Thanks to everyone who has already completed an online survey or given us your comments as part of the Library Service Review. If you haven’t yet had a chance to do so, there is still time to let us know how you think we could make the service better and provide what you need for the coming years.

We’ll be collecting your feedback and suggestions until 15 November and this will inform a review of the West Berkshire Libraries Service. Once completed, the final report will be considered by elected Council Members at an Executive meeting in spring 2022 and will be published on the West Berkshire Council website.

Don’t miss out on this chance to have your say – we would love to know your views.

The importance of health and social care research has been clearly demonstrated over the past year. Now Newbury Library is hosting a photo exhibition showcasing ground-breaking NHS research taking place across the Thames Valley.

‘The Body Unlocked’ highlights some of the research supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), none of which would be possible without the involvement of residents in this area in a wide range of research studies. Take a look at the exhibition during library opening hours.

Volunteers are currently needed for a number of studies, including research into COVID-19 vaccines and treatments as well as ongoing research into many other health conditions. Follow the link below to find out more.

Second, the monthly LEGO Club at Newbury Library for children over 5 years resumes this Saturday, 6 November. Again, this is a free, drop-in activity. Please note that parents or carers will need to stay with children under 8.

Our LEGO Clubs in Burghfield Common, Hungerford and Thatcham libraries are also meeting regularly, so there is plenty of opportunity to get creative and use your imagination to start building, with all materials provided (but not to take away).

We hope that other activities will start again soon. Please check with your local library to find out what’s available near you.

Bookings are open now for the next in our series of online talks about the history of Newbury and the surrounding area by Dr David Peacock.

On Thursday 25 November, Dr Peacock will be looking at Newbury in the mid-19^thcentury, a period which saw big changes to the town, including the coming of the railways. Join him on Zoom for this illustrated talk. Tickets: £5 per household.

Don’t miss our Tasty Food Week on Instagram starting 15 November, when we’ll once again be highlighting some of the many wonderful cookery books we have in stock.

Whether you love puddings or baking bread, need to cook for specific diets or want provide a feast for family and friends, you will find recipes to inspire you in our libraries.

Don’t forget that we have new online crafts for children every Saturday on Facebook and Instagram and every Sunday on Twitter. We also release a new online storytime on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll find a link to this on all of our social media channels, or search for West Berkshire Libraries on YouTube, where you can also watch some of our earlier storytimes and more.