We're currently seeking Summer Reading Challenge volunteers aged 13-25 to help over the summer break. Visit the Summer Reading Challenge web page for more information.
Upcoming Events:
ROBOTAZIA
FANTASTIC NEWS!
We have agreed one final extension to Robotazia's stay at Central Library. The Robot museum and coffeeshop will be staying with us until Saturday, 27 April 2019.
Amy and her robot friends will be with us thanks to Robotazia. Robotazia is a unique collection of sci-fi robots and props - creativity from all disciplines under the theme of 'robots'.
You can:
Visit the mini museum of amazing Robotazia creations made from recycled materials - including unique robots and famous robots you'll recognise.
Speak with staff who know all about the robots.
Meet robot waitress "Amy" in the sci-fi themed coffee shop, where you can enjoy tasty drinks and snacks.
Enter the 'Name the Robot' competition.
Watch robot short movies on the big screen.
Visit the Robotazia shop for robot gifts and goodies.
The cafe will be open from 10am-4pm on Saturdays, 10.30am-4.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 10.30am-6.30pm on Thursdays whenever the library is open.
We're thrilled to welcome the new April Cultural Passport challenge to all nine of the Milton Keynes Libraries.
When you visit one of the libraries, search for the Cultural Passport display and collect a postcard. You'll see a special cultural question and you will find the answer hidden in the library. Enter the answer on your postcard and fill in your details. You can then stamp your card with the passport stamp, post it in the special Pedalling Culture postbox and collect your badge for taking part.
All correct entries will be in with a chance of winning a prize and you can learn more about Pedalling Culture and this challenge on their website.
The Human Story Theatre is touring the UK this summer and we're excited to bring you three performances at Milton Keynes Libraries. The shows have been funded by Arts Council England and locally by the Community Foundation, Olney Town Council and Stony Stratford Town Council.
Connie's Colander by Gaye Poole
Connie’s Colander is a two hander drama by Gaye Poole which intertwines a mother and daughter’s journey through dementia. Connie is a retired domestic science teacher. Emily, her daughter, is enjoying hosting her first TV cookery show, Connie’s Colander, bringing her mother’s recipes onscreen and up to date.
Sensitively, with humour and tenderness this newly written play traces the evolving relationship throughout their lives, and the impact of Connie’s Alzheimer’s. Can their relationship, and the TV show, survive?
There is also a 20 minute Q&A session after the performance with information and stories of living well with dementia from
specialists.
Thursday, 9 May ~ 7-8.15pm at The Olney Centre
Tickets available from Olney Library (01234 711474)
Wednesday, 15 May ~ 7-8.15pm at Stony Stratford Library
Tickets available from Stony Stratford Library (01908 562562)
Thursday, 16 May ~ 6.30-7.45pm at Central Library
Tickets available from the Enquiry Desk at Central Library (01908 254050)
Tickets are free and must be booked in advance at the host library as numbers are limited. Cash donations on the night are most welcome and Human Story Theatre is a registered charity.
The show is suitable for adults only (ages 18+) and not suitable for someone with dementia as it might be upsetting.
You can find more information and news about the show by visiting Human Story Theatre on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Community Learning MK are back with more Sound Start Workshops in May. Bletchley Library is hosting four workshops for families with children aged 1-4 years at 1.30-2.15pm on the following Fridays:
3 May
10 May
17 May
24 May
During the workshop you will:
Create musical instruments from recycled materials
Use props and toys to bring songs to life
Learn new and traditional songs and rhymes
Make music together as a family
Book your tickets in advance at Bletchley Library (01908 372797) - only £1 per family.
*NEW* LEGO & DUPLO CLUB
Thursday, 25 April ~ 3.30-4.30pm at Westcroft Library
Westcroft Library is joining the construction fun! A new Lego and Duplo Club starts on 25 April and the club will then run every Thursday 3.30-4.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join us and no booking is necessary - just turn up on the day.
Parents and carers must remain with their children throughout the sessions.
BRITISH WEST INDIES REGIMENT & KINGS AFRICAN RIFLES IN THE GREAT WAR
6 March - 27 April 2019 at Central Library
This free photographic exhibition is on the first floor at Central Library and is brought to you by Learning Through the Arts. It commemorates the contributions and sacrifices of soldiers who served in the King's African Rifles and British West Indies Regiment during the Great War (1914 - 1918).
Saturday, 27 April 3-4.30pm at Central Library
You are invited to join us as we unpick the exhibition to learn about the contributions and sacrifices of the men of the British West Indies Regiment and King’s African Rifles in the Great War during an interactive presentation.
DANGEROUS POCKETS PROJECT
6-27 April 2019 at Stony Stratford Library
This exhibition at Stony Stratford Library is your chance to see the wonderful community art collaboration led by the Colchester based artist, Paula MacGregor - inspired by the Sharon Owens poem 'Dangerous Coats'.
DANGEROUS COATS
Someone clever once said
Women were not allowed pockets
In case they carried leaflets
To spread sedition
Which means unrest
To you and me
A grandiose word for commonsense
Fairness
Equality
So ladies, start sewing
Dangerous coats
Made of pockets and sedition
Alfie James Productions brings you an exciting new project starting at Central Library - funded by Milton Keynes Community Foundation.
The Story Box Theatre project is designed specifically for adults aged 50 and over and provides a free 8 week project.
Through weekly workshops and special one off events, the group explores the art of oral storytelling through fun, practical performance techniques before working towards regular small public performances.
If you'd like to find out more about the project or are interested in being involved, you can email Alfie James or phone 07858 625622.
The first performance by the group was 'Room on the Broom' at Central Library on Saturday, 30 March 2-2.30pm.
Join us for drinks, nibbles and crafts on the following Wednesdays between 7-9pm (late arrivals are welcome):
24 April 2019
29 May 2019
26 June 2019
Bring your own craft project and/or enjoy the planned group activity.
Reserve your place at Olney Library - there's a £5 charge to be paid on the evening.
These evenings are brought to you by the Friends of the Library in Olney (FoLiO) and all profits will be donated to FoLiO's Craft Clubs and activities.
Children's Hours offer staff led stories, songs and crafts along with educational toys. The libraries are closed to the public during these sessions and are used exclusively for families attending the Children's Hour.
Sessions cost £2 per child on the door and no advance tickets are required.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASSES at Central Library
Alternate Thursdays ~ 10.30am - 12noon
English conversation classes are for anyone who would like to practise and improve their English as a second language, gain better skills for study or employment, or just get on in everyday life.
Everyone is welcome to join us on the day and you don't need to register. If you'd like to know more you can phone 01908 254050 or speak to library staff.
4 April
18 April
2 May
16 May
30 May
13 June
27 June
11 July
Please note that the classes are led by library volunteers and are not part of any ESOL curriculum.
IELTS - International English Language Testing System
IELTS is the world's proven English language test and can be accessed online at all Milton Keynes Libraries and from your computer at home. For more information, visit the eLibrary web page.
Join us for this free club at Woburn Sands Library. It's open to everyone regardless of your chess playing abilities - we can even throw in some tuition if you'd like!
ACTIVITY HATCH SESSIONS at Woburn Sands Library
Saturdays 10am-12noon
Self-service play activities for children of all ages encouraging youngsters to visit and enjoy the library. There will be Duplo, toys, drawing and colouring, books, HappyLand, cutting and sticking ... fun in all shapes and sizes!
Everyone is welcome to join us.
Please note that parents/carers must remain with their children during this activity.
(Sessions are free to attend but voluntary donations are welcome)
COMPUTER HELP SESSIONS IT Buddies are waiting to help you
If you'd like a little guidance about about using computers, the internet, your iPad, tablet or phone, setting up emails or have any computer related questions you'd like answered, we have amazing volunteers called IT BUDDIES ready to help you.
HOOKED ON BOOKS CLUB
11.30am - 12.30pm at Olney Library
If you are between 7-13 years old and love books this is the club for you! Lydia regularly visits Olney Library and has started this free monthly club with all kinds of book related fun with a different theme each month.
* Games and Puzzles * Reading and Reporting * Colouring and Crafts * Investigations * Character Dress-up * Sketching * ... and lots more!
The club sessions run on the third Saturday of each month and we hope you'll join us at one of the sessions:
BRING YOUR OWN BOOK!
Monthly Book Chat Group at Newport Pagnell Library
Do you have a book that you would love to share with others? The Book Chat Group meets once a month on a Monday evening at 5.30pm. Everyone is welcome - just come along on the night and bring your favourite book! The next meeting dates are:
8 April 2019
13 May 2019
3 June 2019
For more information, please contact Newport Pagnell Library on 01908 610933. The library is closed on Mondays and group members meet at the Riverside door at 5.30pm for entry.
Expert John Hanson is offering free 20 minute consultations to help you with research into your Family History. Sessions are held on Thursdays between 4.15-7.30pm and need to be booked in advance by phoning 01908 254051 or emailing Central Library.
18 April 2019
23 May 2019
20 June 2019
Family History sessions always prove very popular and we would recommend booking early!
John has extended his sessions to include other libraries and is also offering free 20 minute consultations on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 1.30pm at the following libraries:
9 April 2019 - Bletchley Library (Book on 01908 372797)
11 June 2019 - Wolverton Library (Book on 01908 312812)
FoLiO (Friends of the Library in Olney) support Olney Library with many activities and have lined up another amazing programme of talks for 2019. Download your copy of the events (PDF, 134KB) and save the dates.
ON AND OFF THE FOOTPLATE: 42 YEARS ON THE RAILWAYS
Monday, 6 May 2019 ~ 7.30pm
The next talk brought to you by the Friends of Olney Library will have you utterly captivated as Bill Davies takes you on his 42 year journey of working on the railways.
Contact Olney Library in advance to register and secure your place (01234 711474) or book online.
The Friends of Stony Stratford Library bring a variety of activities and events to Stony Stratford Library. Watch this space for the latest updates. More details to follow for future events - save the dates!
THE HISTORY OF OPERA: 1600 TO THE PRESENT DAY
Wednesday, 1 May 2019 ~ 7pm
Jamie Hayes has had a varied career working as an opera director at many opera houses and festivals and has a treat in store for you.
Jamie will be joining FoSSL to speak about the evolution of opera from its earliest beginnings in Renaissance Italy, through the Baroque period, the age of Mozart, the rise of grand opera in 19th century Europe and the spread of opera worldwide in the 20th century.
The talk will be held at Stony Stratford Library and is a free event, but donations are warmly welcomed. Tickets for the talk will be available from Stony Stratford Library (01908 562562) from Wednesday, 10 April.
NEW TOWN NOSTALGIA - MK at Play, Back in the Day
12 March - 30 April 2019 at Central Library
Visit the Discover MK Showcase on the first floor at Central Library to see this exhibition by Living Archive.
This latest exhibition is a nostalgic celebration of how Milton Keynes had fun in the 80s and 90s. And it’s all about YOU!
Are you of the generation whose idea of a good night out was pre-drinking at The Barn or the City Duck followed by a boogie at The Point? Did you go shopping in Woolworths and C&A? What about rollerskating at the Agora?
We think this exhibition will bring back some fond memories – festivals, nightclubs, roller discos, big gigs at the Bowl, street parties, carnivals and much much more.
Stop by Central Library and see if you can spot yourself in the photos!
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