As we enter the autumn, the big question is: are we all safely out of the pandemic, or must we be still careful? For us, the reply must be on the side of caution. Yes, we do hope to extend opening hours soon, and yes, we will be hosting more groups as the months go by. But, our first thoughts must be for the safety of volunteers and visitors.
So we are still cleaning vigorously, still being aware of numbers in the room at any one time, and still maintaining watchfulness. We pride ourselves that we are especially careful when it comes to our parent & toddler mornings.
So, with that said: onwards we go!!
Big plans
Our major project for the autumn is, as you will know, the ‘Crafting Communities’ sessions with paper artist Jennifer Collier, which will last through to December. (See our last post for details) .
As a bit of publicity, Jennifer and some of us from the centre hosted a stall at the Draycott Fayre last month – where a good time was had by all, with lots of activities undertaken!
Our very own Roger entertaining the crowds at Draycott Fayre (pic: Neil Archibald)
The publicity must have worked – because the sessions, which are free, have attracted almost the maximum numbers allowed so far. (Please see our What’s On page for how to book yourself in).
The sessions have also produced a ‘Big Idea’ – which is, why not create a long-term artwork representing Blythe Bridge itself?? Such a project will rely on community involvement to make it work… please email us your thoughts about what themes should be included – or come and talk to us when we are open!
Slots available
While the centre is working on restricted hours, we have certain time-slots available for other classes, including evenings and weekends.
Would you like to run an exercise class, in, say, Yoga or Pilates or Tai Chi? Or perhaps you need a venue for health & well-being groups (in say, counselling, bereavement-care or weight management, etc)?
The bonus is that, because any new sessions would have to take place when the library doors are closed, they are guaranteed privacy.
If the opportunity appeals to you, please contact us. We will support you at Blythe Centre if we can!
Borrowing periods
One sign of the slow return to normality is that all libraries across the county are going back to asking for the normal borrowing period for books.
Over the last eighteen months, a flexible approach to borrowing times was in order, but now we can get back to how it was. If you have ‘overdue’ books, please return them, or, if that will be difficult, please give us a call (during opening hours).
However, the good news is that, even now, no one will face fines for books returned late.
Online festival
Lastly, don’t forget that this month sees the start of the Staffordshire History Festival, which is largely a Libraries initiative this year.
Most of it is online, which makes ‘attending’ events very easy! For more details, click here
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