For detailed information on events in libraries see our 'What's On'.

New book/DVD Issuing System and Online Services

In January, Sandwell Libraries completed the move from our old Catalogue, Book/DVD Issuing System to a new, £500,000, state of the art, one. The move will improve the services that we can offer our customers.

The new system, Civica Sydus, will:

• Give our customers more control over how we contact them
• Improve the way customers can reserve books so they can get what they want quicker.

While also:

• Providing us with better information about what stock our customers want.
• Freeing up staff time so they can help customers more.

The new system has also allowed us to completely overhaul our Online Services. Customers will be able to join our libraries online and have instant access to our Book/DVD catalogue and to our Online Resources such as: Encyclopedia Britannica Online, Credo Reference and News UK. They will also have more control over their accounts – current and previous loans, reservations and requests, access to an improved search facility and the ability to create saved lists and add reviews.

If you want to know more about how to use the Online Services please contact your local Library. Some Sandwell Libraries are also running Taster/Help sessions for customers who want to know more about how to get the best out of these services.

The system will also allow us to continue to improve the services that we offer in the future, so keep your eyes open for news of new developments and services we’ll be able to offer.

Tipton Library Veterans Day - 5th November 2009

Local schoolchildren from three Tipton Primary Schools were invited into the library for a special WWII event.

Over 150 children had the opportunity to listen to the memories of five veterans form WWII including one who landed on the first day of D Day

RAF Cosford were in attendance and brought a series of artefacts including a large model glider which was similar to those that soldiers had travelled in during the War

Members of the TA also brought a series of uniforms and helmets and there was an opportunity for the children to dress up

The event was run in partnership with the library’s local history group who donned 1940s costume for the day and Hilary Brown from Alexandra High School who has just returned from taking a number of veterans back to Normandy with pupils from Alex

Pupils from Tipton Green provided artwork for the day and these will be on display until the end of November

A lively question and answer session was held and pupils were able to look at a ‘rationing’ display with foods weighed out to show the quantity of food each person could expect in one week

Library Services for Children and Young people

The Library Service is reviewing its services for Children and Young People and would welcome your views on future priorities. The draft consultation document suggests the three main priorities for the service over the next three years:

• ‘A good start in life’
• ‘Successful Young people’
• Educational attainment

Do you agree? We would be interested in your views. For a full copy of the consultation document follow the link to the Children and Young People's Strategy and Action Plan 2009 - 2012.

Public Lending Right Act

Did you know that authors have the right to receive payment for loans of their books from public libraries? It’s called Public Lending Right (PLR) and this year marks its 30th birthday. Public libraries are joining the PLR office in celebrating 30 years of support for authors. Find out more at

• Public Lending Right

Sandwell Libraries Win Award

Following on from our successful campaign to increase the number of library items borrowed, Sandwell Libraries has won the Gold medal in the prestigious Chartered Institute of Public Relations Midland Pride award.

• Further information on the award

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