Did you know that the library is run entirely by volunteers? From the management team and trustees to the librarians, group leaders and library maintenance workers, we are all people who have given up their time to help the library. We would like to thank all of our volunteers for their hard work and dedication.
If you have a few spare hours and are interested in joining our team go to our Volunteering page for more information and application forms, alternatively ask at the library.
June, Pride Month, is a time to celebrate the LGBTQA+ community and its achievements. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that the community has faced and continues to face. One way to learn more about the LGBTQA+ community is to read books by and about LGBTQA+ authors, here are some book recommendations.
Here is a great article on the history of LGBTQ+ literature at Penguin Books.
Set in 1950s and modern day Brighton, My Policeman tells the story of married couple Marion and Tom, and the affair Tom has with their friend Patrick. The relationship is reported to the police and Tom has to leave the police force. Patrick’s return after decades away forces them to face the choices they made and the pain they caused and experienced. The narrative is told by Marian and Patrick in a confessional style, looking back at their time with Tom. The novel is depicting the time when homosexuality was illegal and you can feel the tension and paranoia that gay people felt whilst having to conceal their sexuality, and the pain caused by the intolerance of others. The story explores the complex nature of love, the loss of love and a cruel time in recent history.
My Policeman is available at the library
More copies can be Reserve here
The ebook is available to read on Borrowbox – add it to your library (free)
The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ childhood friend and lover. Patroclus has to go to live with Achilles’ family during childhood. They grow close and Patroclus joins Achilies to train for the upcoming Trojan War. During the war he serves as a moral compass and closest confidant as well as openly being lovers. The novel is about the strength of friendship, family ties, fate and the loss of love.
The Song of Achilles is available at the library
More copies can be reserved here
The ebook can be reserved on Borrowbox – reserve it here (free)
Giovanni’s Room’s main character is David, an American who has moved to Paris in part because of his struggle with his sexual identity. He is an American living in Paris alone whilst his fiancé, Hella, is in Spain. He visits a gay bar where he meets Giovanni, they start a relationship and live together until Hella returns. David goes back to her and Giovanni falls apart leading to devastating consequences. The writing is wonderful and it is an emotional read.
Giovanni’s Room
Reserve a copy (£1 fee applies)
Download eAudiobook
Set in the American South in the early 20th century, The Color Purple is a novel which takes form in letters written by the main character, Celie. Cellie is abused by her father and later her husband, who she is forced to marry. She takes comfort in writing these letters, and the prospect of being reunited with her sister. A lightness comes into her life in the form of singer, Shug Avery, they start a relationship which becomes a source of strength for both of them. The Color Purple is a challenging read, depicting the racism that African American women face and abusive relationships. However, it is a powerful novel and rewarding read.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize
The Color Purple is available at the library
More copies can be ordered here Reserve a copy
We sadly lost Paul O’Grady this year, he will be remembered for his lively comedic wit, his drag act Lily Savage and his love of animals. He told the story of his life through four autobiographies. They are full of funny stories from throughout his life from his upbringing in Liverpool, to the drag scene in London and from his farm in Kent where he spent his tail end of his life.
1 – At My Mother’s Knee…And Other Low Joints: Tales from Paul’s mischievous young years –
Reserve a copy (£1 fee applies)
2 – The Devil Rides Out: Wickedly funny and painfully honest stories from Paul O’Grady – Reserve a copy (£1 fee applies)
3 – Still Standing: The Savage Years – Reserve a copy (£1 fee applies)
4 – Open the Cage, Murphy!: Hilarious tales of the rise of Lily Savage – available at the library
We are having a preloved book and plant sale outside the library on Saturday, May 13th, 10:15 am – 12:30 pm.
All proceeds will go towards running the library, come along to get a bargain read or a plant to brighten your garden and support your local library.
Date: Saturday, 13th May
Time: 10:15am – 12:30pm
Place: Narborough and Littlethorpe Community Library, 2 Station Road, Narborough, LE19 2HR
Due to the popularity of our board games group it will now be every Tuesday 11am – 1pm at the library.
Cost is £1 and includes a drink and biscuits.
Games include Scrabble, dominoes and cards. It’s a great opportunity to have some fun, make friends and give your mind a workout!
We are having a booksale on Saturday, April 1st. Come to the library to pick up some preloved books for your shelves. All proceeds from the sale will go towards the running costs of the library.
Preloved Booksale
Venue: Narborough and Littlethorpe Community Library
Date: Saturday, April 1st
Time: 10:15am – 12:30pm
This years International Women’s Day the theme is #EmbraceEquity, making the world more equitable by recognising that each person has different circumstances and creating the opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. Here are some books we have at the library by female authors about womens experiences.
Girl, Women, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
This book is about feminism. It is about Black women’s place in society and the oppression they face. The characters’ relationships, especially the mother-daughter relationship. Each chapter is divided into three parts, each part from the view of a different character, with the three characters appearing in other stories. When you meet a character in one story, you develop an opinion about them. This opinion changes as you read about their story and learn about their circumstances.
Winner of the Man Booker Prize
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books feature strong female characters from the entertainment industry. Evelyn Hugo was an actress at the height of her fame in the 60s and 70s. She looks back on her life in Hollywood and her marriages. Hugo wrestles with the choices she had to make to protect her career and keep her secret. The book looks at what was expected of women in that era. How women were perceived and how they were treated by Hollywood and the press.
We also have many biograpies available including:
We can order additional books for you from other libaries including:
And to give younger readers an introduction to the women who shape our world you can order:
I know a woman : the inspiring connections between the women who have shaped our world – Hodges, Kate
Covers 84 pioneering women including scientist Marie Curie to political activist Malala Yousafzai, from feminist author Virginia Woolf to the game-changing Billie Jean King.
The library is in need of more volunteers for a variety of roles. If you are looking to get involved in your local community then there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved in an area of interest to you.
We are looking for:
Support and training will be provided for all roles.
If you are interested or would like more information you can call into the library to leave you contact details and get an application form, or email us at nandlclibrary@gmail.com
We will be holding another quiz night on March 24th at the Littlethorpe Village Hall.
You must book tickets in advance, they are available from the library at £7 per person, this includes a light supper, bring your own drinks. Teams up to 6 people.
All proceeds from the night will go towards running costs of the library.
Details:
We are pleased to announce a new board game group at the library starting from Tuesday 21st February, 11am – 1pm, and continuing on alternate Tuesdays.
Games include Scrabble, dominoes and cards. It’s a great opportunity to have some fun, make friends and give your mind a workout! Refreshments will be provided.
The library will also be open as a warm space during this time, you can connect to our WiFi for free or bring a book.
Dates for the board game group:
Tuesday 21st February
Tuesday 7th March
Tuesday 21st March
Tuesday 11th April
Tuesday 24th April
Tuesday 9th May
Tuesday 23rd May
Tuesday 6th June
Tuesday 20th June
The World Cup is here and we have books for football fanatics.
Learn about your favourite football stars with the Football Superstars series (ages 5+), we have England stars Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, and international players Virgil Van Dijk, Eden Hazard, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Or learn about football legends Figo and the Brazilian Ronaldo (ages 8-12).
For aspiring footballers we have The Football Handbook
We also have 2 Football School books, which uses football to teach about maths and science (ages 7-11).
Narborough and Littlethorpe Community Library 