PUBLIC libraries in Denbighshire are celebrating the “Winter of Wellbeing” campaign with three days of online national events this month.

From March 15-17, schools and colleges across Wales are invited to tune in to join a line-up of authors and ambassadors who will shine a light on the power of reading to help in tough times and to connect to others, through music, poetry, chat and debate.

The Winter of Wellbeing is the Welsh Government’s cross-sector seasonal campaign which has been working to help children and young people recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has seen thousands across the country welcomed into libraries to discover the magic inside, including – between the bookshelves – everything from yoga to mindful gardening, Lego clubs to creative writing workshops.

Events with award-winning Welsh authors will discuss and debate how books can be your best friend, kindness and courage, Welsh myths and legends, the art of illustration, the power of listening and the magic of poetry.

The range of topics hopes to captivate children and young people and help to showcase how reading and libraries can help them recover from the pandemic by connecting them to new ideas, new friends and others in their community.

The Denbighshire programme includes an event ideal for children aged between six and nine: pick up your paper, pencils or crayons and be part of the art as illustrators of children’s books - Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher - share the stories behind their work.

They’ll be encouraging them to see the world through artists’ eyes and to find new ways of expressing themselves (and there will be the chance to join in the fun with some drawing, too).

Two Welsh language events will also be hosted by Anglesey and Conwy libraries and more from Cardiff, Swansea, Carmarthen and Abergavenny libraries.

Nicola Pitman, chair of the Society of Chief Librarians Cymru and library lead, who has been working in partnership with The Reading Agency on the campaign: “We hope that these national Winter of Wellbeing author events will encourage and attract the young people of Wales to our libraries, to read and engage with all the activities and entertainment inside.

“Your local library has so much to offer; it is a local hub for the community where young people can meet and take part.

“After the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to help our children and young people reconnect and what better way than joining your local library and see what’s going on.”

Deputy minister for social services, Julie Morgan, added: “The Winter of Wellbeing libraries campaign has been instrumental in helping our children and young people re-engage with their communities, and support their emotional and mental wellbeing, as we recover from the pandemic.

“Reading is a great way our young people can develop their imagination and help them escape their worries or concerns.

“This initiative has put libraries back on the map and showcased what is on offer in your local library.

“I encourage everyone to go to their local library and hope many young people will take part in these virtual author events and take inspiration from the award winning authors.”

You can check out all the events taking place at the Winter of Wellbeing’s website: www.readingagency.org.uk/winterofwellbeing.

All events are free – you simply need to register via Eventbrite.

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