SEND

Libraries

The Library Service in St Helens welcomes children and families and is free to join.

Libraries in St Helens are fully accessible and our services are available to all. Please click the icon to be taken to the Library Service page

Here at St Helens Libraries we provide the space and opportunity to make friends, to learn and to experience a diverse range of activities, offering something for all ages. We support people to access information and services, whether in-print or on the internet, and reading is available in a variety of accessible formats, such as large print, dyslexia-friendly, audio and digital. Please click on the St Helens Library Services icon above to learn more about the Library Service.

Some of the services we offer are detailed below:

Arts in Libraries

Welcome to the home of the award-winning Cultural Hubs - Arts in Libraries programme.

Cultural Hubs is delivered by and through St Helens Borough Council Library Service - one of only six library services in England to be awarded National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status by Arts Council England (ACE).

In 2016 we were voted Best Arts Project in The People's National Lottery Awards, and continue to grow in strength, ambition, and popularity, engaging over 20,300 audiences in the arts since becoming an NPO.

We collaborate with arts organisations across the region, including Heart of Glass, DaDaFest, wonder arts, Homotopia, Liverpool Independents Biennial and Writing on the Wall.

We have previously hosted work from internationally recognised artists including Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Selina Thompson, Mark Titchner, Aidan Moesby and Francesca Martinez.

We have commissioned and collaborated with artists from St Helens and the wider region including Kevin Crooks, Ben Hodges, Claire Weetman, Rebecca Ainsworth, Millie Chesters, Pretentious Dross, Brendan Curtis, Alexis Maxwell, Year of the Rat Collective and many more. Browse our past events.

Our mission is to provide diverse creative opportunities for audiences and participants within library spaces, online and in the community; to collaborate with artists and communities for the mutual benefit of all, and to share best practice with other library services across England.

Find out more about what's on in our current programme, including how you can get involved.

Our core team

Cath Shea, Arts Development Manager (cathshea@sthelens.gov.uk)

Owen Hutchings, Senior Arts in Libraries Officer (owenhutchings@sthelens.gov.uk)

Jim Valentine-Burrows, Arts in Libraries Officer (jamesvalentine-burrows@sthelens.gov.uk)

There is an advisory board that oversees the Cultural Hub programme chaired by Pippa Lea. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email Owen Hutchings.

What's On in St Helens Libraries?

February Half Term

A range of drop-in children’s activities will be delivered throughout the half term week. Check b.link/sthlibswhatson for more information

SEND Messy Play

Be creative and enjoy the fun of sensory and tactile playtime in the library

Numbers are limited so booking is required by contacting the library

Thursday 6th April 2.30-3.30pm Newton le Willows Library To book call 01744 677885 or email newtonlewillowslibrary@sthelens.gov.uk

Tuesday 11th April 11am-12pm Thatto Heath Library To book call 01744 677842 or email thattoheathlibrary@sthelens.gov.uk

Thursday 13th April 10.30am-11.30am Eccleston Library

To book call 01744 677575 or email ecclestonlibrary@sthelens.gov.uk

Thursday 13th April 2-3pm Parr Library To book call 01744 677580 or email parrlibrary@sthelens.gov.uk

Springtime Storywalk at Parr Library 6th April 2-3pm

Take part in our nature trail as we amble though Gaskell Park. Enjoy a story in the fresh air then head back to the library for refreshments. Booking required. To book call 01744 677580 or email parrlibrary@sthelens.gov.uk

Springtime Storywalk at Thatto Heath Library Thursday 13th April 2-3pm

Take part in our nature trail as we amble though Thatto Heath Park. Enjoy a story in the fresh air then head back to the library for refreshments. Booking required. To book call 01744 677842 or email thattoheathlibrary@sthelens.gov.uk

Books on Prescription

All St Helens Libraries now offer a Books on Prescription Scheme for 13-18 year olds called Shelf Help, which includes a range of books offering high quality information, support and advice on mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm and difficult life pressures such as bullying and exams.

https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/libraries/reading-well-books-on-prescription/

The purpose of the Local Offer is to enable parents and young people to see more clearly what services are available for children with special educational needs and disabilities in their area, and how to access them.

Get in Touch...

"I like the pictures and I like the interesting information it has on the website" - Pupil from Allanson Street Primary School

We are working with parents, young people, children, carers and local services including schools, colleges and health and social care agencies to develop the offer.

"It has been really good having the opportunity to choose whether to be involved or not. It has felt good to be leading work, not just involved. It has helped build my confidence and helped me make decisions in my own life." - Young person on being involved in Voice of the Child.

"The new website is much easier to navigate and find your way around." - Parent of a child with SEND.