Tag: christmas

Winter Reads

Samantha - Hampshire LibrariesLeave a comment

10 perfect winter reads

There’s nothing better than shutting the door against a bitter winter’s evening and curling up in the warm. All you need is a good book to settle down by the fire with, but don’t worry, we have you covered. Here are 10 books perfect for getting you through the long cold nights.

1. Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson

A special collection of 12 imaginative Christmas stories and 12 recipes from the renowned author of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit and Frankissstein.

Ghosts and jovial spirits, chances at love and tricks with time. Jeanette Winterson’s stories are unfailingly brilliant and filled with wonder. These short stories make the perfect read before bed.

2.  A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

No seasonal reading list would be complete without an honourable mention of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas – it’s all humbug to him. But one Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley, and then by three more spirits – the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come. Will the things they show Scrooge be enough to make him change his miserly ways and learn the true meaning of Christmas?

Nostalgia, a haunting , and a cold heart that melts, what more could you want from a winter’s night?

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.”

3. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside.

4. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

When James wakes to see snow falling one December morning, he is delighted and rushes outside to make a snowman. With coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose, he is perfect, and James can hardly bear to go inside and leave him. In the middle of the night, he wakes and creeps out to see his snowman again – and to his amazement, the snowman comes to life!

5. The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen

A magical, wintery tale of friendship, love and adventure. Join Gerda on her epic journey to the mysterious, snowy lands of the frozen North. Meeting fairy-tale princesses, talking crows and wise old women with enchanted gardens, on her quest to rescue best friend Kai from the Snow Queen’s icy palace.

6. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives there, Santa offers him any gift he desires.

“Seeing is believing, but, sometimes, the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”

7.  Winter Wedding by Dilly Court

The brand new novel from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author.

Rosalind Blanchard’s husband Piers is gravely wounded in a shipwreck, and she finds herself head of crumbling Rockwood Castle once more. Pregnant with his unborn child and alone, she turns to the only man who has ever made her heart sing. His brother Alex. Alex was her old love, but Piers must be her future. Until shocking news of Piers changes everything. As the first snowflakes begin to appear, so too does another chance of happiness for Rosalind.

8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr Seuss

The classic tale of the disgruntled Grinch and his fiendish attempts to steal Christmas from the citizens of Whoville. With wacky rhymes and zany illustrations, this book has been a seasonal favourite for over 40 years.

“Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

9. Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

It’s the night before Hogswatch. And it’s too quiet. Where is the big jolly fat man? There are those who believe and those who don’t, but either way, it’s not right to find Death creeping down chimneys and trying to say Ho Ho Ho. Superstition makes things work in Discworld, and undermining it can have Consequences, particularly on the last night of the year when the time is turning. Susan the gothic governess has got to sort everything out by morning, otherwise, there won’t be a morning. Ever again…

10. The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig

Upset elves, reindeers dropping out of the sky, angry trolls and the chance that Christmas might be cancelled. But Amelia isn’t just any ordinary girl. And – as Father Christmas is going to find out – if Christmas is going to be saved, he might not be able to do it alone.

Written by Isaac Fravashi

Digital Readers – February book

Karin, Hampshire LibrariesLeave a comment

The book our online reading group will be reading (or listening to) and discussing in February has been decided on through a vote in the group. The results are in and the February book is…

Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig

Rates of stress and anxiety are rising. A fast, nervous planet is creating fast and nervous lives. We are more connected, yet feel more alone. And we are encouraged to worry about everything from world politics to our body mass index. How can we stay sane on a planet that makes us mad? How do we stay human in a technological world? How do we feel happy when we are encouraged to be anxious? After experiencing years of anxiety and panic attacks, these questions became urgent matters of life and death for Matt Haig. And he began to look for the link between what he felt and the world around him.

This 2018 non-fictional book by Matt Haig sets out to answer three important life questions:
– How can we stay sane on a planet that makes us mad?
– How do we stay human in a technological world?
– How do we feel happy when we are encouraged to be anxious?
Having experienced anxiety and panic attacks for years, Notes on a Nervous Planet is a personal and vital look at how to feel happy, human and whole in the twenty-first century.

From 1 February, until the end of the month, this book will be available to download through the BorrowBox app without having to wait or having to reserve it. It will be available to simply download right away – as both an eBook and an eAudiobook.

The group is open to anyone above the age of 16, with a Facebook account and a Hampshire Library card. If you would like to join the group; just head over to our Facebook page.

Hang on; how does an online reading group work?

Through the BorrowBox app, using your Hampshire Library Card, you will be able to download an eCopy of the selected title to your tablet or smart phone to read and enjoy. Ther will be hundreds of copies, of both the eBook and the eAudiobook version, available for you to download right away, so no need to reserve it or get it added to a waiting list; just download it right away and get reading!

Throughout the month you will be able to talk about the book with others in the group, and there will be regular discussions happening, so check back in to join in on the conversations as they pop up. As is the case with any reading group, there will be books you love, and books you might wish you had never picked up -and that’s okay!
In the group you will be able to discuss your opinions, feelings and thoughts on the month’s title in a friendly environment. To keep the group friendly, and ensure everyone feels confident expressing their thoughts, we ask that everyone keep the language clean and show respect to one another.

There won’t be a set day or time when you have to be available; this means you can join in the discussions whenever it suits you! There is also not a physical place to meet, as all discussions are taking place in the Facebook group, so you won’t have to leave the house to be part of the reading group!
On the last Friday of each month, the book for the following month will be announced, it will then become available for download on the 1st of each month.

If you don’t have a Hampshire Library card, you can apply for one online. It is completely free to sign up to the library, and as long as any physical items borrowed are returned on time, it will continue to be free.
After you sign up, your library card will be sent to your home and you can then join the reading group using your Facebook account.

If you would like to join the group, then head over to our Facebook page and join the ‘Digital readers’ group, you can find it here!

Digital Readers – December book

Karin, Hampshire LibrariesLeave a comment

The book our online reading group will be reading (or listening to) and discussing in December has been decided on through a vote in the group. The results are in and the December book is…

A boy called Christmas by Matt Haig

You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas. It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible. If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you. Because this book is full of impossible things. Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin.

This 2015 children’s book by Matt Haig is packed with magic, humour and festive cheer and whilst its target audience is those aged 7-9, all ages are bound to enjoy this festive tale.
It starts of very bleak, but soon this tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and an 11-year-old boy called Nikolas, will keep you reading and fill you with festive cheer.

From 1 December, until the end of the month, this book will be available to download through the BorrowBox app without having to wait or having to reserve it. It will be available to simply download right away – as both an eBook and an eAudiobook.

The group is open to anyone above the age of 16, with a Facebook account and a Hampshire Library card. If you would like to join the group; just head over to our Facebook page.

Hang on; how does an online reading group work?

Through the BorrowBox app, using your Hampshire Library Card, you will be able to download an eCopy of the selected title to your tablet or smart phone to read and enjoy. Ther will be hundreds of copies, of both the eBook and the eAudiobook version, available for you to download right away, so no need to reserve it or get it added to a waiting list; just download it right away and get reading!

Throughout the month you will be able to talk about the book with others in the group, and there will be regular discussions happening, so check back in to join in on the conversations as they pop up. As is the case with any reading group, there will be books you love, and books you might wish you had never picked up -and that’s okay!
In the group you will be able to discuss your opinions, feelings and thoughts on the month’s title in a friendly environment. To keep the group friendly, and ensure everyone feels confident expressing their thoughts, we ask that everyone keep the language clean and show respect to one another.

There won’t be a set day or time when you have to be available; this means you can join in the discussions whenever it suits you! There is also not a physical place to meet, as all discussions are taking place in the Facebook group, so you won’t have to leave the house to be part of the reading group!
On the last Friday of each month, the book for the following month will be announced, it will then become available for download on the 1st of each month.

If you don’t have a Hampshire Library card, you can apply for one online. It is completely free to sign up to the library, and as long as any physical items borrowed are returned on time, it will continue to be free.
After you sign up, your library card will be sent to your home and you can then join the reading group using your Facebook account.

If you would like to join the group, then head over to our Facebook page and join the ‘Digital readers’ group, you can find it here!

Winter Reading Challenge 2019

Karin, Hampshire LibrariesLeave a comment

For this year’s Winter Reading Challenge we’re thrilled to be working with Penguin Publishing to bring The Snowman and the Snowdog to our libraries.
From 1 December children will be able to come into the library and pick up a collector card and collect a sticker for each library book they read or listen to.
After reading or listening to four library books they will receive a certificate!
Whilst aimed at ages 4 to 11, everyone can take part no matter their age, and they have until 26 January to finish.
There’s no need to sign up; just visit your local library* to collect stickers and earn a certificate.

All library books count towards the challenge: eBooks, audiobooks, books read to the child, chapter books, picture books, graphic novels and any other kind of book that you can borrow from the library.
It’s free to take part in the Winter Reading Challenge, with a suggested donation of £1.

*Excluding Kingsclere Library, Lowford Library, Milford-on-Sea Library and North Baddesley Library

Looking for books for your child, or books to read together this winter? Have a look at these great winter themed books that you can borrow from Hampshire Libraries.

Books suitable for ages 0-4:

The Snowman
by Raymond Briggs

This classic picture book describes the friendship between a boy and a snowman and their magical journey over a sparkling winter landscape.
Ages 0+

The snowman and the snowdog
by Hilary Audus

The Snowman flies again! One winter’s night a little boy is taken on a breathtaking and magical adventure beyond his wildest dreams when the Snowman and Snowdog he has built come to life and take him over the rooftops and across the sea to the North Pole.
Ages 0+

Image result for the snow dragon abi

The snow dragon
by Abi Elphinstone and Fiona Woodcock

When the first snow of winter falls, Phoebe watches it from her bedroom in Griselda Bone’s Home For Strays, wishing that the snow will bring with it some much-needed magic. However, in Griselda Bone’s orphanage magic is banned, along with daydreaming and doodling, and Phoebe’s day goes from bad to worse. But just when she’s about to give up hope, a Snow Dragon appears and whisks her away on an adventure, and maybe, just maybe, there’s enough magic to save Phoebe.
Ages 3+

Image result for moomin and the ice festival

Moomin and the ice festival
based on the original stories by Tove Jansson

It’s winter in Moominvalley and Moomintroll and his family are getting ready for the Long Winter Sleep. But as the first flakes of snow fall, they receive an exciting invitation to the Ice Festival. Will they be brave enough to venture out now winter is here?
Ages 3+

Image result for funny footprints book cover

Funny footprints
by Katie Dale and Nanette Regan

In this story, it is Ben’s birthday and it is snowing! He goes for a walk with Dad and sees some very funny footprints in the snow. Where could they lead?
Ages 3+

Books suitable for ages 5-8:

Image result for Isadora Moon Makes Winter Magic age

Isadora Moon makes winter magic
by Harriet Muncaster

Isadora loves playing in the snow, especially when her creations come to life! But snow magic can’t last forever. Will she be able to save her new friends before they melt away? This book is also bursting with activities and fun things to make and do!
Ages 5+

The Snow Goose
by Anne Booth

Every year the magnificent silver Snow Goose brings winter to the Magical Kingdom of Birds. But this year something is wrong: why hasn’t he arrived? Lord Astor must be up to his tricks again. Can Maya and her friends uncover the mystery behind the missing snow goose, and bring winter to the kingdom?
Ages 5+

Pugs of the frozen north
by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

And they’re off! Who will win the Race to the Top of the World? Helga Hammerfest and her polar bears; bounder and cheat Sir Basil-Dumpling; Shackleton Jones with his robot-powered sled ?But wait! What’s this? Two kids riding a sled pulled by 66 pugs wearing jumpers?! The underdogs are coming!
Ages 6+

The Snowman
by Michael Morpurgo

When James wakes to see snow falling one December morning, he is delighted and rushes outside to make a snowman. With coal eyes, an old green hat and scarf and a tangerine nose, he is perfect and James can hardly bear to go inside and leave him. In the middle of the night, he wakes and creeps out to see his snowman again – and to his amazement, the snowman comes to life!
Ages: 7+

A boy called Christmas
by Matt Haig

You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas. It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible. If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you. Because this book is full of impossible things. Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin. A tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and an 11-year-old boy called Nikolas, who isn’t afraid to believe in magic.
Ages 7+

Books suitable for ages 9-10:

Shadows of winterspell
by Amy Wilson

Enter the thousand worlds of Amy Wilson in her captivating novel, ‘Shadows of Winterspell’, sparkling with frost and magic. Stella has been living behind the magic of the forest for most of her life. Lonely, she enrolls at the local school, and as she begins to make friends, she discovers that she is even more different than she thought. But as autumn turns to magical winter, Stella realises that uncovering her own family secret is the only way to release the forest from the grip of a dark and old magic.
Ages 9+

Image result for Father Christmas's fake beard / the fantastically funny Terry Pratchett ; illustrated by Mark Beech.

Father Christmas’s fake beard
by Terry Pratchett

Have you ever wanted Christmas to be different? Turkey and carols, presents and crackers – they all start to feel a bit samey. How about a huge exploding mince pie, a pet abominable snowman, or a very helpful partridge in a pear tree? What if Father Christmas went to work at a zoo, or caused chaos in a toy store, or was even arrested for burglary? Dive into the fantastically funny world of Terry Pratchett, for a festive treat like no other.
Ages 9+

The eye of the north
by Sinéad O’Hart

When Emmeline’s parents mysteriously disappear, she finds herself flung into an adventure that takes her to the frozen north. There evil Dr Siegfried Bauer is plotting to awaken a mythical creature from the deep. And he’s not the only one determined to unleash the terrible beast. Can Emmeline stop their fiendish plans and save the world?
Ages 9+

Image result for The way past winter / Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

The way past winter
by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

When Mila’s brother disappears, she believes he’s been taken by the Bear, a hooded stranger of legend who sought shelter at their home. Mila and her sisters follow his trail into the frozen north, determined to find a way past winter and bring their brother home.
Ages 10+

Books suitable for ages 11-13:

A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens

Set in Victorian England and highlighting the social injustice of the time we see one Ebeneezer Scrooge go from oppressor to benefactor when he gets a rude awakening to how his life is, and how it should be.
Ages 11+

Whiteout
by Gabriel Dylan

A school ski trip to a remote Alpine resort descends into terror when a snowstorm cuts off the group from the rest of the world. For, as Charlie and his classmates are about to discover, something ancient and evil lies in wait.
Ages 11+

All wrapped up
by Holly Smale

Harriet Manners knows a lot about Christmas. She knows that every year Santa climbs down 91.8 million chimneys. She knows that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer was almost definitely a girl. She knows that the first artificial Christmas trees were made out of goose feathers. But this Christmas is extra special for Harriet, because four days ago she had her first ever kiss. Now she just needs to work out what’s supposed to happen next.
Ages 11+

The winter place
by Alexander Yates

When a mysterious stranger and his brown bear show up on the same day that Axel and Tess are orphaned, Axel knows nothing will ever be the same. However, the strange duo are quickly forgotten when Axel and Tess are shipped off to Finland to stay with grandparents that they’ve never met. But when they arrive in Finland, Axel is stunned when the stranger and his bear reappear. More incredibly, the stranger tells him that his parents are lost and need help. Desperate to see his father again, and actually meet his mother, Axel follows the man and his bear, disappearing deep into the frozen wilds of northern Finland. 
Ages 12+

⛄️❄️📚 Happy reading! 📚❄️⛄️

Christmas and New Year opening hours 2019

Karin, Hampshire LibrariesLeave a comment

Between Christmas and the New Year there will be altered opening hours across our libraries. Below is a full list of opening hours for each library, in alphabetic order.

To renew your books online, visit our website and log in using your library card number and pin.

Aldershot Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm 

Alresford Library

Monday 23 December: 10am-1pm
Christmas Eve: 2pm-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 10am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 10am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 10am-1pm
New Year’s Eve: 2pm-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 10am-1pm 

Alton Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-7pm 

Andover Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-4pm
Sunday 29 December: 11am-3pm
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-6pm 

Basingstoke Discovery Centre

Monday 23 December: 8.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 8.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 8.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 8.30am-4.30pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 8.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 8.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 8.30am-6.30pm 

Bishops Waltham Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 2pm-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 10am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 2pm-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: CLOSED

Blackfield Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 10am-1pm
1.30pm-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: CLOSED
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 10am-1pm
1.30pm-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 10am-1pm
1.30pm-4pm

Bordon Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-5pm 

Bridgemary Library

Monday 23 December: 2pm-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-1pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-1pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 2pm-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-1pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-1pm
2pm-5pm 

Chandler’s Ford Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-4pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm 

Chineham Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-4pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-7pm 

Eastleigh Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-4pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-5pm 

Elson Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-1pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-1pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-5pm 

Emsworth Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-1pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-1pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-5pm 

Fair Oak Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 1pm-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-1pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 1pm-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-1pm &
2pm-5pm

Fareham Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm 

Farnborough Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-6pm 

Fleet Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-6pm

Fordingbridge Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: CLOSED

Gosport Discovery Centre

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm 

Havant Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-5.30pm 

Hayling Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: CLOSED 

Hedge End Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-7pm

Horndean Library

Monday 23 December: 2pm-5pm
Christmas Eve: CLOSED
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 2pm-5pm
Saturday 28 December: CLOSED
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 2pm-5pm
New Year’s Eve: CLOSED
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 2pm-5pm

Hythe Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm

Lee-on-the-Solent Library

Monday 23 December: 10am-1pm
Christmas Eve: 10am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 10am-1pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 10am-1pm
New Year’s Eve: 10am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 10am-7pm

Leigh Park Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-7pm

Liphook Library

Monday 23 December: 2pm-5pm
Christmas Eve: CLOSED
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-1pm
2pm-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 2pm-5pm
New Year’s Eve: CLOSED
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: CLOSED

Lockswood Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-7pm

Lymington Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-5pm

Lyndhurst Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-1pm
Christmas Eve: 2pm-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 2pm-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-1pm
New Year’s Eve: 2pm-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: CLOSED

Netley Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 2pm-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 2pm-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: CLOSED

New Milton Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm

Odiham Library

Monday 23 December: 2pm-5pm
Christmas Eve: 2pm-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-12.30pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-12.30pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 2pm-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 2pm-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 2pm-5pm 

Overton Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-1pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: CLOSED
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-1pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 1pm-5pm 

Petersfield Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-5pm 

Portchester Library

Monday 23 December: 9.30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: CLOSED
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: CLOSED
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-5pm 

Ringwood Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-5pm 

Romsey Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-4pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm

South Ham Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: CLOSED 

Stubbington Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-5pm

Tadley Library

Monday 23 December: 9:30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-1pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-4pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-1pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-5pm 

Totton Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-4pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm 

Waterlooville Library

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm

West End Library

Monday 23 December: CLOSED
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9.30am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-1pm

Whitchurch Library

Monday 23 December: 1pm-5pm
Christmas Eve: CLOSED
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 10am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 10am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 1pm-5pm
New Year’s Eve: CLOSED
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: CLOSED 

Winchester Discovery Centre

Monday 23 December: 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 9am-5pm
Sunday 29 December: 11am-3pm
  
Monday 30 December: 9am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9am-7pm

Yateley Library

Monday 23 December: 9:30am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9.30am-4pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day:CLOSED
Friday 27 December: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday 28 December: 10am-1pm
Sunday 29 December: CLOSED
  
Monday 30 December: 9.30am-5pm
New Year’s Eve: 9.30am-4pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED
Thursday 2 January: 9.30am-5pm 

Winter Reading Challenge 2018

GilbertLeave a comment

Take part in the Winter Reading Challenge 2018!
Read or listen to 4 library books, collect stickers and earn a certificate!

There is no need to sign up, simply come into one of the participating libraries and tell them how many books you’ve read and they will give you a collector card and stickers – and finally the well earned certificate!

Everyone can take part, no matter your age!
Running from mid December to the last weekend in January.

Find your nearest participating library here:
Alresford Library
Basingstoke Discovery Centre
Bishops Waltham Library
Bordon Library
Chandler’s Ford Library
Chineham Library
Elson Library
Fareham Library
Fleet Library
Gosport Library
Hythe Library
Lee-on-Solent Library
Lymington Library
Odiham Library
Petersfield Library
Portchester Library
Ringwood Library
Romsey Library
South Ham Library
Stubbington Library
Tadley Library
Totton Library
Whitchurch Library
Winchester Discovery Centre
Yateley Library

Remember all library books counts, including eBooks, graphic novels, audiobooks, chapter books, picture books and library books read to you by someone else. They all count towards your 4 books!

Happy Reading!

Christmas Opening Hours

Gilbert6 Comments

Our opening hours over the festive period this year will be:

  • Christmas Eve – Normal closing or 4pm, whichever is earliest (Thursday)
  • Christmas Day – Bank holiday closed (Friday)
  • Boxing Day – Closed
  • Sunday 27th December – Closed
  • Monday 28thDecember – Bank holiday closed
  • Tuesday 29th December – Normal closing or 5pm, whichever is earliest
  • Wednesday 30th December – Normal closing or 5pm, whichever is earliest
  • Thursday 31st December – Normal closing or 5pm, whichever is earliest
  • Friday 1st January 2016 – Bank holiday closed
  • Saturday 2nd January 2016 – Open as normal

Come along and join in all our Christmas activities, there’s something for everyone!