For the Love of Books

Discover North Lanarkshire’s History

To celebrate Local History Month, we invited members of the Archives and Local History teams on our podcast to tell us about the fantastic resources and services they have to offer.

Chris Wilson, our E-Services Librarian was joined by Archivist, Wiebke McGhee, and Local Studies Officer, Margaret McGinty. During their chat, you'll find out more about how they can help with family history research, just how much is in the Archives collections, the sorts of events and talks they provide and how to access them.

We also had to find out what they've been reading too of course.

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on our podcast using #FLBpodcast or by emailing librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk. On podcast platforms that allow ratings, we'd always appreciate a rating too.

Keep the Heid

Yesterday was Keep the Heid, Scotland's Reading Moment - organised by the Scottish Library & Information Council and promoted in public libraries across Scotland.

After the hugely successful day, where the target pledge was smashed by readers signing up to dedicate 6 minutes to reading and enjoy the health and well-being benefits of that time spent between the pages of a good book, our E-Services Librarian Chris Wilson is joined by Marion Kunderan from the Scottish Library & Information Council to find out more about the initiative.

We've also got updates at the end from various staff members about how they spent their 6 minutes and why it was important to them to pledge to Keep the Heid.

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on our podcast using #FLBpodcast or by emailing librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk. On podcast platforms that allow ratings, we'd always appreciate a rating too.

Beat the Librarian Quiz

For World Book Night our Librarian from Coatbridge Library, Thomas Clark, created a quiz for an event. We decided to bring a shortened version to our podcast and have Thomas challenge our E-Service Librarian, Chris Wilson and Librarian at Airdrie Library, Drew Feeney to test their literary knowledge.

It gives you the chance to take them on too. So feel free to try and answer the questions as you listen and share your scores with us on social media. The quiz covers everything from poetry, to classics and modern literature. Get the scorecards ready and take on the challenge.

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on our podcast using #FLBpodcast or by emailing librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk. On podcast platforms that allow ratings, we'd always appreciate a rating too.

Find Her First with Emma Christie

For our new episode of the For the Love of Books podcast, our host and E-Services Librarian, Chris Wilson, is joined by a very special guest - Scottish crime author Emma Christie.

Emma exploded onto the scene with her debut novel The Silent Daughter which was shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize and the Bloody Scotland Debut of the Year. A major feature of the book is a fantastic twist in the tale. This trait continues with her new novel Find Her First which is equally as readable and enjoyable.

Find out more about the books, Emma herself and what the future might hold for her writing and characters.

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on our podcast using #FLBpodcast or by emailing librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk. On podcast platforms that allow ratings, we'd always appreciate a rating too.

Podcast This Blog

Other than Librarians, Book Bloggers are probably the next closest group of people to so publicly display their love of books.

We decided to invite two of the best local Book Bloggers onto our podcast to get their experience in the blogging world. Chris Wilson, our E-Services Librarian is joined in this episode by Gordon from Grab This Book and Sharon from Chapter In My Life.

Both have great experiences that have come from sharing their passion for books and reading also have some fantastic tips for anyone looking to start their own blog.

One thing you are guaranteed when chatting with Book Bloggers is some great recommended reads - so listen out for some titles to add to your To-Read Pile.  

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on our podcast using #FLBpodcast or by emailing librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk. On podcast platforms that allow ratings, we'd always appreciate a rating too. 

Be Scam Aware

Our podcast this week takes a little step away from books (although there is still a mention in there) to have a look at some of the recent work from our LogintoLearn team with raising awareness to scams and staying safe online.

The E-Services Librarian, Chris Wilson, is joined in this episode by Ekaterine Tsurtsumia, our Digital Assistant at Cumbernauld Library and Phyllis Canavan, our Digital Learning Officer from Cumbernauld Library too.

We get to find out more about the recent sessions the pair have hosted both online and in-person highlighting the scale of the scam problems in society, how to watch out for them and importantly what to do if you fall victim to one. 

There is some great advice for anyone worried about relatives who could be more at risk from being targeted. We round things off by coming back to books with a few recent reads and recommendations for our listeners to check out.

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on the podcast using #FLBpodcast or by emailing librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk.

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World Book Day Fun

To celebrate World Book Day, our E-Services Librarian - Chris Wilson challenged some of our staff to tell us about their favourite children's books.

There turned out to be a great spread of books with their own childhood classics, ones they've enjoyed reading time and time again, new picture books to check out and even a top YA title.

Listen in to find out more.

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on the podcast using #FLBpodcast or by emailing librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk.

It‘s Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Which everyone knows is the perfect time for reading.

In this episode of our podcast - the final in this series (don't worry, we'll be back!), Chris Wilson - our E-Services Librarian catches up with Judy McGuire and Drew Feeney from Airdrie Library. Winter is in the air, everyone can feel the Christmas spirit rising and Judy and Drew recently organised our Winterfest at Summerlee Museum. If that wasn't enough they are also the stars of our Winter's Tales video series on YouTube - reading short stories or extracts from well-known winter stories. 

They seemed like the perfect pair to get on the podcast in the lead up to Santa's big visit to find out what would make a great bookish present, what kids books are big hits this Christmas and we find out what they are both hoping to find under the tree on Christmas morning. 

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on the podcast using #FLBpodcast or by emailing librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk. 

Space Talk From Airdrie

Did you know that inside Airdrie Library there is an Observatory? Our friends at the Airdrie Astronomical Association help to run the Observatory and two of their members, William Tennant and Richard Shaw join Chris, our E-Services Librarian on this episode to tell us more.

The pair discuss what is happening with the Observatory and the club in the current Covid-19 climate and also chat about some of the most exciting happenings recently in astronomy and give us some fantastic scientific book recommendations too.

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on our podcast using the hashtag #FLBpodcast or by emailing us at librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk.

Mirrorland with Carole Johnstone

It's Book Week Scotland! To celebrate, Chris - our E-Services Librarian is joined on our podcast by Carole Johnstone, author of Mirrorland - a smash hit new debut novel.

Carole tells us all about her start in creative writing with short stories, her love for all things Stephen King, the fantastic psychological thriller she has written, and how exciting it was for Stephen King to be one of its growing number of fans.

Don't forget you can leave us feedback on our podcast using the hashtag #FLBpodcast or by emailing us at librarypodcast@northlan.gov.uk.