Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Llanelli Library has come runner up in a national competition encouraging readers to discover the world of fictional forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway, a character created by author Elly Griffiths. Quercus Books invited libraries across the UK to partake in a three month Elly Griffiths Reader Challenge from January to March this year. Libraries have been creating wonderful displays and Elly has chosen Llanelli Library as the “brilliant runner up”.

A special family fun day event is being held in Llanelly House this half-term to promote fostering opportunities in Carmarthenshire. The informal information event, run by Carmarthenshire County Council’s fostering service, in conjunction with Llanelly House and supported by Llanelli Library, is being held at the town centre-based Victorian house on Thursday, February 23, between 10.30am-2.30pm. During the event you will have a chance to meet some members of the council’s dedicated fostering team to find out more details about the various fostering opportunities available within Carmarthenshire, including what support is available should you wish to find out more. You can chat with current foster carers who will be happy to share their experiences of fostering locally with you and how they have helped transform children’s lives for the better. The new fostering website will be on show as well as the chance to view three, minute-long video case studies, featuring child actors but base...

It's more like a busy glittering Star Wars Enterprise flight deck than a stuffy, silent book shelf filled emporium. As a result Llanelli Library has zoomed into the stratosphere being officially recognised as third in the top five list of libraries with the highest lending figures for books and other loans in the UK. Fourth last year, Llanelli library continues to buck the trend of most libraries across the country experiencing a decline in lending. Official figures from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) reveal that more than half a million items were issued at Llanelli Library last year. Only Norfolk and Worchester performed better. Carmarthenshire county council executive board member for regeneration and leisure services, Cllr Meryl Gravell, said: “It is a remarkable achievement to be recognised nationally when in competition with much bigger centres of population nationwide. “The library’s continuing improvement justifies the council confidence...

Llanelli Library is putting on a range of great activities for the Christmas holidays. The fun kicks off this Saturday (December 17) with Christmas-themed crafts taking place throughout the day, followed by a showing of the Christmas film ‘Nativity’, which is suitable for children of all ages, on Monday at 2.15pm. On Tuesday there is another film show, ‘Finding Dory’ at 2pm, along with Pre-School Storytime and Crafts at 10.30am and 2.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday. This activity is suitable for children under five. Don’t miss out on Christmas Crafts on Wednesday and the second in the trilogy of the film ‘Nativity 2, Danger in the Manger’ at 2.15pm on Thursday (December 22). Follow on Facebook and Twitter for further details of activities.

Local authors will be signing their books at a series of Christmas Book Fairs at Carmarthenshire Libraries. Visitors to the three main libraries will have the chance to meet the authors and get books signed for themselves or as Christmas presents. The authors include Llandeilo-based genealogist Greg Howes who is author of Victorian suspense novel The Man Behind the Glass; children’s author Lynn John Blake, of Carmarthen; novelist Simon Glyndwr Johns, who lives in Carmarthen; and former referee and author Roger Penn, of Whitland. The other authors are Heather Burdett, Diane Doona, Goronwy Evans, Josephine Hammond, Fiona Mayes, Nina Milton, Thorne Moore, Ena Niedergang, Mary Powles, John Thompson, Sarada Thompson, and Wendy White. The Christmas Book Fairs are at Carmarthen Library on Saturday November 19, Llanelli Library on Saturday November 26, and Ammanford Library on Saturday December 3, from 11am–1pm. Entry is free with a chance to browse, buy and chat.

The winners of Carmarthenshire Libraries’ Summer Reading Surprise Challenge have received their prizes. The competition involved readers picking up wrapped books under the headings of fiction or non-fiction in English or Welsh without knowing what they were getting. They were asked to complete a form on what they thought of their favourite book. They were presented with Waterstone Vouchers and award winning books written by local author Bryce Thomas at Llanelli Library. Pictured from left to right are English language books winner Mrs Barbara Bostock and Welsh language books winner Mrs Dawn Richards, staff member Yvonne Kelly and local award winning author Bryce Thomas.

Llanelli Library is offering people the chance to meet their local police officer over a cup of coffee. Costa Cuppa with a Copper is held at the Lending Library every Wednesday from 2.30-3.30pm.

A reminiscence session was held at Llanelli Library recently for people living with dementia and their carers to chat about all things edible. Traditional treats, such as bara brith, Tunnock’s tea cakes and garibaldi biscuits, were on offer and the group was encouraged to ‘pop’ down Memory Lane with a taste test of traditional drinks such as dandelion & burdock, ginger beer and cloudy lemonade. Cheryl Davies of the Alzheimer’s Society said: “We had a lovely time discussing cooking, food, drink and special occasions. We also looked at adverts from old newspapers, magazines and postcards, which are part of the Library’s collection.” Comments from the participants included “Lovely atmosphere, drinks and cakes” and “I really enjoyed!”’ The next free session will take place at Llanelli Library on Wednesday July 13 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. For more information about what your library has to offer, please call 01554 744327.

Llanelli Library will host the second of the RNIB’s one-to-one IT sessions on Thursday July 7. The RNIB project Online Today is a new project to support people with sensory loss to gain and develop skills that allow them to use technology and the internet with confidence. During the 45 minute information sessions a member of the team from the RNIB will be on hand to offer advice and guidance and there will also be a chance to try some new technology and investigate how it may be able to help you or someone you know with sensory loss. From iIPads to smartphones, laptops to Kindles there will be something for everyone. Booking is essential and to book your place call in to the library or contact Llanelli Library on 01554 744327. Also don’t forget to call in to the library for a Costa coffee!

Communities First are running a free interview skills workshop at Llanelli Library Athenaeum Hall next Thursday (March 17). The one day workshop will provide support and advice on what to expect from interviews, how to prepare for an interview, what type of questions can be asked and how best to answer them. Laura Edwards from Prosperous team at Communities First said: “The workshops are really good for people who have not been on an interview for a long time, or maybe who don’t have enough experience going on interviews. “It’s good to share knowledge and whilst there, people realise that everyone gets nervous but that there are easy ways to prepare.” The workshops, which are run regularly, are supporting people back into work and giving them the boost in skills and confidence needed. For more information, to book a space on the workshop or to see how the Prosperous team at Communities First can help you with employment support, then please contact the team on 01554 777850.

Llanelli Library has hit the headlines after being declared the busiest centre in Wales. Over half a million books borrowed in 2014 makes it the fourth busiest centre in the UK and the busiest in Wales. According to Womens Weekly research 601,182 books were issued at the refurbished Vaughan Street library in 2014. Elsewhere in Wales, Cardiff Central Library made 581, 779 loans in 2014. Significant investment in IT has enabled library services to become more accessible to the public with new, high speed PC’s, Wi-Fi including access to social networking (Twitter and Face book), downloadable books, Net Library – e audio books, News Bank- e access to over 20 Welsh and over 350 UK daily newspapers, Oxford Grove Art and Music being available from the libraries web site to name just a few. Self service points are also being looked at with terminals planned for all centres in the New Year. The council’s executive board member for leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “The ...

Children enjoyed spooky stories at one of Llanelli Library’s Halloween events. The storytime and crafts session for under-fives was one of the free activities taking place at the library in Vaughan Street throughout this week. Tomorrow (Thursday) there will be an active storytime session for under-eights, taking place from 10.30am to 11.30am. On Friday, October 31, there will be a HalloWii-n challenge, youngsters aged over five are invited to go along in fancy dress and scare staff with their Wii skills! Also during that day, from 10am to 4pm, there will be a Hair-Raising Halloween crafts session for children under 10. All activities are free, children need to be accompanied by an adult during the sessions. Carmarthenshire’s executive board member for cultural services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “There’s all sorts of spooky fun going on at Llanelli Children’s Library during this half term week. “We welcome children and families to come along and join in the activities, they may also ...

Llanelli Library praised for opening up new world to elderly | Llanelli Star Llanelli Library has been praised for opening up a new world for many older people by helping them to get online. The Older People’s Commissioner paid a visit to the Carmarthenshire library, where the commissioner’s team joined 10 older people using the internet for the first time through the Digital 2.0 Project’s First Click Group. See full story on Llanelli Star link.

Did you spend hours of your childhood building all kinds of marvellous creations? Well, now it’s the turn of today’s younger generation. Lego enthusiasts aged between six and 12 who are creative, imaginative or who just like to build things, are invited to join a new Lego Club at Llanelli Library. Youngsters were invited to build Lego castles as part of the Library Service’s ‘Mythical Maze’ summer reading challenge activities. Don’t worry if you missed it, as there will be another chance for you to join in the fun on September 13, 2-3pm. With funding from Museums Archives and Libraries Wales (CyMAL), Carmarthenshire Libraries have invested in brand new Lego kits, including building blocks and characters, as well as two Lego alligators. Each Lego session will offer a unique theme from castles to beaches. There will also be a free-for-all session where children can build anything that they dream up. Systems Team Manager, Daniel Alliston, said: “Libraries are not only about books, but ...

A group of children from Llanelli have been learning a new lingo at their local library. Staff from Carmarthenshire library services teamed up with Veritas Academy to provide a free Spanish language taster session. Children were introduced to Spanish words and culture in a Patagonia-themed session at Llanelli Children’s Library, which included arts and crafts provided by Twf. Declan Cobbold, aged 12, said: “I thought it was really good and I learned lots of facts and Spanish words. Overall it was amazing.” Carmarthenshire’s libraries are already successfully involved with local communities offering more than just books, including homework clubs, free internet access and iPad training. The latest addition to their online resources are the first theory test pro and GoCitizen.co.uk. Children’s Librarian, Catrin Simon, said: “The Spanish language activity was very interesting; the Veritas staff tailored the facts and language really well. The children also enjoyed the Twf crafts. I’ve...

Nursery favourite Kipper the dog is 25 years old and to celebrate  Llanelli Library held a special party with a story and crafts. Children enjoyed listening to ‘Kipper’s Birthday’ by Mick Inkpen before decorating party hats with stickers, glitter and feathers. The party was then topped off by a tasty treat of cake decorating. Mother of three Mrs Murray said: “It was an hour well spent. The activities and staff were fantastic and my children really enjoyed. Ella, my six year old daughter said it was ‘awesome.” Carmarthenshire’s libraries are already successfully involved with local communities offering more than just books, including homework clubs, free internet access and iPad training. Six year-old Miriam’s mother said: “My daughter enjoyed the event. She loved decorating the cake, and making a hat. The staff were very nice and helpful. There were plenty of crafty things available. We are looking forward to attending more events like this in the future.” Carmarthenshire Librar...

Youngsters in Carmarthenshire do not need to be bored over the summer holidays. Llanelli Library is hosting a variety of free family activities along with the summer reading challenge. They include: Dewi the Dragon on a walkabout in the St Elli Centre, followed by stories and ‘Dragonology’ from 11am till 12.45pm on Monday, August 4 at the library. Buenos días! A Spanish language taster session from 10 until 11am on Thursday, August 7. Become a library detective for the day and find the hidden characters in the Mythical Maze treasure hunt on Thursday, August 14. Go barking mad and join in Kipper’s 25th birthday celebrations from 11am till noon, on Thursday, August 21. Tickets should be booked in advance. Gala Day story sessions from 2pm until 4pm on Wednesday, August 27 at Parc Howard. Children’s Librarian, Catrin Simon, said: "We've come up with a packed programme for youngsters during the summer holidays that are a guaranteed cure for boredom.” All children of primary sch...

A group of Llanelli school children have been treated to a taste of Africa at their local library. The reception class at Ysgol Ffwrnes enjoyed an interactive Handa’s surprise story session at Llanelli children’s library this week. Upon their arrival pupils were greeted by the sounds of African music. To help them get into character the children wore masks and during the story joined in by acting out parts of the book. From the library the children made a detour via a local supermarket to purchase some of the fruits mentioned in the story to make fruit kebabs back at school. Children’s Librarian, Catrin Simon, said:“As well as being an engaging story with lovely illustrations, Handa’s Surprise - or Syrpreis Handa in Welsh - helps children discover another culture through its setting and the wild animals and food it introduces.” Carmarthenshire Libraries host many events throughout the year, make sure you don’t miss out by following them on Facebook or Twitter alternatively call 01...

A new parent and toddler group is being piloted at Llanelli Library in a bid to strengthen pre-school parent-child bonds and boost long-term literacy. The weekly sessions, run by Communities First, provide a place for parents and parents to be, to meet up, as well as offering a safe and friendly environment for children to learn. The group will meet up on Mondays between 10am and 12 noon at Llanelli Library and is suitable for children aged up to three. Activities include short picture books, songs and lots of knee bounces. Play Development Officer, Tara Lewis, said:”We hope that if parents missed sessions in the past they’ll come along to future groups.” Communities First is a community focused programme that supports the Welsh Government's tackling poverty programme. The programme supports the most disadvantaged people in the most deprived areas with the aim of helping alleviate persistent poverty. Anyone interested in finding out more about the events should call 01554 78484...

Nursery favourite Elmer the colourful patchwork Elephant is 25 years old, and to celebrate, Llanelli Library asked everyone to come and take part in a story session and parade. People were invited to wear their brightest Elmer the Elephant colours, and bring their own elephant toys. Other activities included creating a giant Elmer the Elephant and mask-making. Children's and Young People's Librarian, Lesley Cresswell, said:"These events are really popular with the children. “They show that libraries are not only about books, but are also fun places to visit, and hopefully our young visitors will be encouraged to visit more often and to read more.” Carmarthenshire’s libraries are already successfully involved with local communities offering more than just books, including homework clubs, free internet access and iPad training. The latest addition to their online resources are the first theory test pro and GoCitizen.co.uk. Carmarthenshire’s Executive Board Member for lib...