Library News and Updates
05/02/24
Late Opening at Netherton and Meadows Libraries.
We are pleased to announce that from Monday 5th February 2024, our libraries located in Netherton (NAC) and Maghull (Meadows) will remain open in the evening until 9pm, Monday-Friday.
You will be able to browse the full range of books on the shelves in each branch, pick up your reserved items and use the self-service kiosks to issue, return and renew books.
Wi-Fi is available and there are tables and chairs to browse, study or read.
Please contact either branch for more information.
Meadows 0151 288 6731
Netherton 0151 525 6802
05/01/24
Free SIM cards and mobile data now available from Netherton Library
Sefton Libraries are working with The Good Thins Foundation to distribute free SIM cards and mobile data to local people who are unable to afford SIM cards and Mobile data themselves. The National Databank scheme, operated by The Good Things Foundation is supported by UK mobile networks Vodafone, O2 and Three, and offers vital connections for anyone cut off from basic daily activities most people take for granted, like contacting loved ones, accessing job interviews and benefits advice, and finding essential health or other information online.
If you live in Sefton and meet the eligibility criteria, you can register to receive free mobile data, as well as talk minutes and texts. Anyone aged 18 or over from a low-income household who qualifies in at least one of the following ways can apply:
- You have no or insufficient access to the internet at home
- You have no or insufficient access to the internet away from home
- You can’t afford you existing monthly contract or top-up
Please call into Netherton Library to enquire about the scheme and request your SIM Card.
03/11/23
From Monday 13th November 2023, Sefton Libraries will be running Warm Hub Coffee Mornings with free tea and coffee. Please contact the library for more information.
Mondays: Crosby Library, 10:30am-12pm
Tuesdays: Netherton Library, 10:30am-12pm
Tuesdays: Southport Library, 12pm-2pm
Wednesdays: Maghull Library, 10:30am-12pm
Thursdays: Formby Library, 10:30am-12pm
Thursdays: Bootle Library, 10:30am-3:30pm
12/06/23
LibraryOn Grant Award
Sefton Libraries are delighted to announce that they are to receive a LibraryOn grant, which will be used to create a digital advertising campaign. In March this year, LibraryOn launched its £1.09m grants programme. Supported by Arts Council England and facilitated by the British Library, the fund enables library services to boost their digital presences and enhance their discoverability for new and existing users.
Sefton is one of 27 libraries services across the country, and one of only 5 in the north to receive this funding.
31/05/23
Crosby Library Refurbishment
From Monday 5th June to Friday 9th June 2023, Crosby Library will be running a reduced service due to shelving being replaced.
Monday 5th June: Open, 10am-5pm
Tuesday 6th June: CLOSED
Wednesday 7th June: CLOSED
Thursday 8th June: Click & Collect, 10am-5pm
Friday 9th June: Click & Collect, 10am-5pm
Saturday 10th June: Open, 10am-2pm
There will be further disruptions at the end of June due to the carpet being replaced. On Friday 30th June and Saturday 1st July, Crosby Library will be operating a click & collect service from the front door only. No other services will be available on these dates.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
31/03/23
Remedies for Resistance - Raju Rage
This publication is a collection of remedies from residents in Bootle and further afield, gathered as informal conversations during workshops and contributions 2020-2021 in association with At The Library, led by artist Raju Rage.
Available to purchase for £5 each from 5th April at Bootle Library and Crosby Library.
06/03/23
Free SIM cards and mobile data now available from Crosby Library
Sefton Libraries are working with The Good Thins Foundation to distribute free SIM cards and mobile data to local people who are unable to afford SIM cards and Mobile data themselves. The National Databank scheme, operated by The Good Things Foundation is supported by UK mobile networks Vodafone, O2 and Three, and offers vital connections for anyone cut off from basic daily activities most people take for granted, like contacting loved ones, accessing job interviews and benefits advice, and finding essential health or other information online.
If you live in Sefton and meet the eligibility criteria, you can register to receive free mobile data, as well as talk minutes and texts. Anyone aged 18 or over from a low-income household who qualifies in at least one of the following ways can apply:
- You have no or insufficient access to the internet at home
- You have no or insufficient access to the internet away from home
- You can’t afford you existing monthly contract or top-up
Please call into Crosby Library to enquire about the scheme and request your SIM Card.
01/02/23
Tablet Lending Scheme
No access to an internet enabled device at home? Are you cut off from the basic digital activities most people take for granted, like contacting loved ones, applying for jobs, applying for benefits, accessing public services, or accessing essential healthcare online?
Did you know you could borrow an android tablet from Crosby Library to search for jobs, and access benefit advice in the comfort of your home?
To find out if you are eligible or for more details, please contact the library.
18/01/23
'Hornby the Hidden Story' gets the green light
Sefton Libraries are delighted to announce that they have been awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, which will be used for a project to called 'Hornby the Hidden Story'.
Working in partnership with The Frank Hornby Charitable Trust, libraries will raise awareness of Maghull’s most famous son; visionary toy developer and manufacturer Frank Hornby. Hornby was the inventor of Meccano, Hornby Model Trains and Dinky Toys, but his links to Maghull are largely unknown.
Using the grant monies Meadows library will be able to host a series of talks about the famous inventor, host family days where visitors will be able to get up close and personal with Hornby and see a working model railway installed in the library garden. Local schools and community groups will also benefit from a range of educational resources and visits.
We would like to thank National Lottery players, who help to fund these awards.
19/10/22
Free SIM cards and mobile data available from Bootle Library
Sefton Libraries are working with Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIM cards and mobile data to local people facing digital exclusion. The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks (Vodafone, O2 and Three) and offers vital connections for anyone cut off from the basic daily activities most people take for granted, like contacting loved ones, accessing job interviews, finding essential health or other information online, and digitised public services.
If you're a Sefton resident and meet the eligibility criteria, you can collect a free sim card from Bootle library.
Anyone aged over 18 from a low-income household who qualifies in at least one of the following ways can apply:
- you have no or insufficient access to the internet at home
- you have no or insufficient access to the internet away from home
- you can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up
Simply pop into Bootle library and ask about the scheme, there are no forms or questionnaires to fill in.
01/07/22
At The Library
At The Library is a programme of artist-led workshops, projects, commissions and happenings in Bootle and Crosby Libraries. The team believe that everyone has "gifts of the heart, the head and the hand" to offer to their community. Through artist-led activities, At The Library creates ways for people to share these gifts.
To find out more about the project or to see a list of events you can take part in, please visit https://atthelibrary.co.uk/
20/06/22
Library of Sanctuary
Sefton Libraries have become one of just eleven library services in the UK to be awarded ‘Library of Sanctuary’ status. The announcement coincides with this year’s Refugee Week which is 20th – 26th June 2022.
City of Sanctuary UK is a nationally co-ordinated network of organisations and services, including councils, universities, theatres and libraries, who welcome and support refugee and asylum seekers. They aim to raise awareness of the issues facing people within the asylum system and create a culture of welcome in the community.
Siân Summer Rees, the Chief Officer of the City of Sanctuary Network said:
“We are delighted that Sefton Libraries are now a Library of Sanctuary. This team has gone above and beyond to welcome people seeking sanctuary and platform their voices, bring the community together and raise awareness of the reasons people are forced to move. This award formally recognises this phenomenal work – work which has never before been so important.”
16/06/22
Sefton Libraries have recently updated their logo and improved the way library users access the library catalogue online. Our new online catalogue shows our physical bookstock, e-collections and webpages linked to your search. Alongside this, it has links that allow access to our Digital Photographic Archive – Sefton Looking Back, our online publications and The Beyond the War Memorials website. This website gives details of the service men and women listed on the borough’s War Memorials.
12/04/21
Bookstart
If your child has missed receiving their FREE Bookstart pack because of lockdown, please contact library.service@sefton.gov.uk and ask for a pack to be sent to your nearest library for you to collect.
The baby pack is gifted at 7-9 months, usually by your health visitor.
The treasure pack is usually gifted when your child is 3-4 years, just prior to them going into reception.
Please don't let your child miss out!