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It is free to join a library and anyone can come to read books, magazines, newspapers or to send an email. Find out basic details about how to join and get started.
Once you are a member of the library you can borrow books, CDs, videos, DVDs, talking books and console games. There's lots more if you:
Upgraded information technology at libraries
The library service has introduced a new information technology (IT) system that offers:
- a new online catalogue with pictures, descriptions and text excerpts;
- the ability to build a list of favourites, rate and review books, films and music and manage your account;
- lists of stock and special sections in the catalogue for children's and sound and vision items;
- in the near future, the ability to build a profile of your reading habits and receive email alerts when new stock arrives and matches your lists;
- the chance for family and friends to join online and order stock for when they visit the library to confirm their membership;
- the introduction of a new customer personal computer (PC) booking system;
- the rebuilding of all public access PCs and the installation of new PCs at Gillingham, Strood and Chatham libraries;
- the installation of new multi-functional printer/copiers that are more environmentally friendly and help manage printing more efficiently.
These improvements are all part of a continuing project to improve IT in Medway libraries and offer a huge potential for future developments for the library service.
Orange Prize for Fiction 2009
The winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction 2009 is Home by Marilynne Robinson.
The Orange Prize Shortlist for 2009 consists of the following six titles - copies of which are available for loan from Chatham, Rochester, Gillingham and Strood libraries:
- Feldman, Ellen - Scottsboro;
- Harvey, Samantha - The Wilderness;
- Hunt, Samantha - The Invention of Everything Else;
- Madden, Deidre - Molly Fox’s Birthday;
- Robinson, Marilynne - Home;
- Shamsie, Kamila - Burnt Shadows.
To watch the award ceremony video, visit www.orangeprize.co.uk/home.
Events
Please note, booking is recommended if you would like to attend an event. Unless otherwise stated, all the events are free.
July
- That's entertainment - a celebration of music, dance, films, television and theatre
The library service will have a display in each of its libraries in July.
- Gundulph: the builder bishop - an exhibition
From 9 July to 8 September at Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre. For more information, phone 01634 332714.
- Knitting for charity group
This new group will meet at Hempstead library on Monday, 13 July, 10.30am-12.30pm and then fortnightly.
Can't knit? We can get you started. If you have any wool or knitting needles that you are able to donate, please bring them to the library. Phone 01634 361544 to find out more.
- Dragons: stories and crafts
10-year-olds and younger can come and hear stories based on a dragon theme and enjoy a craft activity on Wednesday, 22 July, 2pm, at Walderslade Hook Meadow library. Phone 01634 861531 to find out more.
- Storytime and craft
Eight-year-olds and younger are invited to listen to a story. There will be a craft activity at the end at:
- Face painting
Six-year-olds and younger are invited to Rainham library to have their faces painted on Friday, 24 July, 11am-12noon. Phone 01634 231745 to find out more.
- Playdough
Four to eight-year-olds can have fun with playdough at Cuxton library on Thursday, 30 July, 2-3pm. Phone 01634 711391 to find out more.
August
- Gardening: in recognition of 250 years of Kew Gardens
The library service will have a display in each of its libraries in August.
- Wii drop in
Children eight years old and younger are invited to play Wii at Lordswood library on Friday, 14 August from 12noon to 1.30pm. Eight to 16-year-olds can come from 2 to 4pm to play games on the Wii console.
For more information phone 01634 862096.
- Mad Science
Step into the shoes of a detective and uncover the science involved in gathering and analysing evidence. Children will use mad science gear to find, collect and analyse evidence.
Thursday, 6 August, 10.30-11.30am at Strood library and 2.30-3.30pm at Lordswood library.
There is a 50p charge to attend and the activity is suitable for five to 11-year-olds. To book, phone 01634 335890.
- Make a shield and a crown craft activity
Monday, 10 August, 11am-12noon at Hempstead library.
Suitable for five to 10-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 361544.
- Make a dragon craft activity
Wednesday, 12 August, 2.30-3.30pm at Wigmore library.
Suitable for five to 10-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 235576.
- Puppet show - The man who lost his nose
Thursday, 20 August, 10.30-11.30 at Strood library hall and 2.30-3.30 at Grain library.
There is a 50p charge to attend and the activity is suitable for five to 11-year-olds. To book, phone 01634 335890.
- Shrek workshop
Join Shrek's quest to find Princess Fiona and meet characters from other fairy tales along the way. Create a collage to display in the library, get your face painted green and enjoy a special swampy drink.
Friday, 21 August, 10.30am-12noon at Rainham library and 2-3.30pm at Hoo library.
This event is free but places must be booked. To book a place or for more information phone 01634 231745 or 01634 250640. Suitable for five to 10-year-olds. Children must wear old clothes and be accompanied by an adult.
- Make a board game
Come along and have fun making your own board game to take away with you to enjoy at home.
Monday, 24 August, 11am-12noon at Hempstead library.
Suitable for five to 10-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 361544.
- Storytime and craft
Come and hear stories followed by a craft activity at the following libraries throughout August:
- Monday, 3 August, 10.30-11.30am at Hempstead library.
Suitable for five to 10-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 361544.
- Wednesday, 5 August, 2.30-3.30pm at Walderslade Village library.
Suitable for four to 10-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 686467.
- Thursday, 6, 13, 20 and 27 August, 3.15-3.45pm at Thomas Aveling School and Community library.
Suitable for children up to eight years old. For more information phone 01634 338728.
- Friday, 7 August, 2.30-3.30pm at Hoo library.
Suitable for four to 10-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 250640.
- Friday, 7 August, 2.30-3pm at Grain library.
Suitable for children up to eight years old. For more information phone 01634 338727.
- Thursday, 13 August, 2-3pm at Gillingham library.
Suitable for four to 11-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 337340.
- Friday, 14 August, 10.30-11.30am at Hempstead library.
Suitable for five to 10-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 361544.
- Wednesday, 19 August, 2.30-3.30pm at Walderslade Village library.
Suitable for four to 10-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 686467.
- Thursday, 20 August, 2-3pm at Gillingham library.
Suitable for four to 11-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 337340.
- Thursday, 20 August, 2.30-3pm at Rochester library.
Suitable for four to 10-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 337411.
- Thursday, 27 August, 2-3pm at Gillingham library.
Suitable for four to 11-year-olds. For more information phone 01634 337340.
- Table football tournament
Multiple table tournament with prizes and refreshments.
Thursday, 27 August, 2-4.30pm at Lordswood library.
Suitable for eight to 16-year-olds. To book, phone 01634 862096.
Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre
The centre offers exhibitions and events throughout the year. Find out more about the history of Medway.
Mobile library
The mobile library has a two-week rota. Contact Strood library on 01634 335890 to find out which rota the mobile library is following.
There are 16 libraries in Medway, with staff waiting to help you, as well as the mobile library service. Most libraries have disabled access and there are special services for people with a disability.
For more information about Medway events, check out the events page in the leisure section.
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