👀 Looking for your next great read? @wandflibraries have got you covered!
We visited Barrow Library to see how they’re bringing the National Year of Reading to life. This year’s theme, “Whatever You’re Into, Read Into It”, is all about exploring your interests - with the library fully stocked in most subjects, proving they’re much more than just fiction books!
With new themes each month, kids and young adults are encouraged to broaden their interests beyond their usual reads. Plus, they’ve enlisted Barrow author Helen Phifer as their National Year of Reading Ambassador. Helen is set to deliver a talk at Barrow library in June, inspiring future writers.
Want to know more about the library’s plans? Follow them on socials to keep updated!
Barrow Library are excited to showcase Women In Rugby League's exhibition in our foyer this month 🏉
Thanks to Mary McPortland for sharing her knowledge and research with us as well as her fantastic memorabilia! She is also encouraging people to share their memories of Women's Rugby League in the area. You can do this by visiting Barrow Library and asking a member of staff 😊
What a fantastic way to celebrate Local and Community history month in May!
Local History Month - flick through these uncovered pictures and pieces from the early days of our libraries, as Cumbria was blessed with the gift of Libraries throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries 📚
The generosity and forward-thinking of benefactors of times gone by helped Libraries become a feature of our region - from Carnegie’s widespread financial aid resulting in the creation of Kendal and Barrow’s libraries, to the Groves family of Windermere ensuring the townsfolk had a long-term home for their reading and research needs, Libraries now help us celebrate our shared history and sense of place.
Our third session of the Silent Book Club will be taking place on Wednesday 3rd June at Penrith Library between 6pm-8pm.
A silent book club is a 'no pressure' book club where people meet to read their current book together in silence. There is no assigned reading or homework, and no mandatory discussion.
This is a free club for over 18s, and takes place the first Wednesday of each month.
To book yourself a space pop into Penrith Library or give us a ring on 01768 812100.
Volunteers Wanted – Summer Reading Challenge 2026 ☀️
Are you aged 14–24 and looking for something fun and rewarding to do this summer?
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help deliver an engaging programme for the Summer Reading Challenge 2026 – Read to the Beat across our libraries.
Volunteering is a great opportunity to:
✨Gain valuable skills and experience
✨Support children and young people with reading
✨Get involved in a creative, music-themed summer
Application deadline: 30 June
Find out more and apply via the link in our bio or collect an application form from Barrow, Penrith or Kendal Library.
A splash of green across Penrith and Kendal libraries today as our staff joined in Wear It Green Day to champion Mental Health Awareness Week and spark conversations that matter.
Local History Month 📖
At Kendal, Penrith and Barrow Libraries, we have new displays detailing the history of education in the local area, while our members get free access to brilliant online research resources such as Find My Past, Ancestry and much more. Immerse yourself in your local and personal history through Local History Month and beyond 📚❤️
Our staff are getting prepared for @BarrowBID 's Dino Day 🦖 Tell us what is your favourite dinosaur?
#nationalyearofreading2026 #jurassicpark #library #westmorlandandfurness #dinoday 🦕
Don't miss our exciting talk tonight at Penrith Library!
Neolithic North Cumbria.
Discover more about the North Cumbrian Neolithic henges and stone circles around the Penrith area from a local English Heritage Volunteer guide. We are constantly learning more about the lives of the people who built them, but the purposes of these incredible, megalithic monuments is still a mystery...
To book, give us a ring on 01768 812100, pop into the library, or scan the QR code.
Free event, £1 refreshments!
Join us at Penrith Library next Wednesday evening (20th May) for a celebration of one of the most scenic and historic railway routes in the world 🚂
It’s Local History Month, which provides us with a great opportunity to learn about different elements of our shared backstory. Whether it’s people, industry or environment, W&F Libraries celebrates the facts and folklore of our past. The Settle-Carlisle railway is one of many magnificent building blocks of the history of our region, and we hope you can join us for a reflection on its wonderful 150 years!
Penrith Library is marking Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May) with a week of creative, calming and connection‑focused events.
✨ Mindfulness Painting
✨ Creative Writing Workshop
✨ Recovery College Open Session
✨ Time to Talk drop‑ins
✨ Wear It Green Day on 14 May
Small moments make a big difference. Everyone welcome!
