29 November 2022 | Community news
Okehampton Library will be offering so much more than books this winter. It’s a warm, welcoming space with free WiFi and computer access, people to chat to, groups and activities. Enjoy a natter with other customers over a FREE tea, coffee or hot chocolate, kindly supplied by Waitrose Okehampton.
We know it’s going to be a tough winter with the cost-of-living crisis and heating bills rising. So, libraries are launching a ‘Libraries for Life’ campaign to remind everyone that we’re not just about books!
As well as being great warm spaces to sit and read, there are groups ranging from Bounce & Rhyme for babies and toddlers to Cuppa & A Chat every Tuesday for adults to enjoy a natter.
Our Reading Well titles are a range of books covering physical and mental health, and include titles aimed at children and teens. And don’t forget if you’re housebound or struggling to get to the library, our Home Library Service can deliver not just books but a friendly chat too!
Keep an eye out for more events and activities at Okehampton Library throughout the winter.
Christmas Chuckle Trail – 1– 23 December
Find the Christmas jokes hidden around the library and match them up with the correct punch line whilst having a giggle! For all ages. Small chocolate treat for those that match all of them correctly.
Festive Hamper Raffle – Tickets £1 each
Purchase a draw ticket, for the chance to win the contents of the Friends of Okehampton Library festive hamper! Winner to be drawn Saturday 17th December.
Christmas Quiz Sheet – £1 each
Pick up a copy of our quiz to test your festive knowledge. Fun for all the family!
£1 per quiz. One correct winner to be drawn Saturday 7th January 2023. Prize £15 gift voucher kindly donated by Brothers Kitchen-Café-Lounge Okehampton.
Under 5’s Stay and Play session – Monday 5 December 10:00-10:45
For under 5’s and their parents/carers, no booking necessary. Free session, donations welcome.
Music Night at the Ockment Centre – Friday 9 December 19:00
The Friends of Okehampton Library music night returns to the Ockment Centre with The Electroleles, Me And ‘Er, One Point Five and Uke’N Play. Bring your own refreshments and there will be a raffle on the night too. Tickets available in advance £5 each (cash only) from Okehampton Library.
Community Christmas Coffee Morning – Saturday 10 December 10:00-12:00
Have a chat with staff and Friends of Okehampton Library whilst you enjoy free mince pies and hot drinks in the warm, welcoming space of the library. Free, donations welcome.
Snow Globe craft activity – Tuesday 20 December 14:00-15:00
Create a winter snow globe to take home. Suitable for ages 7+, £1 per child. Booking essential at the library.
Mini Winter Challenge – 1 December – 20 February
A reading adventure from the Reading Agency, which encourages children to continue reading over the winter holidays with a free, digital platform offering rewards and prizes for continuing to read. Take part online via the Challenge website: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
1-1 Digital Support
Book onto one of our free digital skills sessions to learn some basic digital skills or improve and refresh existing skills. Bring in your own device or use our public access computers. Contact Okehampton Library to have a chat about how we can help, and to book a digital session. Booking essential.
Business & IP Centre Devon, Okehampton Hub
BIPC Devon provide free business support to Devon based small businesses and start-ups. Through BIPC Devon you can access market research and funding databases, learn from our experts by booking 1-1 sessions, and join our regular webinars and workshops. Events – Resources – Guides – Expert help.
Staff at the Okehampton hub will be available to assist you with finding out how to access small business support.
Okehampton Library has a meeting room available for you to book so you can spread your roots and break the work-from-home cycle. Email or call 0333 2342123
A Cuppa & A Chat – Tuesdays 13:30-15:30
Enjoy a natter with other customers over a FREE tea, coffee or hot chocolate, kindly supplied by Waitrose Okehampton.
No booking necessary. Just drop in.
Read Easy – 1st Tuesday of every month 10:00-12:00
Come and chat with Richard from Read Easy, the charity that helps adults learn to read. Richard would love to talk to you, particularly if you are interested to know more about what Read Easy do and/or if you would like to introduce someone to their free 1:1 and confidential service.
Reading Group – 1st Tuesday of every month
Please contact library for details.
Bounce & Rhyme – Tuesdays 10:00-10:20 & 11:00-11:20
Suitable for under 5s. Free, no booking necessary.
Baby Weigh – Tuesdays 09:30-11:30
Free self-weigh facilities for parents to weigh their babies, are available in a screened area within the library. This is in partnership with Devon Public Health Nursing. Parents and babies welcome to stay for Bounce & Rhyme!
Duplo Builders & Storytime – Wednesdays 09:30–10:15
Suitable for under 5s. Free, no booking necessary.
Lego Builders – Saturdays 10:30–11:30
Suitable for ages 5+. Free, no booking necessary.
The Secret Book Quest
A completely FREE year-round reading challenge for 5-12 year olds across Devon. To take part, children sign up in the library, read 50 library books at their own pace, and collect stickers to solve the secret code. Finishers will receive a certificate and a small prize.
Children under 8 must be accompanied to all events by a responsible adult
Please see our library website or Facebook page for any additional events and library services www.devonlibraries.org.uk