Redbridge Libraries

08/05/2020

VE Day Singalong

There’s a many ways you can join the Nation’s toast to the heroes of World War 2 and singalong with 1940s playlist on VE Day.

Here are some of them:

Planning an ‘At Home Street Party’ to celebrate #VEDay75 today? Check out the English Heritage Party Pack which includes bunting, recipes, lindy hop dance instructions, song lyrics and a Spotify playlist:
https://www.veday75.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/English-Heritage-Party-Pack.pdf

Our neighbours in Havering have live singalongs on VE Day at 3.30pm and 5pm. Check their page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/pg/LBofHavering/

At 9pm you can join the British Legion for a UK-wide rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and you can learn the lyrics too: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/stories/ve-day-singalong

Finally, if you search “VE Day” on Spotify a number of playlists will be suggested, such as:

VE Day 75 Celebrations (Bletchley Park): including Run, Rabbit, Run; Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy; Bless ‘em All and other favourites;

Dance for VE Day (English Heritage): including In the Mood; Moonlight serenade; The White Cliffs of Dover and more

VE Day (Fareham Borough Council): including We’ll Meet again; Somewhere over the Rainbow; Pack Up Your Troubles and others.

You can also find more VE Day activities at rbl.org.uk/veday75

Have a great VE Day!

08/05/2020

#STEAMfromHome with Lab Central
To celebrate #VEDay75 today, 75 years since the end of World War II, become a ninja spy by creating your own invisible ink and passing secret messages at home (www.researchparent.com/color-changing-invisible-ink/)

Did you know that invisible ink is also known as security ink or sympathetic ink? It can be made with organic fluids like lemon juice, vinegar, milk, sweat, saliva, onion juice, and even urine and diluted blood, to name a few. Sympathetic inks are more complicated chemical concoctions.

Find more about secret writing, cyphers and codes through Encyclopedia Britannica with your library card (www.visionrcl.org.uk/libraries-learning/online-resources/online-reference/britannica-library/)

Share with us your messages!

08/05/2020

#MorseChallenge answers #VEDay75

* Challenge 1: Make-do and mend
* Challenge 2: Walk short distances
* Challenge 3: Staggered holidays help everybdy
* Challenge 4: Doctor Carrot the children’s best friend
* Challenge 5: Dig for Victory!
* Challenge 6: We can do it!

Check out the corresponding World War II posters
www.iwm.org.uk/learning/resources/second-world-war-posters

Thanks for participating!

08/05/2020

#ComicHeroes with Lab Central
Time to draw your favourite superhero on a big format inspired by the World War II posters from the Imperial War Museums as part of the #VEDay75 celebrations. www.iwm.org.uk/learning/resources/second-world-war-posters

Think about what your superhero should be encouraging us to do as if we were living during WW2. Messages could include growing our own food or walking short distances instead of using petrol to run a car.

Check out our collection of comics for inspiration: www.rbdigital.com/llcuk/

Share a picture of your posters with us.

07/05/2020

The Undertaker's Daughter: Kate Mayfield

Dying Matters Awareness Week: #DyingToBeHeard.

Never has there been such a need to talk about death. We invite you to join a digital space to share stories, hopes and fears about loss.

The Covid-19 climate has prompted us all to think a bit more about death – whether it is concern for loved ones, for ourselves, or just the more general immediacy of mortality.

One way to navigate this environment and confront these concerns is through reading.

So Redbridge, Kirklees and Newcastle Libraries are teaming up to host an online death reading group. Each month we will read a particular book themed death and offer our responses to the group.

For the launch Death Reading Group on Thursday, 14 May, 7pm, we’ll be joined by Kate Mayfield, author of The Undertaker’s Daughter. We hope you’ll join us for a curious journey into Kate Mayfield's fascinating world.

This is not a bereavement counselling session, but it is an opportunity to reflect on, and think about, what mortality means for us all.

Bring tea, cake and a comfy chair!

Join us via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-undertakers-daughter-kate-mayfield-tickets-104345710830

Our Dying Matters Awareness Week programme is part of a larger project using libraries as safe and trusted spaces to start supportive conversations about death, dying and loss. This project is a collaboration between Redbridge, Kirklees and Newcastle Libraries. If you’d like to find out more, visit our dedicated page: https://www.facebook.com/The-Death-Positive-Library-102869111423593

We all need to talk about death more, join us for a curious journey into Kate Mayfield's fascinating world in The Undertaker's Daughter.

07/05/2020

Chillout with Redbridge Libraries

During lockdown, some of us might be feeling anxious and frustrated. Some of us might be angry, bored, lonely. These are difficult, unsettling, unprecedented times and we all could be feeling strong emotions. To make things worse, the lockdown is cutting off many of our usual ways of coping.

But while there’s a lot we can’t control right now, there are some things we still can, even if we have to get a bit creative.

In Chillout with Redbridge Libraries, every week we’re going to highlight an option for relaxing and chilling out.

This week we’re suggesting Create to Connect by 64 Million Artists. It's a month of daily challenges to keep us connected, curious and creative at home. Sign up here to receive daily creative challenges for the month: https://64millionartists.com/our-work/create-to-connect/.

Take a look. Hopefully you’ll find some daily activities that can help reduce stress and hopefully increase happiness in your life.

07/05/2020

Death Cafe Online

Dying Matters Awareness Week #DyingToBeHeard

Never has there been such a need to talk about death. We invite you to join a digital space to share stories, hopes and fears about loss.

While the Covid-19 crisis has prompted many people to think about death and what it means for them, it’s crucial we don’t feel alone with these thoughts.

Redbridge, Kirklees and Newcastle Library invite you to our first online Death Café on Friday, 15 May, 6pm.

This is not a bereavement counselling session, but is an opportunity to reflect on, and think about, what mortality means for us all.

Make sure you grab some tea, cake and a comfy chair, and join us to share your thoughts and stories about life, death and loss.

Join us via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/death-cafe-online-tickets-104340902448

Our Dying Matters Awareness Week programme is part of a larger project using libraries as safe and trusted spaces to start supportive conversations about death, dying and loss. This project is a collaboration between Redbridge, Kirklees and Newcastle Libraries. If you’d like to find out more, visit our dedicated page: https://www.facebook.com/The-Death-Positive-Library-102869111423593

Never has there been such a need to talk about death. We invite you to join a digital space to share stories, hopes and fears about loss.

07/05/2020

VE Day baking ideas for you to celebrate at home | GoodtoKnow

Tomorrow we will be celebrating VE day and to help with your celebrations here are some recipes for special treats you can bake over the long weekend! 😍 #VEDay75
https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/food/recipe-collections/ve-day-baking-ideas-540962

VE day is coming up at the end of this week. Looking for ways to celebrate? Try out some of these inspired VE Day baking ideas.

07/05/2020

#TheGreatCourse with Lab Central

‘World War II: Saving the Reality’ tells the story of an individual who owns the largest private collection of World War II artifacts in the world. Over 50 interviews with veterans and survivors of the war help tell the story of the meaning of the over 7,000 individual items in the collection of Kenneth W. Rendell (www.redbridge.kanopy.com/product/world-war-ii-saving-reality)

This coming Friday 8 May 2020 is #VEDay75, 75 years since the end of World War II. Members of the public can access lots of activities at www.rbl.org.uk/veday75 and on social media using #VEDay75 and #VEDay75Live during the livestream.

Share with us how you found this course.

07/05/2020

Join John Kirk as he presents an interactive storytelling of The Gingerbread Man TODAY at 11am and 1pm 😁 We have welcomed John for many years in our Redbridge Libraries and hope you will enjoy this virtual offering suitable for under 7 year olds! The storytelling will be via Zoom:

The Gingerbread Man - 11am
Meeting ID - 920-172-5938
Meeting Password - GBM070511

The Gingerbread Man - 1pm
Meeting ID - 920-172-5938
Meeting Password - GBM070513

06/05/2020

VE Day suggested reads • Vision RCL

VE Day Suggested Reads

Friday 8 May is VE Day - 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe and millions took to the streets to celebrate peace.

To give a sense of that era, we’ve curated two lists of books that are available via our eBook and eAudiobook platforms:

Adult fiction bestsellers published 1945
https://vrcl.uk/35z0xAu

Second World War Reads
https://vrcl.uk/2xFvGpf

Check the lists, download a good book and step back in time!

06/05/2020

Usage of PressReader is up over 1300% since this time last year! Have you signed up for PressReader yet? Access a whole host of newspapers and magazines from your computer, tablet or smartphone FREE with your library card!

Know someone that might be interested? Tag them below 👇

Visit: https://vrcl.uk/Virtual-Library for more information

06/05/2020

The Valentines Anomaly

Give our Escape Room From Home a go!

Want to try something a little different from home?

Julien Slade has invited you to help investigate some strange goings on at Valentines Mansion, but is all as it seems?

You and your team of paranormal investigators will have 1 hour to explore the Virtual Valentines Mansion, crack the codes and solve the puzzles before the mansion takes its revenge!

You can play with friends all over the world using Zoom, perfect for a unique way to reconnect with loved ones.

Play here: https://vrcl.uk/VirtualValentines

Valentines Mansion & Gardens - The Official Site Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure Redbridge Libraries Hub Central Kenneth More Theatre Redbridge Drama Centre Redbridge Music Service Redbridge Council Redbridge Arts

06/05/2020

#LEGOfromHome with Lab Central

This coming Friday 8 May 2020 will be 75 years since the end of World War II. To celebrate the arrival of peace in Europe we want you to use your LEGO to build the army of vehicles and battleships that helped to win the war (www.veday75.org/get-involved)

Let’s be part of the VE Day celebrations and cheer for all those who served in WW2 at home and abroad.

Share your creations with us!

06/05/2020

Reiki Meditation session six 06/05/2020

Reiki with Stephanie Mugo

Stephanie Mugo, our instructor for regular Friday reiki meditation sessions at Redbridge Central Library has moved her sessions online during lockdown.

These online sessions have been created to reduce as much as possible disruption to the classes due to the library closing temporarily, and are aimed to provide much needed support at a time of crisis.

Stephanie extends an invitation to join the class to anyone who feels they could benefit from:
• a mental break,
• a breath of fresh air,
• a pause in this new routine that can feel quite oppressive,
• gaining more focus,
• reducing the pressure of fear,
• feeling more relaxed,
• reconnecting with yourself,
• feeling a sense of calm inside and more…

The sessions are on Wednesdays at 2pm and last one hour.

All you need is a device to connect to YouTube, a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for one hour, and something to keep you warm and comfortable for the duration of the session. You can even keep a bottle of water by your side and take a sip between meditation activities.

Stephanie is asking for a voluntary donation of £3/session. If you feel aligned with this please contact Stephanie: [email protected]

But if you cannot afford it don’t worry - the videos are accessible at all times to everyone.

Here’s the link to the session for today: Wednesday 6 May at 2pm: https://youtu.be/jViAv1xYnHA

You can also type “Stephanie Mugo” in the YouTube search bar and then go to the videos and find the live stream and all the previous sessions by date.

05/05/2020

Must-Read Classics: George Orwell
Our eBook and eAudiobook platforms are perfect avenues to explore those classic books you may not have had the opportunity to read. To add to the journey, each week we will add links for you to enhance your reading and to signpost you to some of the world's most exciting and beautiful virtual book galleries, where you can turn the pages of literature's great treasures.
• RB Digital eAudiobooks
https://vrcl.uk/2UKDM8I
• RB Digital eBooks
https://vrcl.uk/2V640l9
• Overdrive
https://vrcl.uk/3aQwHJm
• Bolinda BorrowBox
https://vrcl.uk/2JKRxxS

To tie in with VE Day, his week’s focus is on George Orwell, whose book Animal Farm was published on 17 August 1945. Born Eric Arthur Blair, he spent five years at the St. Cyprian School for boys in Eastbourne, which later inspired Such, Such Were the Joys. In this account, he called the school’s proprietors “terrible, all-powerful monsters”

To pay the bills while writing, Orwell worked as a police officer for the Indian Imperial Police in Burma a high school teacher, a bookstore clerk, a propagandist for the BBC during World War II, a literary editor, and a war correspondent.

In 1931, while investigating poverty for his memoir, Down and Out in Paris and London, Orwell intentionally got himself arrested for being “drunk and incapable.”
The manuscript of Animal Farm was nearly destroyed when Orwell’s house was bombed in 1944. He spent hours sifting through the rubble till he found it.
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/546150/facts-about-george-orwell

The Orwell Foundation
https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/about/about-george-orwell/
George Orwell – Why He Wrote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvXU3vzHq8E
Explore George Orwell’s Last Notebook
https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/news-events/news-events/events/george-orwells-last-notebook/
Watch the 1999 version of Animal Farm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGzRf0Ow1qU

05/05/2020

To celebrate VE day on Friday and to help you with your 'At Home Street Parties' here are bunting making instructions to help you decorate your home in blue, red and white! 😄http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/england/pdf/ve_day_great_british_bunting_instructions.pdf

05/05/2020

If you are a writer feeling isolated and wanting somewhere to share your work and discuss writing, Please join our Write Next Door Zoom meeting this afternoon (Tuesday) at 4pm. Email [email protected] for the link to join in. All are very welcome

04/05/2020

Redbridge Drama Centre

Redbridge Drama Centre

Here's a sneaky look at our very special Redbridge VE Day video- coming Friday 8th May 2020! 🎥

04/05/2020

#MorseChallenge 6, this is the last one for you! #VEDay75

04/05/2020

#MorseChallenge 5, you are getting the hang of it! #VEDay75

04/05/2020

#MorseChallenge 4, it is not difficult!
#VEDay75

04/05/2020

#MorseChallenge 3 for those who dare #VEDay75

04/05/2020

#MorseChallenge 2 is ready for you. #VEDay75

04/05/2020

#CodingFromHome with Lab Central
Welcome to the #MorseChallenge

Become a morse code champion by solving the following 6 coding challenges. Tell us when you complete them all but hush, do not post the answers, these will be revealed here on Friday 8 at 2pm. #VEDay75

Want to know more about morse code? Do a search on one of our online Encyclopedia Britannica: https://visionrcl.org.uk/libraries-learning/online-resources/online-reference/britannica-library/

04/05/2020

Family Learning: Teach your Kids at Home

Wondering how best to teach your kids at home? Campaign for Learning has a wonderful website with a collection of colourful pamphlets you can open up and print off - or just read for reference at your desktop.

Great for answering all those questions about how to best teach kids at home

Open the link and have a look! https://vrcl.uk/349gDAc

04/05/2020

Create a Newspaper for VE Day

Why not create your own newspaper with the whole family to commemorate 8 May 1945. It's easier to do than you might think. There's no need to download any software. There are some simple instructions on youtube to create a front page using WORD or google docs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0sAnr2GaY8

When you have your layout, you'll need some content. You can use some of the following links to find news and stories from that time.

British Newspaper Archive
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
Holocaust Educational Trust
https://www.het.org.uk/
Imperial War Museum
https://www.iwm.org.uk/
Times Educational Supplement https://www.tes.com/news/todays-news-tomorrows-lesson-ve-day-end-second-world-war-europe
BBC VE Day Clips
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/history-ks2-ve-day/z7xtmfr
BBC Witness History https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p02qv6cj
BBC VE Day Stories
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02q3cwy
English Heritage https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/ve-day/
Encyclopedia Britannica https://visionrcl.org.uk/libraries-learning/online-resources/online-reference/britannica-library/
Guardian VE Day Stories and Memories https://www.theguardian.com/world/guardianwitness-blog/2015/may/08/ve-day-70-years-on-readers-photos-and-stories
British Film Industry VE Day film and an off-duty policeman captures stunning Kodachrome film of the celebrations in Gateshead - flags and bunting strung between terraces, and jubilant women and children (and a few men) gathered for street parties, waving defiant teapots after years of wartime blackouts, bombs and ration cards cards https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-ve-day-may-8th-9th-1945-thanksgiving-day-may-14th-1945-1945-online
VE Day 75 website
https://www.veday75.org/

You can see one that I made using the template.