Turn over a new leaf with Hackney Libraries
Hackney Libraries have been making New Year’s resolutions, with extended opening hours and increased staff numbers on the books for 2006.
Cllr Nargis Khan, whose brief includes libraries, said: “The New Year gives us a wonderful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to improving Hackney’s libraries for residents.”
In June 2005 the Council unveiled a five-year development strategy, which set out plans to establish better library services. “The building blocks are now in place for us to make big changes this year. We’ve put more PCs in libraries and shortly we’ll be appointing more library staff to help customers get the most out of using them. “
"Come spring, libraries will be open longer. All will be open nine to five on Saturdays and a further two will open on Sundays. That’s an additional 29 hours across our seven libraries each week. ”
She added: “One of our key aims is to increase library use. We asked residents what we could do to bring them in. The answer came back loud and clear: increased opening hours.”
Behind the scenes the computer system will be updated, ushering in selfservice, reducing queues and freeing up skilled staff to assist customers. Cllr Khan added: “There’s more good news, by the end of the year Clapton library’s £1 million redevelopment will be underway. “The upgrade will give local residents a modern library with better access, including a new lift, while retaining the building’s historic character.”
Make a visit to your library a New Year’s resolution
While you’re at the library get inspired for the year ahead: from gym related library materials to fitness and health resources, Hackney Libraries can help you stick to your resolutions. Maybe this could be your year to get fit, manage your money or your weight.
Exercise
Get physical with John Fashanu. Focus On Fitness With Fash is just one of the many health and exercise videos available for free in Hackney Libraries. Try reading while you’re on the treadmill; a gym-friendly audio or large print book is a great way of working out.
Get a new job
Job Centre Plus holds weekly sessions in a number of Hackney libraries to help people into work. Update your CV on one of the libraries’ free PCs. There is a small charge for printing, but email and internet access is on the house.
Manage your money
What Not To Spend by Alvin Hall will help you get your finances in ship-shape order. Hall’s book contains lots of practical money saving tips.
Take up a new hobby
When it comes to pastime pursuits, the library has everything from the weird: Stewart and Sally Walton’s Creative Photocopying; to the wonderful James Fletcher-Watson’s DVD Watercolours Outdoors.
Healthy eating
For a sensible approach to healthy eating and the body beautiful, take a look at The Food Doctor Everyday Diet Cookbook by nutrition consultant Ian Marber. The magazine section is also a treasure trove of popular titles, such as Men’s Health.
Stop smoking and drinking
Paul Mckenna’s Stop Smoking For Good video promises to help you quit smoking and avoid weight gain. Kick It, a short video developed by the London Bus Theatre Company, hits the mark about the dangers of binge drinking.
If an item is checked out, you can always reserve it, and the library will notify you as soon as it is available. For more info call: 020 8356 2539 or see libraries
Page updated: 28 Feb 2007