.

Come along and join us from 10am, meet the team, have a coffee, see round the library – and listen to local band Bwani Junction doing a gig for us in the morning!

We’ve got loads of other activities and events planned for the coming days and weeks – keep up to date with our facebook page, and do pop in and see us on Tuesday!

“Anne Frank’s Diary” a poem by Katie Turney

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day here is the winning entry to the Ernest Levy Writing competition, written by Katie Turney.

Anne Frank’s Diary

As those years went by slowly

The days were not mine to hold

Somewhere else

Time stood still

In my silent mind

I was not that old

Closed from the outside beyond

And from the inside within me

Somewhere unfolding thoughts lay drifting

Where my mind wanders from this place

To somewhere I know

My life hung over like shadows of the moon in a dark night

I felt very much on the outside looking in

I was saved by you on that special day

You can imagine how I was afraid

I held you tight at night

Near to my heart

I kept you safe

In my little empty space

For the future one day

I began to write

A flicker of hope and light

It was too much to bear

I wished I could escape from

What I know

And open the safe door

And walk home into the light

Without any fear

Not venturing far from this room

Nowhere to hide and run

Not even shedding one tear

If only things were different

Back in those painful

Unforgiving years

 

By Katie Turney

Jazz recordings – can you help?

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Edinburgh City Libraries have been entrusted with the care of an archive of Edinburgh-related jazz material, dating from the 1940s onwards.  The core of the present collection was gathered by a group of enthusiasts based in Edinburgh, whose interest in jazz has been a lifelong passion.  It therefore constitutes a unique part of Edinburgh’s musical history, and we are privileged to be its custodians.

We are in the process of cataloguing this donated material and, where possible, we will be digitising some of it in order to share the collection directly with a wider audience.

The collections includes  original vinyl recordings of Edinburgh Jazz musicians (Sandy Brown, Al Fairweather, Archie Semple and Alex Welsh amongst others) books, cassettes of live sessions, posters, letters and other memorabilia.

There may be other jazz enthusiasts out there who have material which would augment this collection. Do you, or does someone you know, have material relevant to the Edinburgh Jazz scene, which you’d be happy to donate? We’re looking for LPs, CDs, EPs or cassettes. Photographs, DVDs and other memorabilia would also be welcome.

For more information please email the Central Music Library or call 0131 242 8054.

“The Cotter’s Saturday Night” in words and pictures

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These wonderful illustrations by John Faed vividly tell the story of Robert Burns’ poem, ‘The Cotter’s Saturday Night’. Burns wrote The Cotter’s Saturday Night over the winter of 1785 – 86 when he was 26 years old.

Life was hard for a cotter (sometimes spelt ‘cottar’) and his family. Cotters, or cottagers, were labourers within the farming community. Their daily objective was to provide food and shelter for their families.

Faed’s pictures bring Burns words to life and we can clearly see the story unfold. The cotter turns for home, tired at the end of a week’s work. It is Saturday evening and he is enthusiastically welcomed home by his small children. Once indoors beside the fireside and amongst his wife and family his worries are left behind. Gradually, the family’s older children arrive home and recount stories from their week at work.

Jenny, the eldest daughter, is embarrassed when a young man arrives at the cottage to see her. She is relieved though when her mother shows her approval of their guest and her father talks to him about farming. Interrupting the story, Burns takes one verse to write emotively about the joys of love and Faed imagines the young lovers spending time together in a romantic woodland glen.

Returning to his theme, Burns describes how once supper is over, the family sit together round the fireplace to hear the father solemnly read from the cherished family bible.

Visit Capital Collections, our online gallery, to read verses from the poem alongside their accompanying illustrations.

Join us for a literary walk

If you’ve been enjoying “Birdsong” on the telly recently you might be interested a literary walk taking place next Tuesday (31st January). Meet outside Craiglockhart Community Centre at 10.30am for a stroll round Craiglockhart Pond followed by a visit to the War Poets Collection at Edinburgh Napier University. We should finish around noon.

Everyone’s welcome. To book your place contact Carol Marr on 0131 529 5547 or email oxgangs.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Danny MacAskill Wheelies Down to the Library

Anyone around Edinburgh Central Library last week was given a treat  as street trials pro Danny MacAskill showed off a few tricks.  Our photographer was on hand to capture this cheeky wee sequence.

The TV Book Club: Book One! (and some alternatives)

It’s that time of year again, when the nation unites for a country-wide book group, led by a host of famous faces.  On Sunday 29th January the TV Book Club gets underway with a discussion of the immensely popular “Before I Go to Sleep” by S.J. Watson; so popular that at the time of writing, over 30 of you are on the waiting list to read it!

But the good news is that we also have two e-audiobooks curerntly available for loan – so get in quick!

Alternatively, while you’re waiting you could borrow books which explore similar themes – here are three titles we enjoyed:

Eastern Standard Time by Cory Doctorow

Art is an up-and-coming interface designer, working on the management of data flow along the Massachusetts Turnpike. He’s doing the best work of his career and can guarantee that the system will be the most counterintuitive, user-hostile piece of software ever pushed forth into the world. Why? Because Art is an industrial saboteur.

The Housekeeper and the Professor byYoko Ogawa

He is a maths professor with a peculiar problem – ever since a head injury 17 years ago, he has lived with only 80 minutes of short-term memory. She is a housekeeper with a ten-year-old son, who is entrusted to take care of him. Each morning, as they are reintroduced to one another, a strange relationship blossoms between them.

Noah’s Compass by Anne Tyler

The story of a year in the life of Liam Pennywell, a man in his 61st year. A classical pedant, he’s just been ‘let go’ from his schoolteaching job and downsizes to a tiny out-of-town apartment. When he goes to bed early and alone on the first night, he wakes up in hospital unable to recall how he got there.

Are you learning English as a second language?

Fountainbridge Library’s new Chatabout Book Group is looking for members.

If you or someone you know is learning English as a second language at intermediate level why not come along? We are a friendly informal group and by reading and sharing books together we build our confidence in reading, listening to and speaking English.

The group meets at 5pm on the first Wednesday of every month at Fountainbridge Library.

If you’d like to find out more contact wendy.pearson@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 242 8022

The Ernest Levy Archive

Edinburgh Central Library is a repository for a great many historic “Special Collections” as well as up-to-date reading material. These collections focus on Edinburgh, the nation of Scotland and Scots abroad. The library is a safe haven to donate important documents and images and a place where these will be made available to the public at large.

One such collection is the Ernest Levy Archive which was gifted to us in 2010 by his daughter Judy Russell. Ernest was a holocaust survivor who after the war settled in Scotland. Originally from Bratislava, he spent 48 years in Glasgow, where he became a leading figure in the Scottish Jewish community. He spoke out about his experiences throughout his life, knowing that his testimony would help future generations remember this terrible time in history.

The Ernest Levy Archive consists of a large collection of books, manuscripts and music and the library is currently cataloguing the material and undertaking a programme of developing resources for the public so they can access information about Ernest’s experiencesand his message of tolerance and respect.

The first part of this programme is an exhibition that will be held in the Central Library from January 23rd – March 15th 2012. This will use photographs and text from Ernest’s collection to present the story of his life. A related exhibition of material relating to the Jewish experience during World War II will be on display in the Reference Library.

The start of our exhibition coincides with Holocaust Memorial Day 2012 (27th January) whose theme this year is Speak Up, Speak Out. This very much fits in with Ernest’s efforts to educate and inform people about the events he had survived.  Ernest believed that the memorial day should act as a focus for those races and groups still under persecution as well as the historical victims of racism and prejudice.

Burns baby Burns!

Why not have yourself a different kind of Burns night on the 25th of January? No cowrin’ tim’rous beasties among this lot:

But if it’s something more traditional you’re after, come along to Central Library on the night itself when we’ll have Burns songs performed by the Edinburgh University Renaissance Choir  and Stuart McHardy reciting the poetry. The fun starts at 5.30pm and all are welcome.

To get you in the mood here’s Sean Kane performing ‘To a mouse’ in Central Library.

Get in the mood for reading

Happy ‘Blue Monday’! We’re not sure if this really is ‘the most depressing day of the year’, but it did get us to thinking about which books to turn to when we need cheering up.

If you’re looking for books to suit your mood you can’t do better than Whichbook, the site that suggests books according to your individual tastes. Whether you’re looking something uplifting to raise your spirits or just want to wallow is something bleak and depressing, Whichbook will come up with some great suggestions. Even better, it links straight to the library catalogue so you can reserve your chosen book to collect next time you’re in the library.

Which books do you turn to when you need cheering up?

Keep in touch with your local library on facebook

Did you know you can follow what’s going on in your local library on facebook? Nearly all our community libraries have active facebook pages where you can see which titles book groups are reading, get introduced to new members of staff, view videos and pictures from events, find out about recent additions to the book stock and all manner of other things besides.

You’ll find a link to facebook on your local library’s web page.

As well as being good fun this is a great way for us to spread the word about all the wonderful work that goes on in libraries, and we’re delighted that our work on facebook and our other social media channels has been recognised with a nomination for ‘Best Use of Social Media’ at this year’s UK Public Sector Digital Awards. Fingers crossed!

How now, brown town

Sepia Town is a fantastic website offering global exploration of times past. From the comfort of your desk or armchair, you can see the world through historic pictures. Once we discovered Sepia Town, we couldn’t wait to pin some of our own Capital Collections images to their map.

Each image is linked to its record on Capital Collections, so with one more click, you can see further information about the image and place. Travel through time and with the help of Google Street View see how Edinburgh (and the world) has changed. Start your adventure…

Get your business hat on at Stockbridge library!

Have you ever thought “Wow, I’d love to use McDonald Road Business Hub, but I just can’t be bothered to climb the hill from Stockbridge?” 

If by some extraordinary coincidence this is a thought that has crossed your mind, you’re in luck! Stockbridge library is proud to announce that they will be hosting some marvellously useful, and best of all, FREE business workshops!  Whether you are looking to expand your business, or have a bright idea and want to start your own, pop down and see what you can learn!

Business Growth Workshops

Defining your Business Model      26th January 2012, 17.30 – 21.00

This workshop considers the concept of the business model.   Participants will look at business models and gain knowledge and understanding to apply the principles to the development and growth of their businesses.

Managing your Business through Growth   2nd February 2012, 17.30 – 21.00

This workshop considers key stages for small companies as they grow and expand. Participants will look at business management, managing staff and developing leaders and develop an action plan for their business.

Developing your Competitive Edge  9th February 2012, 17.30 – 21.00

This workshop considers how the small business can ensure a competitive edge during difficult trading periods.  Participants will look at competitiors comparisons, product, pricing, quality and service.

Creating a Social Media Marketing Strategy   16th February 2012, 17.30 – 21.00

This workshop considers the role and impact of a social media strategy in business. Participants will look at the key elements in developing a social media strategy that integrates with marketing and business plans.

Targeted start-up Series

Awareness Seminar – getting your business off the ground   23rd February 2012, 17.30 – 21.00

This seminar will introduce the participant to the key initial steps involved in getting their business up and running.  Participants will learn about the basic principals of starting a business as well as having the opportunity to network with other like-minded business start ups.

Marketing your Business   1st March  2012, 17.30 – 21.00

This workshop considers the basic principles of marketing that start up businesses need to consider. Participants will look at the role of marketing, targeting customers, understanding competitors and the importance of the marketing mix.

Planning for your Business   8th March 2012, 17.30 – 21.00

This workshop considers the basic components of a business plan. Participants will look at descriptions for the business, critical success factors and the planning processes as well as how best to present their business case.

Financing your Business   15 March 2012, 17.30 – 21.00

This workshop considers the essential basics of finance in business. Participants will examine and gain an understanding of profit and loss accounts, cash flow, sources of finance as well as differing legal structures of business.

IT for your Business   22 March 2012, 17.30 – 21.00

This workshop considers how Information Technology can assist start up businesses get established and grow. Participants will look at where integrated computer technology fits in for business and how websites and e-business developments are providing new opportunities for start ups.

We want your views on the future of libraries

There’s still time to have your say on the future of libraries in Edinburgh.

Our strategy document, Next Generation Library and Information Services Strategy 2012-2015, sets out our plans in areas such as opening hours, library buildings, staff, technology and marketing.

Please take time to read through the document, then share your views with us by completing this questionnaire. The consultation will run until the end of January.

This isn’t just about libraries surviving, it’s about them thriving.

Coming soon: a brand new library for Edinburgh!

Very exciting news: the new Drumbrae Library Hub opens its doors at 10am on Tuesday 31 January.

The Hub brings together lots of services under one roof: a new library for the area, access to Council services and the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, a cafe area, community meetings rooms and a day care centre.  We have been working with the community to make sure the building really reflects the hopes and aspirations of local people.  So please come along and see it for yourself.

Here is a taste of what is coming up:

Tour of the building: Tuesday 31 January, meet the team and enjoy a cuppa.

Bookbug singing sessions for the under 5s, every Wednesday 10.30am to 11am, from 1 February.

Parent Information Point: advice and information on parenting, 10am to 12noon, Wednesday February 1, March 14, April 11.

Children’s creative writing workshop for ages 5-12 years with Explore Learning, Tuesday 14 February, 10am to 11am (contact library to book).

Kids’ Day: Thursday 16 February, bookbug singing sessions for under 5s, storytelling, Dr Book, arts and craft.

Learn IT classes: Thursday afternoons 2pm to 4pm, starting Thursday 2 February. (booking essential).

Teen Cafe: with snacks and drinks, Monday 6 February, 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Come try out our games consoles and maybe even join a club

Can we take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked with to us bring the new facility to the community.  We will be holding an official launch in February where we will be able to thank you in person.

Meanwhile, keep up to date with the latest news on the Drumbrae Library and Community Hub facebook page.

Morningside Library: the movie

A short video from the grand opening of the newly refurbished Morningside Library in December.

Advice from the frontline of parenting

“How can I persuade my child to eat something other than mini cheddars?”

“What is colic?”

“Does anyone else suffer from ‘droning phenomenon’: the inability to discuss anything other than my baby for 30 seconds?”

Since its launch in June 2000, hundreds of thousands of mums (and a fair few dads) have swapped answers, recommendations and war stories on Mumsnet.com. They have debated the pros and cons of organic baby food, fretted over whether or not to use dummies – and how to wean children off them – exchanged potty training stories, agonised over the best nursery schools, helped each other through the upheavals of returning to work and swapped tips on anything from feuding siblings to mysterious illnesses.

The wisdom and humour of these frazzled parents has been collected and published in 3 Mumsnet books covering Pregnancy, Babies and Toddlers – and members of Edinburgh City Libraries can browse and search these books online whenever they need to, for free.

Simply use your library card number to log on to the Parenting SOS shelf on the Public Library Online site, and click on the title you want to read.

The site also contains access to three titles from Vicki Iovine’s wildly successful Best Friend’s Guides series: Motherhood, Toddlers and Getting your life back.

And for parents of slightly older children we’ve got a couple of life savers: I’m Bored, and I’m bored again, chock full of ideas for taking the fear out of long journeys and rainy days.

e-resource of the month: Library2Go!

Were you were lucky enough to get a dazzling new electronic toy this holiday season?  Or did you nip down to the shops on Boxing Day to get yourself a bargain?  Because we’re sure that a number of you received e-readers, tablets or new phones, we’ve chosen Library2Go as our e-resource for this month.  We think it’s a perfect post-holiday gift for all of our library users, because it’s a three-in-one resource, and it will help you fill your devices with new goodies, and naturally, it’s free to use!

Are you new to e-books or e-audiobooks?  We’ve got detailed instructions linked on the Library2Go page to see you right, but here’s a quick overview to show you what you’re missing!

Overdrive has an amazing collection of e-books and e-audiobooks for you to choose from.  To use Overdrive, just nip into your favourite library with a piece of post with your address on it and ask your friendly librarian to verify that you have an EH postcode (for copyright reasons).  They’ll hook you up with the right kind of membership, and your pin if you don’t have one already, and then you can get downloading right away!

Clipper DL is our one-stop dedicated e-audiobook service.  They keep their stock updated with new and popular titles which can be downloaded by multiple users at the same time!  And best of all, all you need to use Clipper is your library barcode (situated on the back of your library card)

Public Library Online hosts books that are outwith the public domain – perfect for lovers of classics!  Additionally they have a selection of more contemporary books, including some popular novels and biographies, eco-texts and even parenting guides!

Don’t forget that none of these count towards your borrower limit of 12 items – and there are no fines!

What you told us about self-service

Thanks to the hundreds of you who took part in our survey about self-service in Central Library.

Some of you really like the self service kiosks – here are a few comments – “Love self-service, just love it”. “Quick, easy, no queuing, no waiting for people to finish chatting”.

Quite a few of you commented that self service takes a bit of getting used to, but once you had, you liked it, for example “I did think I was going to hate self-service. Turns out, I don’t!”

There are some of you who miss the interaction with the staff that you had at the desk – “Appreciate the self service facilities but preferred the assistance of librarians.”

You also made some really useful comments about the machines themselves and how they work. Several of you said that you forgot to take your library card with you, and several more find not having the books stamped with the return date a problem. Others find that they’ve had problems with books not scanning properly, and some would prefer the payment system and the view account process to be easier to use.

So… here’s what we’re going to do:

• Make sure that more of you are welcomed to the library when you come in, and that you know you can speak to the staff if you want to.
• Tell you more about the Library Elf email service which alerts you before your books are due for return.
• Add a message to receipts reminding you to take your card
• Continue to work on making sure that all the items in the Central Lending Library scan properly so that you have fewer problems when borrowing and returning.
• We’ll pass on your comments about how the kiosks work to the company who design them.

If you would like to see a full copy of the results of the survey, please ask at the Enquiry Desk in the Central Lending Library.

And remember, if you’ve got any other comments regarding self-service, or anything else to do with Edinburgh City Libraries, just leave a reply below.