Stoke-on-Trent Libraries 2013

Making Stoke-on-Trent a great working city


“I’ve always said that the most valuable

card in my purse is my library �cket.”

Longton Library customer


Your Library ServiceYour Library ServiceYour Library ServiceYour Library Service

We offer the people of Stoke-on-Trent a great

service with a record of excellent customer

care. Serving a popula on of 249,000 at a cost

of £9.78 per resident, per year. We are a

value for money service at the heart of our

communi es.

Stoke-on-Trent Library Service is a statutory service delivered through City Central Library

and six community libraries. It provides a network of libraries at the heart of communities,

skilled staff help people to access high quality information, the best in fiction and non

fiction books, lots of audio visual material to hire, ICT

facilities both public PCs and WiFi, storytimes and

rhymetimes for parents and toddlers and a range of

exciting events for families and all age groups.

Each local library is a showcase for the City

Council. They offer a welcoming space and an

exciting and vibrant venue, in which people

feel comfortable and relaxed. Our award

winning library in Stoke Town shows how

library visits offer an entry point to other council

services and mould positive perceptions of the

City Council. Libraries transform locality into

community.

During 2012-2013 the seven libraries in Stoke-on-Trent… were visited by 631,626 people; that equates to each person in Stoke-on-Trent visiting a

library at least 3 times a year

answered 163,371 enquiries

issued 642,482 books, CDs, DVDs and talking books

Additionally in 2012-2013…

8,918 people joined the library service for the first time

customers booked 276,653 PC user sessions

events held in our libraries were attended by 54,439 people

our Homelink Officer made 2,953 visits to take books and talking books to 354 housebound

customers


StokeStokeStokeStoke----onononon----Trent Libraries offer…Trent Libraries offer…Trent Libraries offer…Trent Libraries offer…

• Free book loans

• Help with all kinds of enquiries—the answer to every question is

somewhere in our libraries and we will help you to find it!

• Faxing, printing and photocopying

• 12 meeting rooms in libraries across the city, available for hire

• A ‘Homelink’ delivery service available to those unable to leave

their homes

• A supply of books and reminiscence materials to residential

homes

• Support for people seeking work though work clubs and access

to IT training

• StokeReads—read-aloud poetry and short story sessions in

libraries, community and social care settings

• Support for reading groups—Stoke-on-Trent Libraries provide

collections of books along with meeting space and training for

group leaders

• Writing workshops and courses

• Storytelling events and training

• Coffee mornings

• Read to Me—reading to housebound people in their own homes

• Health Zones—information on leading healthy lifestyles for

those living with long-term conditions

• WiFi access in all libraries

• e-magazines available in libraries and at

home available via our Zinio service

• e-talking Books available via our online

One Click Digital service

• Oxford Reference Online resources

“It's a lifeline for the community and the more it's

open the be,er for everyone young, old and poor.

Free and welcoming I don't know what we'd do

without it.”


Adults Engaging with LibrariesAdults Engaging with LibrariesAdults Engaging with LibrariesAdults Engaging with Libraries

Enquiry service

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries deliver a valuable enquiry service to residents of the city. Recent enquiries include tracing books and placing requests, locating legal documentation and finding local and national statistics. Libraries are able to access a vast range of information resources to find the answers that our customers need.

Credit Checks - Libraries provide credit checks on demand. This credit information is regularly used by city council departments along with members of the public to attain credit reports for companies prior to awarding contracts for projects.

Reading Groups

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries currently support 18 reading groups throughout the city. This includes supplying books, advice and guidance to group members. Library staff support reading groups in communities by leading the first three meetings, helping the group to set ground rules for members and assisting to choose books to read. Libraries hold multiple copies of a range of titles for use by reading groups.

At the heart of everything that libraries do is a vastly important element to our services:

people engaging with their library, with their community and with their council in many

different ways.

Libraries are the front door of the city council - for many people they are the only point of

access for council services.

"Google can bring back 100,000 answers, a

librarian can bring back the right one."

Neil Gaiman, Duke University Medical Centre Library 2011.

Reading Group

titles are available

in standard print,

large print and

audiobook format.

This ensures that

reading groups are

fully inclusive for

all members of

communities.


One-to-one IT support

One-to-one IT support, or IT Buddies, is a

scheme that helps adults build basic

computer skills. Our IT Buddies help

customers to set up email accounts, find

and access websites, and use Microsoft

Office software.

One-to-one support is often a first taste of IT

skills that leads learners into accessing

further courses and training through Adult

and Community Learning.

We also provide learning via our Get Online Days which provides support for UKOnline

courses which ultimately allows learners to access a range of free online resources from

the comfort of their own home.

Yes We Can

Libraries provide regular individual support sessions where trained library staff help people wanting to improve their reading and writing skills. These sessions have a dramatic impact on people’s lives and give them the basic skills needed to succeed.

“Thank you so much for your

wonderful service, it has made

a world of difference to my life.”

Adults Engaging with Libraries Adults Engaging with Libraries Adults Engaging with Libraries Adults Engaging with Libraries ---- building skillsbuilding skillsbuilding skillsbuilding skills

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries offer a programme of activities and groups that aim to give

residents the skills they need to help them integrate and contribute fully to their

communities. These sessions also build skills that employers often require, therefore

increasing our residents’ employability.

English for Speakers of Other Languages

(ESOL)

Stoke-on-Trent is a truly multi-lingual city with 120

different languages being spoken by children in our

schools. Our ESOL groups aim to bring people

together in a safe and comfortable environment to

practice English using stories as a common

element. Parents are given the opportunity to use

picture books to practice their English speaking

skills, which they can use with their families,

spreading the learning experience far beyond the

library environment.

Skills for Life Reading Groups

Skills for Life groups are aimed at learners with lower levels of literacy or may have

learning difficulties. Learners work through short stories and poems to develop their

confidence around books and their reading ability. Our skills for life groups have previously

taken part in the Six Book Challenge, a national programme that challenges learners with

lower literacy abilities to read six books in a 3 month period.


Adults Engaging with Libraries Adults Engaging with Libraries Adults Engaging with Libraries Adults Engaging with Libraries ---- accessing booksaccessing booksaccessing booksaccessing books

While libraries have incorporated a huge number of services to help people who live,

work or study in Stoke-on-Trent at the core of what we do is the written word and books.

In a world where technology is King our customers show us that books are still relevant.

We have received 114 requests for a copy of the latest Lee Child novel,

‘Never Go Back’.

“I am aware that there are some people - perhaps those who need this

book most - that may not be able to buy a copy, so I’m delighted that

my publisher, Penguin Random House, working with the Reading

Agency, are able to give a copy to every library in the country.”

Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver has recently donated copies of his latest book ‘Save with Jamie’ to every

library in the country. In his covering letter he says that he recognises there is a

demand for a cookbook that shows people how to produce tasty, nutritious food on a

budget, but, by the very nature of the topic, people are unlikely to be able to buy the

book due to cost implications.

Jamie has identified the solution—libraries—a place where all are welcome, where

there will be no judgment and where everyone can access resources completely free

of charge.

"A city without books in a city without a library is like a graveyard."

Malala Yousafza


Information Technology Information Technology Information Technology Information Technology

From keeping in touch with friends and

family, to searching and applying for jobs and

shopping around for the best deal, the

internet has now become a vital tool. Stoke-

on-Trent Libraries offer members two hours

free internet usage per day and make

Microsoft Office programmes available.

In 2012 Stoke-on-Trent Libraries launched a WiFi service in all

seven of our libraries. Our customers can now connect to the

internet using their own electronic devices and their library card

completely free of charge.

This has expanded the scope of IT provision in libraries and

gives our customers the freedom to work on a wide range of

platforms.

Three libraries have dedicated IT suites.

These suites are for local use for groups,

agencies and companies providing

training and learning opportunities to

allow city residents to develop their

skills.

IT suites are available at:

• City Central Library

• Stoke Library

• Tunstall Library

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries provide free access to 149 computers

throughout the city.

In 2012-2013 customers logged on to our PCs 276,653 times.

During 2012-2013 there were 3661 logins to our public

WiFi network.


Information Technology Information Technology Information Technology Information Technology ---- getting onlinegetting onlinegetting onlinegetting online

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries offer free one-to-one computer sessions. These 30 minute

slots are for people that need a quick helping hand with using their PC or laptop. This

could be how to use files and folders, how to use the formatting options in Microsoft

Word or how to use an internet browser.

These sessions are also booked by people who are completely new to computers and

are nervous about attending group courses before they have picked up the basics.

Our one-to-one sessions are run by library staff and IT Buddies. IT Buddies are

volunteers who want to give something back to their

communities by passing on IT skills.

Computer Courses

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries regularly run IT courses which

concentrate on teaching groups basic IT skills such as

using the internet and using word processing software.

These courses aim to improve computer literacy and

develop the skill sets of residents.

iTea and Biscuits

Aimed at the city’s silver surfers, iTea and Biscuits aims

to encourage older people to discover the benefits this

technology offers. In libraries we work alongside AgeUK

to deliver iTea and Biscuits workshops which approach

technology in a non-threatening and friendly setting.

Adult and Community Learning

Libraries work closely with Adult and Community Learning to offer a range of accredited

courses based around Family Learning and a wide range of Adult Learning opportunities.

The courses cover topics including crafts, computers, employability, health and many

languages.

Family History

The library provides free access to ancestry.com - the most popular family history

website. We support this with one-to-one advice sessions run monthly in every

community library.


Information Technology Information Technology Information Technology Information Technology ---- a library in your living a library in your living a library in your living a library in your living

roomroomroomroom

Online Reference Resources

To help our customers access the best and most reliable

information Stoke-on-Trent Libraries subscribe to several

online reference resources. Applications such as Credo

Reference, The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography,

Grove Art and Grove Music Online all provide excellent

information.

UK NewsStand allows our customers to search local and

national newspapers for articles and information important

to them.

Who Else Writes Like…? is a must-use resource for fiction

readers. This service points avid readers in the direction of

their next favourite read.

The services offered by Stoke-on-Trent Libraries are not limited to library buildings—

you can now access our services from your own home. This helps us to provide an

excellent service to our customers who find it difficult to get to a library.

We have recently launched a brand new online service for our

customers. Zinio allows readers to download and view current issues of

some of the country’s most popular magazines on their computer,

phone or tablet device.

OneClick Digital gives customers free access day and night to over 1,000 audiobooks to

download onto phones, MP3 players, iPod, iPad or PC!

OneClick Digital has titles for both

adults and children so everyone will

get the opportunity to enhance their

enjoyment of stories through a huge

range of audiobooks. After you’ve

finished reading, the audiobooks are automatically ‘returned’ to the library so there will

never be any overdue charges.


Work ClubsWork ClubsWork ClubsWork Clubs————promoting independencepromoting independencepromoting independencepromoting independence

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries—working with Universal Credit

Universal credit is a new benefit payment that has started to replace six

existing benefits with a single monthly payment for anyone out of work or

on a low income.

Claims for Universal Credit will be made online. This means libraries are

a vital hub to help people adapt and apply for this new benefit.

By using the IT facilities available in libraries, we will help our customers

get to grips with new and existing claims for Universal Credit.

Libraries currently run four free work clubs throughout the city on

a weekly basis. The focus of the work club sessions, which are

run by library staff, is to support job seekers to apply for jobs by

teaching them how to register on the Universal JobMatch website, create CVs and sign up

with an email address which can then be used to apply for jobs and training.

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries also work closely with JobChange, who

help jobseekers create CVs and offer advice to help people to get

back into work. JobChange currently run five sessions in libraries

across the city each week.

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries are dedicated to supporting people to get back into work.

As well as providing free access to IT and word processing resources which help with skills

development, job searching and making job applications libraries also run free weekly

sessions to help residents on the path to employment.

Libraries currently hold four free work

clubs throughout the city on a weekly

basis which are open to everyone.

In addition, JobChange offer five

dedicated job search advice sessions.

“[Without internet access in libraries] can I ask how people like myself

are expected to perform job searches that I have to legally do to get

my JSA and housing benefit?”


“[The lady I read to] has no family so she enjoys

the company and social interaction. We have

lots of chats and discussions over what we

read.”

Read To Me Volunteer

Adults engaging with libraries Adults engaging with libraries Adults engaging with libraries Adults engaging with libraries ---- volunteeringvolunteeringvolunteeringvolunteering

When I first started to volunteer in

January 2010 I felt that I could not deal

with certain situations but since I started

to volunteer my confidence has grown

from strength to strength.

Peter, an IT volunteer

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries have developed a volunteer programme with roles for a wide

range of people. These volunteers give their valuable time and skills to their communities

and we make sure that they also receive something in return. Our volunteers tell us that

they gain a huge amount of confidence through their roles within the Library Service; many

make new friends and all gain career experience and references that they can use if they

want to apply for a job.

Read To Me - Our Read To Me volunteers allow residents who have lost touch with

reading because of illness or visual impairment to re-discover the love of a good book.

Volunteers visit residents in their own homes and on hospital wards and read aloud from

a requested book. The Read To Me service helps to

reduce loneliness and social isolation.

IT Volunteers - Our IT volunteers deliver 30 minute one-to-one sessions at libraries

across the city. These sessions are vital to learners who want to gain basic IT skills.

StokeReads - These reading groups are not your

average reading groups. Our StokeReads volunteers receive specialist training to help run

groups, which consist of short stories and a selection of poetry read aloud so that

everyone can appreciate them.

“This group is so valuable. It’s been a lifeline to me.”

StokeReads group member


Libraries and healthLibraries and healthLibraries and healthLibraries and health

“I wasn’t going to come today but I got out of bed and thought ‘Good, it’s

Wednesday. I’ve got the library group to go to’ I’ve got friends here and I get a

bit lonely some�mes.”

Libraries are dedicated to helping people to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

We are a valued partner of Public Health.

Health Zones

We have dedicated health zones in six of our libraries. These zones provide relevant and accessible health information in a safe and secure atmosphere. Local support groups are represented in health zones through leaflets and posters advertising their free and accessible services.

Knitting and crochet groups

Knitting groups are held regularly in six Stoke-on-Trent libraries, these offer the opportunity for people to knit in a group, to make new friends and to teach others a valuable skill.

“Learning to knit has been a life saver more than once for me. At the moment, being a single mum the pennies don’t stretch as far as I want them to, but as soon as I picked up a pair of needles I haven’t looked back.”

Knitting group member

StokeReads StokeReads are reading groups with a difference. Read aloud reading groups enhance wellbeing and encourage reminiscence. These are delivered in libraries, care homes, sheltered housing and mental health drop-in centres. Group participants listen to and comment on short stories and poetry.

StokeReads groups are run by trained facilitators and supported by library staff.

Stoke Local Service Centre

Stoke Local Service Centre encompasses Stoke Library along with a range of other council services. The Centre is now a Wellbeing Centre and all centre staff will offer advice, help and support on a range of health and lifestyle issues, including smoking, eating well and exercise.


“[The gentleman I read to] had to go in hospital for a few weeks and

when I resumed my reading I could not tell anyone the welcome I got

and how much he had missed me. While I am there his wife goes out

just for shopping etc. and I think it also gives her a break.”

Read to me volunteer

Books on Prescription

We all face problems from time to time - stress, anxiety, depression, bereavement, sleep and eating disorders, self-esteem and relationships. Stoke-on-Trent Libraries are working closely with health practitioners to help residents to overcome these problems.

Rather than prescribing medication to deal with problems such as stress and anxiety health practitioners can now prescribe a self-help book from Stoke-on-Trent Libraries. These are official texts endorsed by professionals. Patients borrow the book for a period of four weeks initially and work through it with help from medical professionals.

Libraries are also able to signpost patients to other support that may be available to them.

Libraries and healthLibraries and healthLibraries and healthLibraries and health

Books for Change

The Books on Prescription model has now been developed and Libraries now offer Books for Change, a project aimed specifically at young people with mild to moderate mental health problems.

The books used are different to the adult scheme and are targeted towards helping teenagers and young adults to over come their problems. The book list for this scheme has been selected with the help and advice of young people themselves.

Read To Me

The Read To Me scheme targets social isolation. Volunteers visit socially isolated adults in their homes to read aloud books, novels, stories and poetry. Read To Me volunteers also visit older people in hospital to read to them.


Children, Young People and FamiliesChildren, Young People and FamiliesChildren, Young People and FamiliesChildren, Young People and Families

“Reading for pleasure is more important for children`s educational

success than their family`s socio-economic status.” Organisation for

Economic Cooperation and Development (2002)

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The

more that you learn, the more places you`ll go”. Dr Seuss

Singing Bears, Story Bears, Bouncing Bears

We provide a wide range of fun, free activities to

encourage book sharing from an early age. The sessions

help parents to understand their important role in

supporting their child`s educational, speech, language and

communication development and help encourage the

child`s readiness for school.

Last year 8,848 children attended these events held

in libraries.

Libraries offer a wide range of free, fun,

creative activities for all the family

including storytelling events, author

visits, art and craft sessions, drama,

reading and homework clubs. Activities

are held regularly throughout the year

and during school holidays and all

promote reading for pleasure.

In 2012 7,019 children and young

people attended events on a Saturday

in libraries.

Letterbox Club

This year the library service has worked with Booktrust to provide 20 children and young

people in care with a parcel of books and other learning resources each month.

Research has shown that children in care underachieve in education and many will not

have access to books. Providing books and resources to encourage fun learning has

has an impact, with many children making significant improvements in their reading.

Library staff will continue to work in partnership with the Fostering Team to promote

reading for pleasure and access to books and resources for children in care.


Children, Young People and FamiliesChildren, Young People and FamiliesChildren, Young People and FamiliesChildren, Young People and Families————reading for reading for reading for reading for

pleasurepleasurepleasurepleasure

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries have created a welcoming atmosphere for families and children of

all ages.

The activities that we plan and deliver are aimed at providing children with a love of reading

and a creative outlook. The sessions also promote family interaction, working together to

solve problems.

All of our children’s activities are free of charge. This means that everyone can access the

sessions, without exception. Research has shown that children who interact with stories

and reading at an early age go on to do better in education and in later employment.

Family Chatterbooks

Our Family Chatterbooks sessions are aimed at families with children aged 7-11 and are

designed to challenge children to enter the world of words. They are similar to Book Bites

schemes, but attendance is limited at Chatterbooks sessions to allow library staff to

interact more closely with children who attend. Feedback from families has been excellent

and children attending the sessions over a period of time have shown great progress in

reading and writing ability.

Book Bites

Book Bites sessions are run in libraries on a Saturday,

making them accessible for families to attend. They are

aimed at families with children aged 7-11. These are open

groups, anyone can come along and the sessions are

designed to encourage children share ideas about books,

reading and writing with their peers as well as with

members of their own families.

The sessions are structured to include a storytelling

element followed by an activity for families to try for

themselves. Activities range from writing poetry and jokes

to illustrating a comic strip.

Holiday activities

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries offer a range of activities

during school holidays. These sessions encourage

children to continue reading during the break from

education when reading ability has traditionally

been shown to dip. The sessions also encourage

some older children to join in, whether through

interacting with younger siblings or by attending

sessions for their own benefit. Recent activities

held at Bentilee Library have resulted in a

decrease of anti-social behaviour displayed by

teenagers and young adults.


Working with SchoolsWorking with SchoolsWorking with SchoolsWorking with Schools

Training

The library service works closely with partners in schools, children`s centres and other

early years settings to provide support, advice and training to practitioners on ways to

promote literacy and the best resources to use to engage children and families in

reading.

Supporting schools - homework clubs

Homework Clubs support children and young people to improve their study skills and raise their performance at school.

We currently offer a weekly homework club in Stoke Library. This club is well attended and children and families find the service a useful opportunity to work together on school projects, whilst utilising the wide range of resources available at the library.

Book Bites

These are reading clubs run by library staff in

primary schools and in libraries as an extra-

curricular activity to support literacy. The

programme is flexible and adapted to local

literacy needs. Book Bites sessions are aimed at

children who are struggling to reach their

expected levels of literacy at Key Stage 1 or 2.

A pilot study in a local primary school showed that Book Bites had an impact on

pupils’ attainment and motivation both in reading and writing. Teachers and par-

ents reported a change in attitude towards reading with all children reading more

in their own time. Most of the children made progress in reading during the 10

week programme.

Stoke Speaks Out resources

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries are now

distributors for Stoke Speaks Out

resources. Boxes can be reserved

and collected by primary school

teachers and child-minders. The

boxes contain a range of toys and

learning resources which can be

used for creative learning and play

sessions.

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries currently

hold 114 resource boxes.


Working with schools Working with schools Working with schools Working with schools ----

schools visiting librariesschools visiting librariesschools visiting librariesschools visiting libraries

National Young Readers` Programme

(NYRP)

In 2011 the library service was

successful in getting funding from the

National Literacy Trust to run the NYRP

with four local primary schools. The

programme now runs each year.

The programme is designed to help

children, particularly those from a

disadvantaged background, to acquire

the skills they need to develop as readers, from knowing how to choose books that

interest them to where to go to find these books when the project is over. The sessions

are designed and delivered by library staff in local libraries.

Class visits

Librarians work with primary and secondary

schools to promote literacy, to encourage

reading for pleasure and to promote the library

as a friendly, welcoming place with a wide

variety of items to borrow and activities to

enjoy.

120 children took part in the original programme and all

teachers reported that children who began with a low

level of interest in reading were now reading more and

had become members of their local library.

A pupil at a Stoke-on-Trent school won the

National Young Reader of the Year 2012

award.

Teachers also reported that the NYRP, by focusing on

reading for pleasure, has helped their schools’ approach

to reading and literacy.

Although there is no additional funding from the National

Literacy Trust, the library service continues to deliver the

project to different primary schools across the city using

existing resources.


Bookstart—ensuring children have the best start in life

Bookstart gifts free books to every child. The Library

Service manages and co-ordinates this across the city.

Children receive a free book at two key stages of their

life. The first pack is gifted by health visitors to children

at their first development check. The second pack at

three years is gifted by our Early Years Librarian in

partnership with early years settings. Bookstart helps to

inspire a love of reading that will give children a better start in life.

In 2012 3,900 packs were gifted.

StokeStokeStokeStoke----onononon----Trent Libraries Trent Libraries Trent Libraries Trent Libraries ---- delivering national delivering national delivering national delivering national

schemes to improve the lives of children, young schemes to improve the lives of children, young schemes to improve the lives of children, young schemes to improve the lives of children, young

people and familiespeople and familiespeople and familiespeople and families

Booktime

Booktime is a national gifting programme, providing free

books to all reception children. The programme promotes the

pleasure of books by encouraging families to have fun

reading together at an important transition stage in a child's learning and development.

The library service co-ordinates the Booktime programme in Stoke-on-Trent and delivers

sessions to parents and carers in schools and libraries events to support it. In 2013-14 the

library service will continue to gift packs to all reception age children and their families in

partnership with primary schools.

Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is held every year

in all libraries. It is aimed at 4-12 year olds who are

encouraged to borrow and read 6 library books

during their school holiday. Small incentives are

offered to help them along the way. Throughout the

challenge, library staff support the children, helping

them to find new authors and to explore the wide

range of different types of books. The Summer

Reading Challenge has reduced the trend for

children`s reading skills to dip over the holidays.

A main aim for English in the National Curriculum is for pupils to

“develop a love of literature through the widespread reading for

enjoyment”

National Curriculum for English key stage 1 and 2-draft 2012

In 2012 1500 children enrolled in The Summer Reading Challenge.


Encouraging Young People to Develop into Encouraging Young People to Develop into Encouraging Young People to Develop into Encouraging Young People to Develop into

Successful AdultsSuccessful AdultsSuccessful AdultsSuccessful Adults

Young Poet Laureate Competition

This is now an annual poetry competition for young

people aged 14-21 years coordinated by libraries. The

Young Poet Laureate is a champion for poetry and an

ambassador for Stoke-on-Trent. The role involves

writing poetry to celebrate special events and

performing in libraries, schools and community places

to encourage and inspire other young people to be

creative or just to enjoy poetry.

Two former winners of the Young Poet Laureate

competition have had their poems published.

In 2013 Staffordshire County Council will be joining

Stoke-on-Trent and holding a joint competition to find

the next Young Poet Laureate.

Young Volunteers We offer volunteering roles for young people aged 14-25 years. An important part of the role is to help library staff to deliver activities and to act as advocates for the library service to other young people. By volunteering young people have the opportunity to develop their communication skills, increase their knowledge and confidence of working with other young people and gain some real experience of the working environment - all skills invaluable to potential employers.

“Without this library I would have been unable to gain my

degree.”

Stoke Library customer

Stoke-on-Trent

Libraries work with

young people

across the city

providing

opportunities to help

them develop as

young adults.

Since the Young Volunteers scheme started 32 young people have volunteered with

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries. Of these young people 80% went on to further, full-time

education while the other 20% went on to find full-time employment.


Libraries engaging with communitiesLibraries engaging with communitiesLibraries engaging with communitiesLibraries engaging with communities————bringing bringing bringing bringing

library services to youlibrary services to youlibrary services to youlibrary services to you

Working with Residential Homes

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries support local residential homes. Regular deliveries every 6

weeks put books at the very heart of these communities. We place books in the hands

of readers who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access them and help to enrich lives.

Delivering approximately 40 books with each visit homes can tailor-make the selection

of materials that they receive.

We currently deliver materials to over 40

residential homes throughout the city.

“Just want to say how much I

appreciate you bringing my books

it’s like I’ve won the lottery on

every visit.”

Homelink customer

Libraries deliver an inclusive service to city residents. We run services which will allow

residents to continue to engage with libraries and reading even though they may have

limited mobility.

Homelink

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries offer a Homelink service to housebound residents. This service

delivers a collection of books, audiobooks, CDs, or DVDs direct to residents’ doors.

Library staff conduct an initial interview with each resident when they sign up to the

Homelink service to identify what sort of books and other items they would like to receive

on a regular basis. Homelink borrowers receive a new collection every 6 weeks consisting

of approximately 20 items.

We currently have 354 households signed up to receive the

Homelink service throughout the city.

“I used to go to Stoke Library until I wasn’t well

enough and I started to have Brian bring me

them. Brian is lovely and polite, he always

speaks to my wife who isn’t very well. I don’t

know what I would do without these books.”

Homelink customer


Community Book CollectionsCommunity Book CollectionsCommunity Book CollectionsCommunity Book Collections————keeping keeping keeping keeping

reading alive in communitiesreading alive in communitiesreading alive in communitiesreading alive in communities

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries currently support four Community Book Collections in

Stoke-on-Trent. These are collections of books located within easily accessible

community buildings and are run by volunteers.

Community Book Collections provide access to books in areas where a library may

be more difficult to get to. They do not offer the full range of services available at

libraries.

Collections are based at:

• Ball Green Methodist Church

• Blurton Community Hub

• Haywood Community Learning

Centre

• Swan Bank Methodist Church

What we offer:

• Stoke-on-Trent Libraries provide community book collections with up to 2,500 books.

• 10% of the book collection will be swapped with other stock every 6 weeks.

• We will provide help, advice and guidance to groups in setting up and running

Community Book Collections.

What we expect from community groups:

• The group setting up the service is responsible for the books in the collection.

• The group must identify regular opening hours and ensure that the collection is

accessible during those times.


Communication and AccessibilityCommunication and AccessibilityCommunication and AccessibilityCommunication and Accessibility

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries provide a library service for the 21st century. Using new platforms

and technology, we can communicate with our customers wherever they are.

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries have built a strong social media presence

so that our customers can contact us in many different ways at any time of the day or

night.

Our Facebook page has proved to be very popular, with 630 people following our

updates about events, activities and projects. We regularly receive enquiries through the

page and are able to respond while our customers are on the move - keeping them in

touch with the library wherever they are.

“Hi can you tell me if Tunstall library still do story time on a Saturday morning?”

“Hi, are there any extra children’s activities over the Easter holidays,

“Hello, Can you tell me if you have access to the Which magazines or their web-

site please?” “Hi, was wondering if there is a film show today?

@SoTLibraries, our Twitter account, is also regularly used by residents to contact Stoke

-on-Trent Libraries and enquire about services. 106 people currently follow our Twitter

feed.

We have a presence on FourSquare, Pinterest and Tripadvisor, so our customers can

interact with the Library Service through a number of different applications.

Our monthly e-newsletter is

delivered to over 730 inboxes

each month, including those of

our Councillors, and lets our

customers know what is going

on in libraries. The newsletters

include lists of new books

added to stock within the last

month.


Bentilee Library

Performance Data April 2012 - March 2013

Visits 74,754

Issues 46,197

Public PC sessions 20,777

New Members 640

Weekly opening hours 45

City Central Library

Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3RS

Phone 01782 238455 • Email [email protected]


Visits 180,328

Issues 163,989

Public PC Sessions 72,312

New Members 3,264


There are 7 libraries providing a wide range of services throughout Stoke-on-Trent.

These are in mixed settings, either as stand-alone buildings or as part of locality

hubs comprising several services.

City Central Library in Hanley is the city’s main library, with the 6 other community

bases forming a network of libraries at the heart of communities.

Community LibrariesCommunity LibrariesCommunity LibrariesCommunity Libraries

“A superb facility and service that is very much part of our

lives.”

Trentham Library customer

Longton Library


Visits 87,115

Issues 124,685


New Members 1,884


Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 0E


Sutherland Institute, Lightwood Road, Longton, ST3 4HY



Meir Library


Visits 48,656

Issues 49,609


New Members 540


Stoke Library


Visits 150,699

Issues 85,476


New Members 1,228


Trentham Library


Visits 17,633

Issues 33,456


New Members 114


Tunstall Library


Visits 72,621

Issues 88,067


New Members 1,045


*Public PC Sessions includes "reservations" for 15 minute PCs, standard PCs, children's PCs and IT Suites

Sandon Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7DJ


Stoke Local Service Centre, South Wolfe Street,

Stoke ST4 4SZ


Trentley Road, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8PH


Victoria Institute, The Boulevard, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent

ST6 6BD



“It shall be the duty of every library authority to

provide a comprehensive and efficient library

service for all persons desiring to make use

thereof, and for that purpose to employ such

officers, to provide and maintain such buildings

and equipment, and such books and other

materials, and to do such other things, as may

be requisite.”

Public Libraries and Museums Act, 1964

Stoke-on-Trent Libraries 2013

Documents

Transcript of Stoke-on-Trent Libraries 2013