ESCC Libraries' Late Book Amnesty!

To encourage people to return late books to East Sussex County Council's Library Service there is currently an amnesty, and they will waive all fines on overdue book returns until the end of March 2024 (website).

They say that every year thousands of borrowed books are not returned, meaning that library users regularly miss out on the chance to borrow books they want to read, and this is a free service, it must be remembered; use libraries or lose them folks!

Details of East Sussex library services can be found at the website.

Hastings Library Reopening Monday 13th July

Hastings Library, Claremont, is reopening this Monday with new opening times (see below) to allow for other changes brought about because of the Coronavirus Crisis, Hygiene/Cleaning, Social Distancing etc. There are also other changes, including restricting the number of visitors allowed into the building at any one time (website).

There will be fewer books on the shelves so less browsing, no DVDs, newspapers or periodicals, fewer computers and less time allowed on computers (45 minute sessions, and staff will clean each computer in-between users); you are advised to book computers in advance (eg online), although a member of staff will be available at the entrance to book a computer for you if you don't have internet access elsewhere.

Because of the fewer books available in the library, a Select + Collect system has been set up to enable you to take out up to 20 books at a time, usually available within 5 days, but you will be contacted when they are available. These can be ordered either from the online catalogue or by telephoning the enquiries number 0345 6080196. Books can be returned at the bookdrop outside the library.

Further details an be found by reading the Libraries Reopening Plan (website).

Hastings Library Opening Times: 

Monday/Tuesday 10.00am to 4.00pm;

Wednesday 10.00am to 12.30pm; 

Thursday 10.00am to 5.00pm;

Friday/Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm;

Sundays CLOSED.

Libraries Closed Too...

OK, not for good, fingers crossed, but today is the final day people can visit libraries until further notice. From East Sussex Library and Information Service (facebook).

"Following the UK government’s decision to ask public venues including pubs, restaurants, theatres and leisure centres to shut, we have decided to close all East Sussex County Council’s libraries from Monday (23 March) until further notice.

This means that today (Saturday 21 March) will be the final day when customers will be able to visit our libraries and borrow books or other physical items.
All current and new library loans will be extended until at least 30 June so no one has to worry about overdue library books or other items. We have scrapped fines for any items that were due to be returned after 9 March 2020.
Our online library of course will operate as normal and we have increased the number of items available online. Our eLibrary http://ow.ly/Iu4S50yRPDa  includes not just books but also audiobooks, magazines and reference material.
We are sorry to announce this measure but we feel it is clearly in line with the new Government policy which is intended to further protect public health.
We look forward to welcoming our customers back when the situation eases." 

Hastings Library Closures over Holiday Season

All libraries in Hastings and East Sussex will be closed from Tuesday the 24th of December to Thursday the 26th of December inclusive, and on Tuesday the 31st of December and Wednesday the 1st of January 2020 (East Sussex Council website).

Still Closed...

Further to my blog the other day, I have just come from Hastings Pier and it remains closed! I've been advised that staff were paid their late wages at the eleventh hour, though not sure how much allegiance the Pier owner/s now have from staff, but I so hope it was true that they did receive the appropriate remuneration, and that their taxes and national insurance were paid by the owner too.

The weather isn't exactly bright, but no wind to speak of, indeed, hardly a breeze, so no obvious reason for the Pier to remain closed... and Hastings Library is open, as I am, at the moment, using a computer in the library from which to post this blog, cheers!



Not Open, Library and Pier Today (24th December)

I meant to say the other day that Hastings Library is closed today, and until Thursday 27th, then closes again on Sunday, as usual, but not opening again until Wednesday 2nd January 2019. Should you wish to borrow books, or use other facilities, such as access to the internet, you'll have to wait until Thursday, sorry.

And Hastings Pier? What can I say, but who knows when it will open again, if ever with the current owner!?! Over recent days it was because of the "weather/strong winds" but today is lovely (above), and with winds of between only 6 and 8 miles per hour... 

Locked!

Now that it is out in the open that only £60,000 was paid for the Pier (at least that is what is recorded with Her Majesty's Land Registry), it appears from sources that staff have not been paid wages and have walked out, meaning no staff to open the Pier (unless he buses in staff from Eastbourne Pier, but not today it seems). So all the promises of Christmas Opening Hours being published were rubbish, and it looks ever more likely his company will go into liquidation so that Mr G can sell the Pier, we'll see...

Oh, and just a reminder of what the Hastings Pier Charity (for all their faults) organised 2 years ago, from 18th November 2016 to 2nd January 2017, a Snow Slide in the centre of the Pier, Pirate Ship, Fun Fair rides, a Christmas Market, and a Christmas Menu in the Pavilion Restaurant, plus 'festive kiosks' (sheds to you and me, all that Mr G has put in planning permission for, sheds!). Now the Pier isn't even open to promenade along though, Merry Christmas!

I'll share some of the ever evolving information about Hastings Pier, Mr Gulzar and his companions and failed businesses very soon, as more information keeps coming out, and not to mention brown envelopes stuffed with banknotes! 😉

Walking Along the Seafront (Yesterday!)

Yep, it's a bit damp at the moment, so this was yesterday, and, as you'll probably be well aware, Hastings Pier is still closed to the public, not even allowed to promenade along the Pier! I saw a member of staff take 2 workers (of some sort) over to the White Rock Hotel, presumably for breakfast, or coffee?

So, with the Pier's Pavilion Restaurant closed, along to the Goat Ledge cafe instead, for me, great little business, open from 9 to 4pm, I believe, nice one, cheers!

... further back in Bottle Alley I saw this, not sure if it's architecture or art, but quality construction, someone took time to present this, another nice one!

And it's true, the Children's Library in Robertson Passage no longer exists, luckily there's a great children's department in the upgraded Hastings Library (blog).

Hastings Old Town Walk - Tuesday!

I'm a bit challenged for a couple of weeks with an IT issue, so my blogs will be dependent on when I can get to the revamped Hastings Library (great IT service, see blog). Anyway, tomorrow again will  be blessed by the Old Hastings Preservation Society's (OHPS) regular Tuesday afternoon free guided walk of Hastings Old Town. If you wish to partake in this walk meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift at 2.30pm. A volunteer guide from the OHPS will show you around the old town, with its historic buildings, twittens, and stories, and s/he will tell you about the wealth of talented celebrities of their age who have visited and/or lived here, eg a number of the Pre-Raphaelites in the 19th century (blog), indeed, the celebrities still keep on coming!

The walk will proceed across the West Hill and lead gently downhill into the old town, with a number of steps involved, and will last about 2 hours. The OHPS provides for this guided walk free of charge, though as a registered charity, they would be very grateful for all donations made, many thanks (website). You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, and the weather is forecast to be nice again (Met Office), so Factor 50 and/or head covering may be wise, certainly if you're fair-skinned like me!

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday...

Well, it certainly was another beautiful day yesterday! Out in the morning and I'd forgotten to mention yesterday was Independent's Day on the America Ground (website), actually I wasn't aware (so much going on!), apologies for that...

I was heading for Hastings Library in Claremont, but the main focus for Independent's Day was just round the corner by the Library, behind The Printworks at Gotham Alley.

I then headed for the Old Town, passing many people on the way (too early to see what was happening at Pier Jam), and even Hastings Adventure Golf had arranged for music opposite their chip shop! Anyway I took this photograph down Rock-a-Nore Road before heading up All Saints Street to:

The Cinque Ports Arms, where I spent a few hours in pleasant company, then a 'mob' came in to watch the England football match, if you don't know the score you're probably not interested in football, otherwise, yes, I enjoyed it. 😉

On my way back home I passed the Stade Open Space where people were participating in the workshops for Strictly Stade Saturday, oh yes, and plenty of noisy football fans walking along (met Joe who I hadn't seen for a while, good to see you Joe!), in vehicles, sitting outside pubs. Apparently something may be coming home...

IT Problems...

I'm having IT issues, it looks like this will be so for a couple of weeks, therefore I am in Hastings Library now, using the excellent computer services here (see older blog about the library re-opening), many thanks... 

It's unlikely I'll be all that prolific in the meantime, sorry!



Hastings Library Reopened This Morning.

The refurbished and 'revamped' Hastings Library in the Grade II listed, 140 year old, Brassey Institute, (see 1066 Online website) 13 Claremont TN34 1HE, reopened this morning. Consequently, I carried out a visit, seeing a few familiar faces in person, and many familiar faces on an interesting photographic multi-portrayal up on the wall to the right immediately on entering the building. See the East Sussex CC website.

There have been major repairs carried out on significant parts of the library, notably to the exterior, which had been neglected sadly over the years. The Children’s Library, which was based in Robertson Passage until recently, has now been integrated into the Brassey Institute, up on the First Floor, and a range of children’s activities including Code Clubs, Rhyme Time and Story Time are being organised.

Second Floor and PCs ++

As you can seed, the interior of the library has been completely refurbished with new furniture, many more computers, particularly up in the Learning Centre on the Second Floor, but also scattered around the building in wonderful wee booths, apparently many more books, and much improved toilet facilities. The public computers provide free access to the internet, training courses, online reference materials, and research programs for family history, and the Learning Services on the Second Floor will provide opportunities for people to improve literacy, numeracy and computer skills.

PC 'Booth'

There is a wide range of books to borrow on the Ground Floor, plus DVDs, newspapers and magazines to read, and more books can be found around the building, and reference books and other material is found on the Third Floor. Enquiry Points are on every floor. There is a small leaflet available Your new Hastings Library, which tells you where everything is situated, and which I recommend you pick up to help for your first visit, though on the stairs at each floor there are full lists of what you will find there.

Your new Hastings Library also tells us that on "every floor you will find: Wi-Fi, public computers, seating, study places, USB charging stations, and toilets."

The library continues to house A Dream of Fair Women artwork by Edward Armitage, and the Tressell Panel by Hazel Brook (above) is now up on the Second Floor, immediately on your left as you go through the glass doors; regarding Tressell see my earlier blog and the Hastings Museum & Art Gallery website.

As A Design For Life by the Manic Street Preachers tells us "Libraries gave us power" (video) through the provision of information, I cannot wait for my next visit as there is still so much for me to explore and plenty of books for me to borrow to read... 

Please feel free to visit the library very soon and join the library if not already a member, remember it is free and such an excellent resource should not be neglected!

Hastings Library is getting there!

It's getting there! Taking down the scaffolding today... looks like the reopening will be on time, that is, well, late... Anyway, details at the East Sussex County Council website.

4 weeks today, looking forward to it!

Hastings Library to Reopen...

Hastings Library in Claremont is to reopen on 2nd March 2018, after a bit of a delay due to unforeseen problems. The Children's Library is to be integrated into the Brassey Institute building, so the building in Robertson Passage will be closed to enable stock to be moved from Monday 26th of February, therefore from then until Friday the 2nd, anyone wanting to use library services will need to go to either Hollington or Ore libraries. See the East Sussex website for further information about the refurbishment.

Library closures?

It appears that more than a quarter of libraries in East Sussex will be closing, and the mobile library service will end... Details of the plans will be discussed at an East Sussex County Council cabinet meeting next week. Spokesman Nick Skelton said "significant cuts from central government" left them with "no choice".

Of course, there are opponents to any scheme to cut library services, including me of course. As a well-known song says 'Libraries gave us power' (A Design for Life), as in, knowledge is power, and the former children's laureate Chris Riddell joins me and urges the council to "think again".

Riddell asserts that "Rather than fewer libraries we need better resourced libraries, we need to cherish the libraries we have. If we lost them, the great tragedy is, we can never get them back."

The cuts have been estimated to make total savings of £653,000 a spokesperson from East Sussex County Council has said. Now, with the main Hastings Library being renovated and due to reopen next year, I imagine it is safe, but what about other library services in Hastings, including the Children's Library? Austerity cuts, hmmm...

Libraries should be saved and improved on, not closed!

See BBC website for more details.

Hastings Central Library Update.

Sorry, if the headline excited you, but not great news, yet... The library in Claremont, due to extra work being required, will not be reopening this year, but should be open again in the Spring of 2018 (website). Meanwhile, the Children's Library in Robertson Passage will continue to be the port of call in the town centre...

Paperback books outsell e-books again!

Paperback book sales increased by 4% last year whilst e-book sales dropped by 4%, paperback copies now outselling digital copies again, and that's not including hardback books! It doesn't surprise me though, and shows a welcome sign of a return to reading books properly, hopefully helped by, and helping to support, local libraries. Paraphrasing Giles, the librarian in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (honest!), books have texture and smell, they are tangible, which you can't get from lines of ones and zeros! 😊 

Which reminds me, I've not popped into the library in Robertson Passage for a while, and it would be good to find out when the main library is to re-open, and borrow a book too...

World Book Day 2017

Today, Thursday 2nd March, is the 20th World Book Day, so, if nothing has been arranged to celebrate this day at your children's school, take them to your closest library after school, eg in Robertson Passage, where children under five will also receive a £1 book token (See website). Indeed, why not go there anyway and catch up on your reading too!

Learn a New Skill at the Library!

The latest newsletter from East Sussex Library and Information Service (website) suggests the New Year could be the time to learn a "new skill" - 

"There’s never been a better time to learn new skills with the help of your local Library.

• Improve your IT skills with the IT for You trainers – learn how to use the internet & email, update your CV, social media and apply for work online
• Gain qualifications in English, Maths or IT with our Learndirect centres
• Dip into bite sized online guides on Atomic Training – perfect for getting the hints and tips on your new ipads.  Available to all library customers (you will need to set up and account)

And all sessions and resources are free of charge!

Call 01323 463759 or email Phil.Lanham@eastsussex.gov.uk now for more information or to book your place." 

Please note that all the links above may not work, sorry, if so for you, keep trying!

Hastings Library: New Opening Times

Hastings Library, still in its temporary home at the Children's Library in Robertson Passage until the Spring, has new opening times, starting today, Monday 28th November 2016, following public consultation, see website: 

Monday: 10am to 5pm 

Tuesday: 10am to 5pm 

Wednesday: 10am to 1pm 

Thursday: 10am to 6pm 

Friday: 10am to 5pm 

Saturday: 10am to 5pm 

Sunday: closed

Learning opportunities at Hastings Library...

I have just received an email from East Sussex Library Services...

Did you know that the Library Service offers online courses, at the library or at home, with support and guidance available from a tutor? In Hastings Library you are able to sign up to a range of learndirect English, Maths and ICT courses. Although the learning is online, the courses are for people at all levels, from beginners who have never touched a computer to experienced computer users who want to gain a qualification. They assess your needs and help you select a course that suits you...

In the last 12 months nearly 200 new qualifications have been gained through learndirect courses in East Sussex libraries. Students have used the skills gained through these courses to secure new jobs and new volunteering opportunities. These courses are open to everyone, to find out more visit your nearest library, call us on 0345 60 80 196, or go to the East Sussex website.

Don't forget, the Children's Library, Robertson Passage, is the acting main library for now.