This summer will mark the 10th anniversary of our successful Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight (MANIL). There are lots of ways for you to get involved in our 2011 campaign, which will run from 6 to 19 June. Here are some of the things you can do:
Take part in our national survey to test the accessibility of ebook services in public libraries. A growing number of libraries now provide e-books but how accessible are the services they offer? We would like to hear from blind and partially sighted people who can help test ebook services during MANIL Fortnight. Don't worry if you're not a computer user or experienced in downloading books. We want to hear from IT novices and computer whizzes alike to give us a full picture of what is currently available. Interested? Contact Una Regan on 0161 355 2079 to add your name to our list of testers and we'll link you up with a library near you in June.
Let us know how your local library is faring in the current climate of financial cuts. Have you lost out due to library closures or reduced services? Or perhaps your library provides a sterling service and you'd like to tell us all about it.
If you don't use your local library, why not visit or give them a call to find out what they offer? By using and asking for services, you will be demonstrating the need for accessible books and information for blind and partially sighted people - and you might be pleasantly surprised by what's on offer.
Go along to one of the many MANIL events being organised by libraries between 6 to 19 June. Activities in previous years have included open days, coffee mornings, book displays, reading groups, storytelling, drumming workshops and much more.
For further information about Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight 2011 contact Megan Gilks on 0161 355 2080 megan.gilks@rnib.org.uk