Having trouble viewing this newsletter? Open it in a web page. Sign up to receive our newsletter HiVis Fortnight Cambridgeshire libraries, in partnership with Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind, will hold their annual showcase for vision and print impaired readers at Huntingdon Library on F
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Having trouble viewing this newsletter? Open it in a web page.

Sign up to receive our newsletter

HiVis Fortnight

Image shows the HiVis logo surrounded in multi-coloured dots, reading the dates 1-14 June

Cambridgeshire libraries, in partnership with Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind, will hold their annual showcase for vision and print impaired readers at Huntingdon Library on Friday 12 June 10am-12 noon.


HiVis Fortnight (1-14 June 2026) is a national campaign highlighting how libraries keep people with a vision or print impairment in touch with reading. This year’s theme is in line with the National Year of Reading: Go All In.


Exhibitors attending with gadgets, equipment and information include: Blind Veterans, CCC Sensory Services, Care Micro Enterprises, Cobolt, Deaf Blind UK, Guide Dogs UK, Healthwatch, Humanware, Hunts Blind, Adlam & Coomber Optometrists and Specsavers (Hunts).


There’s nothing on sale, just the chance to try out devices and get advice. It’s a free event, no need to book. Please spread the word! If you or someone you know needs help and support, we’ll be happy to welcome you on the day.


Contact Huntingdon.Library@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call 0345 045 5225

 

Summer Reading Challenge

Image shows the various Summer Reading Challenge materials for this year, including a medal, certificate, sticker booklet, bookmarks and stickers.

We’re getting ready to 'Read to the Beat' this Summer!


The materials for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge are on their way to a library near you in readiness for the national launch on Saturday 4 July. From that Saturday, children can sign up to take part in the Challenge which starts at the beginning of the school holidays (Saturday 18 July).


If you are 12-17 years old and interested in volunteering to help inspire young readers to join in the Summer Reading Challenge (SRC), and to support library staff with our fabulous activities programme, you still have time to sign up. Ask in your local library or apply online: Volunteering with libraries | Cambridgeshire County Council.


And celebrating sign-up Saturday at Ely Library on 4 July, 11:00-11:45am, popular poet Joshua Seigal will share some of his rip-roaringly funny poetry with families!


Book and 'pay what you think' for your tickets here: Joshua Seigal Lets the Words Out

 

Libraries Week

Image shows three pictures, the first is of a baby rhymetime where two infants are being lifted above their mother's heads, the second is of our blue Cambridgeshire Libraries mobile library, and the third is of the 'Libraries Change Lives' logo

For the National Year of Reading, we’re marking Libraries Week (1-7 June) by celebrating how libraries change lives through literacy and reading.


You can cut your teeth on a board book or join in with new friends at rhyme and storytimes. Explore other lives through fiction or deep dive into non-fiction interests. Meet favourite authors and maybe join a reading group to share opinions and gain new perspectives.


Do all this and more with your lifetime library membership – you are always welcome!

 

Pride Month

June is Pride Month, and we’ll be at Cambridge Pride again this year – come find our Mobile Library on Saturday 13 June! 


Don’t forget that you can visit your local library or browse our catalogue online to explore our wide range of books by LGBTQ+ authors. You can also access our LGBTQ+ Celebrate Diversity collection all year long.


Lastly, did you know that we also run LGBTQ+ friendly events all year long, like our fortnightly Queer Café and monthly board games at Cambridge Central Library? To find out more, please visit our Eventbrite.

 

Author Talks

Image shows a picture of each author next to the front cover of their respective book

Belgrave Road with author Manish Chauhan — Library.Live


A special event for Refugee Week. Manish introduces his novel, Belgrave Road, a love story and powerful portrait of the lived realities of immigrants in Britain.


Cambourne Library - Saturday 20 June, 2-3pm.Tickets £3, please book in the library or contact Cambourne.Library@cambridgeshire.gov.uk


- - -


Atlantic Furies, with author Midge Gillies  — Library.Live


An exhilarating talk! Atlantic Furies celebrates the bravery, panache, and drive of trail-blazing women aviators, who showed the world that it wasn’t just men who could conquer the skies.


Histon Library - Wednesday 24 June, 7:30-9pm. Tickets £3, please book in the library or contact BarHill.Library@cambridgeshire.gov.uk


- - - 


Anthony Blunt and the Cambridge Spies, with author Piers Blofeld — Library.Live


A true crime story for National Crime Reading Month. In his biography Master of Lies, Piers Blofeld tells the shocking untold story of Anthony Blunt: not just one of the infamous Cambridge Spies but perhaps the greatest spy-master of them all.


Great Shelford Library - Wednesday 24 June, 4-5pm.Tickets £3, please book in the library or contact Cambourne.Library@cambridgeshire.gov.uk


Anthony Blunt and the Cambridge Spies, with author Piers Blofeld — Library.Live


Rock Road Library - Wednesday 24 June, 7:30-8:30pm.Tickets £3, please book in the library or contact libraries.referralcentre@cambridgeshire.gov.uk


- - -


Germany in Text and Context: Reading & Discussion with author Olivia Wenzel


Join German author Olivia Wenzel for a reading from her award-winning book 1000 Coils of Fear. There will also be a panel discussion and audience Q&A. The book explores themes of race, family, belonging, and the weight of history in contemporary Germany. No prior knowledge of German language or cultures  needed.


Cambridge Central Library - Sunday 7 June, 2-4pm. Free tickets funded by DAAD; book on Eventbrite.

 

Refugee Week

Image shows an illustration from Quentin Blake of a child, an older woman and a few birds sat in a tree talking to each other next to the words 'Have a courageous Conversation'

15-21 June is Refugee Week. Cambridgeshire Libraries and Cambridgeshire County Council both have Sanctuary status  and we’re proud to play a role in welcoming people into our communities.


To mark the occasion, why not join us at Cambourne Library for an event with author Manish Chauhan? Saturday 20 June, 2-3pm. Tickets £3, please book in the library or contact Cambourne.Library@cambridgeshire.gov.uk


Also on Saturday 20 June, we’re hosting a Refugee Week Community Fair at Cambridge Central Library (11am-3pm). You can come along to meet a range of local organisations and find out what makes Cambridge a place of welcome. There will also be drop-in activities including crafts, board games, embroidery, a very special storytime and more! Free and all welcome. For more details, visit our Eventbrite.

 

New books

Image shows the covers of the eighteen titles listed below

Click on the button below for our full selection of new books for June

New books

 

Cambridgeshire Reads and Listens 

Our Cambridgeshire Reads and Listens collection brings you a wide range of books to borrow in eBook and eAudiobook format. Available for multiple use, they're great for reading groups and workplace reads. 


Each month the selection of adult, young adult and children's titles are refreshed - they're available to borrow over a 60-day period. Try the link to look at this month's offerings. 

Image shows the three covers listed below

We have three titles available as Reads:

The Stranger Inside by Amanda Cassidy, The Wish by Heather Morris and The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits

Cambridgeshire Reads

 

Image shows the covers of the eight titles listed below

We have eight titles available as Listens:
The Magician by Colm Toibin, Me and Mr Darcy by Alexandra Potter, Strangers in Time by David Baldacci, The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits, The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman, Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell, The Wish by Heather Morris and What We Can Know by Ian McEwan

Cambridgeshire Listens

 

Image shows the cover of the title listed below

We have one Junior/Teen title available as a Listen:

The Folk of the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton

Junior Listens

 

Staff Training Closures

Image shows two pictures, one of Huntingdon Library and one of Sawtry Library with a sign in the middle that reads 'We're closed'

Huntingdon and Sawtry libraries will both be closed for staff training on the morning of Wednesday 17 June.


Huntingdon Library will reopen at 1:30pm and Sawtry Library at 2pm that day.


We will of course be extending dates on any items due back on this day.


To find your nearest library, please visit our website: Your library | Cambridgeshire County Council 


And don't forget that you can renew, reserve and manage your account online, and that your online library is always open: Read and listen online | Cambridgeshire County Council 

 

Volunteers Week

Image of the Know Your Neighbourhood logo, a parent and child icon waving standing on an open book.

From 1-7 June is Volunteers Week.


Do you have lots of questions about volunteering and why this might interest you? Watch our short video about real-life experiences of volunteering in our libraries and see the joy it can bring: Volunteering in libraries


Be part of our vision of creating a stronger, more connected community. Discover the power of volunteering and see how you can make a real difference. Find out more about volunteer opportunities at your local library by visiting our website Know Your Neighbourhood | Cambridgeshire County Council or stop by your library today.

 

Fenland Folk: Heritage and Landscape 

Image shows a Fenland landscape with geese, snakes and other birds with the text 'Fenland Folk Heritage and Landscape' in large green writing with the Cambridgeshire Libraries, University of Cambridge, Museum of Zoology and Landscape for Regeneration logos at the bottom of the image.

Fenland Folk: Heritage and Landscape at March Library


This summer, discover the stories, wildlife and heritage of the Fens through Fenland Folk: Heritage and Landscape, a free programme of events taking place at March Library and sponsored by the Centre for Landscape Regeneration, University of Cambridge.


From archaeology and butterflies to peat soils and local ecology, the programme brings together researchers and experts to explore the landscapes and communities that make the Fens unique. Refreshments will be provided at all talks.


What's On


Talk Series Exploring the Fens through nature, heritage, community and conservation.


All talks last approximately one hour.


Thursday 4 June, 10am An Introduction to Butterflies With Matt Hayes, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge


Friday 12 June, 2pm An Archaeological Journey Through the Ancient Fens With Rachel Ballantyne and Phil Stastney, Fenscapes, University of Cambridge


Tuesday 23 June, 2pm In Conversation with Laurie Friday A ditch-loving ecologist with an unmatched local perspective


Tuesday 30 June, 2pm Looking After Peat Soils in the Fens With Ross Morrison, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology


Family Day Saturday 6 June, 12pm to 4pm Join us for a free family afternoon exploring the stories and wildlife of the Fens with:

• Crafts
• Badge making
• Fenland archaeology
• Minibeast hunts
• Meet researchers and scientists
• Explore Fen folklore and traditions

Drop in anytime. Suitable for all ages.


Now on Display


Inspired by Fenland birdlife, local pupils from Burrowmoor Primary School and All Saints Interchurch Academy have worked with artist Rebecca Cahill Roots to create their own bird artworks.


The installation is on display at March Library until 3 July.


Find out more about the wider programme: Fenland Folk programme

 

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month

Image of Walter Martin Lane

June is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. The theme this year is “Onwards with Hope”.


Through celebration, education and raising awareness, this month helps to tackle prejudice, change the story, and amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in wider society.


You can find out more on the Friends Family and Travellers page. This photo shows a gypsy family group near Ely from the Cambridgeshire Collection, our local studies library. This photo was taken by Walter Martin Lane.

 

Pandemic Artefacts Event and Exhibit

Image shows three pictures, one of a chalk heart drawn on a pavement, one of a mother and child sat on a sofa with masks on and the last picture shows painted hands covering each other.

Pandemic Artefacts Exhibition

Cambridge Central Library, 3rd floor

Until Saturday 13 June


Lockdown Memories: A Workshop for Families

Saturday 13 June, 3pm

Cambridge Central Library, 3rd floor (EverySpace)


Young families are welcome to join the curators of the Pandemic Artefacts exhibition for a friendly, uplifting workshop. Explore through craft and storytelling the experiences that shaped daily life in lockdown.


For more information visit: Lockdown memories: a workshop for families Tickets, Saturday, June 13  •  3 PM - 4 PM | Eventbrite 

 

The Library Presents

Image shows the Library Presents logo along with various cut out images of different artists for this season.

Careless Talk in Wisbech Library - Theatre Show, 12 June at 7pm


A forgotten true story of high treason, espionage, spam fritters. The only British person to be tried for treason in the Second World War takes to the stage for the first time. Was Mabel a collaborator? A visionary? Or just an outsider? Tickets: £4.50 - £9.50


Watch the trailer and book your tickets here - https://tinyurl.com/Careless-Trailer


East Cambridgeshire Schools Art Exhibition 2026


Ely Arts Festival is working in partnership with The Library Presents and Cambridgeshire Libraries to bring you a wonderful exhibition of young local talent.


The exhibition will feature art works by students from Reception up to Years 12 and 13 and is free to attend, no booking required.


Ely Library, Monday 22 June to Saturday 27 June during library opening hours.


Prize giving ceremony: Ely Library, Thursday 25 June 5pm - 6pm


For more information, visit Ely Arts Festival — Library.Live

 

Carers Week

Carers Week logo and an image of a younger lady and an older lady holding hands

8-14 June is Carers Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognize the contribution they make to families and communities.


To find helpful information for carers in Cambridgeshire, please visit our Cambridgeshire County Council website.


Caring for someone can be challenging, and finding support isn’t always easy when life is busy. Bridgit Care is an online tool for carers in Cambridgeshire, bringing essential information into one place. You will find guidance to help navigate benefits, information about local support and events, and personalised advice and toolkits -- all available 24/7. 


To give it a try, visit Bridgit Care today.


Caring Together is a charity providing help and advice to unpaid carers in Cambridgeshire. Visit Caring Together to find out more, or get in touch at 0345 241 0954 or email hello@caringtogether.org


And did you know that we have a Carers booklist? It contains information and helpful tips for carers, as well as stories of people with lived experiences, you can find the booklist here.

 

Download now

eBooks
eAudiobooks
eMagazines
eNewspapers

 

Stay connected with Cambridgeshire Libraries

Website logo
Facebook logo
YouTube logo
Instagram logo

 

Manage your subscriptions

Unsubscribe from all future emails

 This email was sent using Microsoft Dynamics on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council.

New Shire Hall, Alconbury, PE28 4YE