Bury Council Libraries - books and so much more (a short film)

This short film gives an overview of what Bury Council Libraries now offer.

The library service would like to thank all those people who helped in the making of this film including customers of the service and volunteers for the service.

Film produced by Paul Morricone.
Cameraman: John Brierley.
Editor: Paul Morricone.
Narrator: Cameron Prudames.

Once the film is running you can double click on it to make it full screen size. Use your keyboard Esc button to restore to small view. Alternatively, you can watch the YouTube version of the film via the link on the right of this page.

Film transcript

"Bury Library first opened its doors in 1901 and has been lending books to the people of Bury ever since".

"Today, Bury Libraries offer a range of services which support and enrich the lives of customers in so many other ways".

"There's still an excellent selection of books to choose from including books in different languages, graphic novels, large print books, talking books and pop-up books for children. There's an online search system that makes finding a good book easy and you can register for email alerts about new books and renewals. For those who prefer a good film there's a wonderful selection of up to date DVDs to choose from".

"There are regular reading groups for people who like to talk about books".

"For younger readers there's Story Time where the under 5's and their parents can have fun with stories, songs and action rhymes while learning about books and reading. Older children are catered for with author visits and class room visits".

"And for customers who can't make it to the local library we can deliver books and other items"

"For customers who are hearing impaired there's the Internet, Internet with webcam, and equipment for loan such as adapted alarm clocks. Demonstrations of amplified telephones are available and we provide batteries for NHS hearing aids. Visually impaired customers have access to screen readers, the Internet and word processing with large print and speech. There are many talking books and e-audio books available for loan and there's also a Braille transcription service".

"Most libraries now have a Council Information Point where customers can make payments and enquire about all Bury Council services. A freephone is available so customers can directly contact other council departments".

"All customers have free access to computers, the Internet and Microsoft Office applications in all of Bury's libraries. Staff show customers how to take advantage of the reference facilities and for first-time Internet users there's Get You Started courses where staff show customers how to surf the net and set up an email address".

"Staff can help with Word documents, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations".

"There are homework clubs to help school aged children to do course work and there's even an online Homework Helper service".

"But, it's not all hard work. There's always time for some fun".

"Students of local history have a wealth of resources available to them. In the local studies section of Bury Library customers can access maps, old photographs, local newspapers dating back to 1752 and trade directories from 1818. They can also trace their family's roots via the census and old parish records. And if they're new to this, there's a weekly family history surgery to help them along".

"Bury Archives have thousands of unique records including old electoral registers, rate books and tithe maps. History is brought to life thanks to exhibitions and education packs ".

"So, you can see that there's a lot happening in Bury Libraries. There's a library open every day of the week, nearly all year round, and it's free to join. So why not call in today and see what's going on?"

"For more information visit the website at www.bury.gov.uk/libraries or telephone 0161 253 5872".

"You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter".

Gary Phillips, June 2012.

• Subscribe to this page