South Gloucestershire Council’s library service is celebrating Libraries Week (7 to 12 October) by offering virtual reality experiences and raising awareness of libraries and the important services they provide.
Libraries Week is a celebration of the nation’s libraries and this year focusses on how libraries are engaging with communities in an increasingly digital world.
Free BBC Virtual Reality (VR) experiences will be offered to adults and children aged 13 and over as part of the celebrations in South Gloucestershire. Each VR experience lasts for 20 minutes with Emersons Green, Filton, Downend, Cadbury Heath, Hanham, Kingswood and Yate libraries all hosting sessions.
The VR experience offers a video called ‘Make Noise’, which uses original archive material from the suffragettes to retell the story of how a few women started one of the most important movements in history. Those taking part can look forward to a fully immersive experience with 360 degree pictures and sound.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities Cllr Rachael Hunt said: “National Libraries Week provides an opportunity to showcase our libraries and highlight the fantastic facilities and services they provide in our communities.
“Libraries are quickly adapting to the digital age with users benefitting from free Wi-Fi and free access to computers to check emails, apply for jobs, keep up to date on social media, and much more. Our libraries are important community hubs and I encourage residents to pay them a visit during National Libraries Week.”
People wishing to take part are encouraged to book in advance for the VR experience as headsets are limited. Book your place at www.southglosevents.eventbrite.co.uk
South Gloucestershire libraries offer a collection of over 168,000 items on library shelves to borrow with users also able to access over 2.5 million items online. This includes access to free eBooks, eAudiobooks and a choice of over 80 digital magazines. Library users can also use library computers to research and trace their family tree, as well as access 15 million academic research articles and gain free access to online consumer guides
To discover the digital services available please visit www.southglos.gov.uk/eresources or for more information pop into any South Gloucestershire library or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries
