Torfaen Libraries Book Blog: July 2016

Friday 29 July 2016

What’s Hot in UK Libraries?

Here are the top 10 borrowed titles in UK libraries for the period
20 June 2016-16 July 2016:

1. Paula Hawkins – The Girl on the Train
Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. 'Jess and Jason', she calls them. Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough. Now everything's changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she's only watched from afar. Now they'll see: she's much more than just the girl on the train

2. Lee Child – Make Me
Jack Reacher has no place to go, and all the time in the world to get there, so a remote railroad stop with the curious name of Mother's Rest seems perfect for an aimless one-day stopover. He expects to find a lonely tombstone in a sea of nearly-ripe wheat, but instead there is a woman waiting for a missing private investigator, a cryptic note about 200 deaths, and a small town full of silent, watchful people. His one-day stopover looks about to turn into something more complicated

3. Sally Grindley – Shadows Under the Sea
Two children accompany their parents as they travel the world helping animals on the verge of extinction. As their parents work alongside international agencies, the children have their own thrilling adventures.

4. Peter James – Love You Dead
5. Jeffrey Archer – Cometh the Hour
6. David Baldacci – The Last Mile
7. Harlan Coben – Fool Me Once
8. James Patterson – The Games
9. Mark Billingham – Die of Shame
10. James Patterson – 15th Affair

As a nation, we do love a good thriller, don’t we!

Not too many surprises in this list apart from Sally Grindley’s book, Shadows Under the Sea. I have to confess I find it intriguing how a children’s book published four years ago, in 2012 should suddenly find itself at number 3 in the top 10 list of books borrowed from libraries in the UK.

Suggestions on a postcard please, or maybe in the comments box below.

Data provided by Nielsen Book Research.

Friday 22 July 2016

A Library Full of Kids

Yes, that’s what we want to see this summer. Torfaen Libraries full of kids having fun, joining in the great activities we have planned and taking part in The Big Friendly Read, Summer Reading Challenge 2016.

To get this off to a great start we are kicking off the summer holidays with two fantastic Library Full of Kids Fun Days. All the activities are free and include circus skills, balloon modelling, stories, crafts and lots more. All ages are welcome. No need to book, just turn up and have fun!

The first fun day will be held at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and Library Saturday 23 July 11am-2pm. The second at Cwmbran Library on Friday 29 July 11am-2pm.

Then throughout the school holidays there will be weekly Big Friendly Read Story and Craft Times for kids aged 5+. These sessions are free but booking is essential:

Pontypool Library

Tuesdays 2.30-3.30pm

26 July-30 August

Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and Library

Thursdays 2.30-3.30pm

28 July-25 August

Cwmbran Library

Tuesdays and Thursdays

10.30-11.30am

2 August-25 August

Another great event not to be missed is "Catching Dreams" a Roald Dahl inspired storytelling and writing session with popular author, Mike Church.

Taking place at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and Library, Saturday 23rd July 2pm - 4pm this is a free event (booking essential).

Part of the Torfaen ImagiFest programme.

For more information or to book any of the activities contact:

Cwmbran Library: 01633 647676

Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and Library: 01495 742333

Pontypool Library: 01495 766160

Friday 15 July 2016

The Big Friendly Read, Summer Reading Challenge 2016

As the schools break up for the long summer holidays there’s an easy way to make sure your kids have fun while also ensuring that their reading skills don’t take a dive over the next six weeks. Encourage them to register at their local Torfaen library for The Big Friendly Read, Summer Reading Challenge 2016.

The theme celebrates the centenary of the birth of Roald Dahl, one of our favourite writers and the author of such classics as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “Matilda”, “James and the Giant Peach”, “The Witches”, “The Twits” and of course, “The BFG” to name but a few.

The challenge is to read 6 library books (including audio books and library e books) during the summer holidays. Participants can read any books they like, story books, information books even joke books, they all count. When the children sign up for the challenge they’ll be given a collector’s folder to hold six limited edition cards with Quentin Blake illustrations from Dahl’s books. They will earn 2 cards per visit for every 2 or more books they’ve read and returned. They’ll also get a BFG bookmark and a Roald Dahl true or false game. There are also other great things to collect as they go along such as a wrist band and the amazing rainbow glasses. When they complete the challenge they’ll receive a medal, a certificate and a voucher for a free DVD loan. Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into

a prize draw to win a Google Nexus tablet.

What’s not to like?

Our official Torfaen Libraries start date is Saturday 16 July and the challenge will run until the middle of September so there’s plenty of time for the kids to read their six books.

There’s also a great web site where kids can play games, enter competitions and get suggestions for brilliant books to read. Why not suggest they take a look?

The Big Friendly Read, Summer Reading Challenge 2016

Friday 8 July 2016

Bring up the Bodies

I spent a lovely day with a friend at Hampton Court Palace. The sun was shining, the palace and gardens were gorgeous and the food in the restaurant was excellent. What could be nicer!

Surrounded by all this history, particularly Tudor history we got talking about two of our favourite novels set during the reign of Henry Vlll, "Wolf Hall" and the interestingly titled "Bring up the Bodies". Both books are by Hilary Mantel and both were winners of the Man Booker prize in 2009 and 2012 respectively.

The books tell the story of Thomas Cromwell, adviser to the King and some might say henchman."Wolf Hall" follows the rise of Ann Boleyn and "Bring up the Bodies", her fall from favour and subsequent execution.

Both books are available from Torfaen Libraries and if you missed the brilliant BBC adaptation starring Mark Rylance as Cromwell, get it on DVD from the library.

Friday 1 July 2016

Cross Sports Book of the Year - winner announced

Winner of the International Autobiography category this inspiring and moving memoir went on to take the top award of Cross Sports Book of 2016.

Ronda Rousey, the Olympic medalist in judo, reigning UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion, and Hollywood star charts her difficult path to glory. Marked by her signature charm, barbed wit, and undeniable power, Rousey's account of the toughest fights of her life - in and outside the Octagon - reveals the painful loss of her father when she was eight years old, the intensity of her judo training, her battles with love, her meteoric rise to fame, the secret behind her undefeated UFC record, and what it takes to become the toughest woman on Earth.