19 August 2008

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London Libraries

Take a trip to your local library - its free, inspiring and, often as not, your local library will be housed in an historic building. Local libraries have been under threat in recent times but they are worth your support. Not only will you find books to borrow there will undoubtedly be other facilities on offer such as information about local events and organisations (great if you move to a new area), a toy library, music and DVDs as well as weekly or holiday activities.

Find your local library - there are 395 libraries in London!

Love Libraries - is an organisation which speaks for itself. It campaigns on behalf of local libraries and to make them relevant for the 21st century.

Booktrust - is an independent national charity that encourages people of all ages and cultures to discover and enjoy reading and also publishes recommended reading lists.

Renovation of libraries

Many local libraries are being revamped with the introduction of new services. Richmond Library was reopened in July 2006 by a celebrity line up and is now open seven days a week with Wednesday late night opening. The layout has been totally re-designed to put books at the heart of the experience. "Where you used to see counters and barriers, now you see space, light and books" says Aileen Cahill, Head of Richmond Libraries. At the entrance is a busy "quick choice" book exchange area as you enter, followed by a comfortable, relaxed reading area with coffee and sofas. The new ICT area has 7 computers with free broadband access, and there's a new zone for teenagers near the CDs and DVDs.

If you run events for kids in the Greater London area:

If your organisation runs events for kids in London, we'll list them on our exclusive online family calendars - absolutely free! Just click here to start promoting your events now on London's best new family resource.