Make a noise at the library

Plymouth City Council’s staff choir will be raising the roof at the Central Library on Monday 2 June in support of this year’s Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight (2 to 16 June).

The annual campaign is organised by the RNIB and brings public libraries together with blind and partially sighted people in an effort to improve access to books and information.

A number of events are being held for children and adults at the Central Library and Crownhill Library over the fortnight, starting with a performance by the Council’s Sound Council Choir at 10.30am on Monday. Singers will be treating Central Library visitors to hits including The Beatles’ ‘Paperback Writer’ and ‘I’ll Be There’ by The Jackson Five.

This will be followed at 11am with a drop-in taster session of the VIP Readers’ Group – an audio book group that is ideal for adults with a visual impairment.

In the Central Children’s Library, there will be a chance for little ones to shake and rattle musical instruments at a special rhymetime led by visually impaired library volunteer Trish Cocking. This will begin at 11am and is suitable for children under the age of four of all abilities.

On Tuesday 10 June at 11am, staff at Crownhill Library will be showcasing sensory storytelling for all children under five with a visual impairment. Specially selected resources and props will bring tales such as ‘The Little Princess’ and ‘The Mouse and the Strawberry’ to life – and there may even be some strawberry tasting.

At 12.30pm the same day, the Central Library will be holding an audiobook workshop for visually impaired school age children. Booking is essential for this session – email library@plymouth.gov.uk or phone 306791.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “Make a Noise in Libraries is a great way of focusing attention on what libraries have on offer for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. It’s also an opportunity to make other people aware of what we have available, including our wide audio collection and large print books.”

Throughout the fortnight, information from the Macular Society will be on display at the Central Library.

For more information call 01752 305900 or email library@plymouth.gov.uk.