Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight has kicked off in Merton with a range of accessible and sensory-focused events taking place across the borough’s libraries.
Encouraging blind and partially sighted people to visit their local library, Make a Noise in Libraries (MANIL) Fortnight is an annual campaign to improve access to books, information and services for people who are visually impaired. This year’s theme is the First World War and Merton Libraries are playing their part in this national commemoration by offering books and information on all aspects of the First World War for children and adults. The libraries are also providing information and events about accessible library services for everyone, including people with a visual impairment.
| Monday 9 June, 10.30am | West Barnes | Multi-sensory reading time for toddlers with a visual impairment |
| Tuesday 10 June, 1 – 2pm | West Barnes: | Basic IT support for the visually impaired. Please book with staff at West Barnes Library. |
| Tuesday 10 June, 10 – 11am | West Barnes | Kiddirama (£2 fee). An interactive, fun, play, story, song and sensory class for the under 5s. |
| Tuesday 10 June, 3.30 – 4.30pm | Donald Hope: | Demonstration on how to use our accessible PC for adults who are visually impaired. |
| Tuesday 10 June, 11am – 12pm | Raynes Park: | The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB): Make A Noise In Libraries information morning. |
| Thursday 12 June, 10.30am – 12pm | Morden: | Coffee Morning: The RNIB will be speaking about accessible library services as well as displaying Braille machines, old and new. |
| Friday 13 June, 10 – 10.45am | Pollards Hill: | Ivy Garden’s Children’s Centre present a story and rhyme-time for the under 5s. |
| Saturday 14 June, 2 – 2.45pm | Donald Hope Library | Quiz for 9 to 12 year olds based on World War One. |
Mitcham, Morden, Pollards Hill, Raynes Park and Wimbledon libraries will be displaying a selection of stock and offering advice on services and equipment available at your local library to support blind and partially sighted users.
Merton Council’s cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said: “Regulars at Donald Hope and Wimbledon libraries will know I make a noise there every week presenting Music Mayhem for preschool children. This fortnight is a great initiative to make sure that people who are partially sighted or blind are able to access information and library services as easily as sighted customers. But it’s also more than that – it’s a way to tell all our customers, young or old, that our libraries are here for them in more ways than they might think.
“Come along and look, listen, and take part too – we’re always looking for volunteers, including those from the visually-impaired community. We have a reputation to keep up as the best, brightest and often noisiest library service in London, and it’s the people of Merton who make it happen!”
To find out more about events taking place in Merton Libraries, visit merton.gov.uk/libraries.
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