Back to School

With the Shows past and the weather taking a turn for the worse the following Giddy Limit cartoon by Alex Leonard seems to sum up this time of year in Orkney.

No.207. The Orcadian 13th August 2009   http://www.giddy-limit.com/Year4Archive/no.207.html

As well as the anticipation of a new school term, there is also the joy of all those winter activities to look forward to - the  indoor projects and activities that have been neglected during the long summer days.

Part of the excitement is opening up the new guide to Community Learning Courses and deciding which new skill to tackle this year. From Archaeology to Yoga, Birdwatching to Welding, there are courses to suit every interest and ability.

The prospect of the increasingly dark winter days can only be brightened by the promise of getting together with other like-minded folk and taking part in a new activity. After all why should the bairns have all the fun - you're never to old, or young, to enjoy learning something new!

Pop in to the library and pick up your copy of the course guide and you'll be spoilt for choice. But don't delay too long in making your decision, as places can fill up quickly.

Holidays and Hedgehogs

Well, with the Shows over, the Community Learning Course Guide out, and the nights fair drawing in, winter can't be far away -  and so our thoughts turn to the books which will ease the passing of the dark winter evenings ahead of us.

If you would like some inspiration for your winter reading, and would like the chance to meet other book lovers to engage in lively debate over a hot beverage, then you'll be delighted to know the Stromness Library Reading Group will restart next Wednesday 22nd August.

Please note the change of date, we usually meet on the last Wednesday of the month but for this first meeting we will meet a week early due to staff holidays (no exotic destinations for us, a trip to Birsay for some sandcastle building and a Mr Whippy and we'll be happy).

Our first title is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery and there are still a couple of copies available from the library if anyone would like the chance to read it before the meeting. New members are always very welcome, we meet from 7-8pm in the Exhibition Room and, as previously mentioned, a range of hot beverages are available.

Summer's gone

Well the summer may be nearly over, with the Shows past and the schools going back next week, but before you get too despondent just remember all the good things a change of season brings. With the nights fair drawing in our thoughts turn to how to fill those long autumn and winter evenings. The Community Learning Course Guide was published this week, as well as the perennial favourites such as yoga, cookery and various crafts, we notice some new and intriguing additions this year including Gregorian Chant for Beginners, The World of Beowulf and So you want to be a Councillor? With so many courses to choose from, at a number of different locations throughout Orkney, there's something for everyone. If you haven't already got a copy of the Course Guide they are available at both Libraries, or you can even download a pdf version from the Orkney Islands Council website.

Another welcome return for autumn is the Stromness Library Reading Group which will have its first meeting, after an extended summer break, on Wednesday 31st August at 7pm in the exhibition room of the Stromness Library. The book we will be discussing is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and copies are available from the library if you need to borrow one before the meeting. New members are always very welcome so do come along and join in the friendly, informal discussion with fellow book lovers - tea and coffee provided!