Happy Saint David's Day! / Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant!

Image: Graeme Weatherston / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As we celebrate all things Welsh on Saint David's Day this Tuesday why not call in at one of your SMU libraries and learn a little bit more about the culture and history of this fantastic country!

We have Wales: The Rough Guide (shelfmark 914.29 WAL) if you fancy doing some travelling and seeing the sights. Maybe you're feeling adventurous and fancy learning the language too... why not borrow our multimedia course for beginners Cwrs Mynediad (491.6682421 MEE). If it's history that interests you take a look at History of Wales by John Davies (942.9 DAV), or if you're an aspiring poet why not immerse yourself in the Selected Poems of Dylan Thomas (821.912 THO). Finally, for those of you who prefer to surf the net, you could check out the fabulous website for welsh heritage and culture Gathering the Jewels ( http://www.gtj.org.uk/ ).

If that little lot doesn't get you feeling all patriotic on March 1st then call into the Owen Library on Mount Pleasant Campus and pick up a pin-on daffodil in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Wear your daffodil with pride!

Meet our competition winner...

Library blog competition winner Elia (left) receiving her chocolates & giftcard earlier this afternoon!

What do you love about your SMU Library - competition winner!

Thank you to everyone who left comments regarding the library as part of the Valentines Library Blog promotion!

Our winner (picked earlier today at random by the Art & Design library rep) is Elia Strange, who had posted the following comment:

'I love how easy it is to find books and journals in our library. I love seeing how helpful, friendly and always smiling all staff members are when we have enquiry. I love the technology that the library uses, and how easy it is to take, return or renew the books there these days. SMU Library is the best!'

We've enjoyed reading everyone's comments, and don't forget you can continue to follow us and give feedback in the future!

What do you love about your SMU Library?

Celebrate St. Valentine's Day, by telling us via our library blog what you love about your SMU Library, between 14th - 20th February! It could be one of our resources, or services, or even a helpful member of staff.

By doing so you could win a box of chocolates and a gift card worth £10 (see photo) so please remember to leave your full name with your comment!

On Monday 21st February we'll be choosing someone at random to receive the goodies, so have a think, and let us know!!

(Please note, due to the nature of the promotion it is only open to SMU students & staff)

'Love' books

To get you in the mood for St Valentine’s Day, Booktrust has come up with ten favourite children’s books about love. Take a look at their selection here: http://www.booktrustchildrensbooks.org.uk/Recommended-Books/Children%27s-Book-Lists/Ten-books-about-love.

You can find plenty of children’s books on all sorts of topics in the Teaching Practice collection in Townhill Library. We’ve even got some of Booktrust’s top ten, so if you want to see what all the fuss is about, pop in and have a look!

Just a reminder...

...about the 'Save our Libraries' day being held tomorrow (see last Tuesday's blog post) - please show your support where possible for your public library service!

Contactless arrives at SMU Libraries...

We now have the facility to take contactless payments at our library counters, for purchases between £5.00 - £15.00!

Contactless payments are all about using innovative technology to save you time and effort. Integrated into your card, it means you can pay for items in a quick and easy manner. It’s also secure, so you can buy with confidence!

Your libraries need you!!

This Saturday 5th February, everyone who cares about libraries is being encouraged to support their public library service as part of an organised 'Save Our Libraries' day.

The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the cuts & closures facing many public library services, and to do something positive to show how much the public care about libraries. Therefore as many people as possible are being encouraged to visit their public library this Saturday and use their services, or even Tweet why they love libraries!

For more information and ideas, take a look at the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals weblink: http://www.cilip.org.uk/get-involved/advocacy/public-libraries/Pages/savelibrariesday.aspx and get involved!