Books and Reading Activities
There is so much pleasure to be had when you settle down with a book and when you find a book you enjoy, a whole new world can be discovered with it. Our libraries are of course full of books and some you will think are fantastic, others not so good.
The beauty of the library is that you have the opportunity to explore, take chances with and delve into new reading as well as borrow trusty favourites without it costing you a penny. So there’s really nothing to lose and you may just stumble across something amazing!
Even so with such a huge range of choice, sometimes you might need some ideas about what to read. Here then are some pointers, and helpful links to other pages and sites.
Our bestsellers collections offer the latest in what are currently reigning “champions” in the book world. There is always plenty to choose from our general shelves of both fiction and non fiction books. Many of our books are displayed so that the covers are on show, making it easier for you to pick something that catches your eye that bit quicker.
However if it’s a particular author you want, our alphabetical arrangement of fiction by authors makes it easier for you to find your favourites. Our online library catalogue allows you to search the library shelves remotely and to request books in this way if you so wish. It also offers you the opportunity to post a review.
If you’ve really loved or vehemently disliked a book, then share your views with other readers, and rate the read from 0 to 5 stars! To take advantage of the review facility and our other online facilities you simply need your library pin number. If you don‘t have it yet, just ask a member of staff.
If you check the catalogue or visit the library and can’t see a book that you want, then ask our friendly staff for advice. They may be able to recommend a title, check if a preferred title is in stock or on order and for a small charge you can of course request books that are not currently available to borrow.
If you’re really enthusiastic about books and want to chat about books and reading in a friendly environment, why not join one of Walsall Libraries’ reading groups? There are children’s Chatterbooks Reading Groups, teenage reading groups, adult reading groups and poetry groups throughout the borough.
Libraries are unique because they are FREE! It is free to join the library, and books are free to borrow. As well as the extensive range of new and popular titles from authors as diverse as Martina Cole and Cecilia Ahern, John Grisham and Maeve Binchy, libraries exclusively offer extensive backlists and the opportunity to acquire titles that are no longer in print. Walsall Libraries as part of the national network of public libraries enables you to access this amazing resource through our Request Service.
There are many useful websites devoted to books and reading, where you can find further inspiration about what to read. Most authors and publishers have their own websites; just type their name into a search engine and usually their official site will show up offering lots of information about authors and forthcoming titles. New websites are appearing all the time, so keep your eyes open and let us know if you find a really good one that we haven’t yet featured!
There are many book prizes and our libraries promote some of these and stock the longlisted and shortlisted titles.
We like to give readers the chance to meet authors and throughout the year we offer author visits and other exciting activities. Check our Library News pages to see what’s coming soon. Additionally we get involved in many national reading and learning campaigns eg National Poetry Day and BBC RaW, and BBC Breathing Places
Some popular adult book prizes/awards.
- http://www.orangeprize.co.uk/home
- http://www.themanbookerprize.com/
- http://www.britishbookawards.co.uk/