Joyful Christmas reading recommendations

There is something about reading a book at Christmas that is especially heart-warming. Whilst the chestnuts are roasting and the weather outside is most certainly frightful, why not curl up on the sofa with a brilliant book, mince pie and perhaps even a glass of mulled wine. To give you some inspiration, we have put together a reading list of joyful Christmas reading recommendations for you to enjoy.

Whether you are looking for stories to share with the family, recipes to spice up your Christmas menu, or handy hints and tips for creating some extra special gifts, our libraries will have the book for you!

Fiction: The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale; A Maigret Christmas by Georges Simenon

Non-fiction: The Twelve Birds of Christmas by Stephen Moss

Recipes: Christmas with Kim-Joy: a festive collection of edible cuteness by Kim-Joy; Mary Berry's Christmas Collection by Mary Berry

Poetry: Hoff Gerddi Nadolig Cymru by Bethan Mair; Christmas Poems by Wendy Cope

Christmas Craft: Supercraft Christmas by Sophie Pester

For younger readers: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis; A boy called Christmas by Matt Haig; Anrheg Nadolig Taid/ Grandpa Christmas by Michael Morpurgo; Stick Man by Julia Donaldson

Aura Libraries’ top recommendation: Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days by Jeanette Winterson

Whatever you’re reading this festive season, Aura Libraries wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Festive crafts online with your library

Your library is here to help you get into the festive spirit: we’ve got lots of fabulous Christmas craft sessions and would love to see your own Christmas crafts. Send us a photo of your festive creations! We have also got lots of Christmassy story time and rhymetime sessions for you to enjoy from home. To keep up to date with all our online library activities, visit our Facebook page at @LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries, Twitter page at @LibFlintshire and Instagram page at @aura.wales.

New phone numbers and opening times

Please note: we have had new numbers at the following libraries:

• Broughton: 01352 703760

• Buckley: 01352 703860

• Mold: 01352 703780

Our other library contact numbers remain the same and are as follows:

• Flint: 01352 703737

• Connah’s Quay: 01352 703730

• Holywell: 01352 703850

All Aura library branches will be closed for the period 24 December 2020 to 3 January 2021 inclusive: our libraries will re-open for Select and Collect collections on Monday 4 January 2021. Any further information or updates regarding select browsing and computer usage will be communicated at the earliest possible opportunity via the Aura website and our social media platforms. Visit our Facebook page at @LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries, Twitter page at @LibFlintshire and Instagram page at @aura.wales.

Christmas ‘Grab and Go’ bags

We have some fabulously festive ‘grab and go’ bags available at our libraries this Christmas season which include a collection of tempting titles lovingly chosen by our wonderful library assistants. Pick up a bag during your next visit to the library and enjoy a Christmas blind date with a book!

Join the library online

If you are not already a library member but would like to become one, you can join online via the Aura Wales website for free instant access to hundreds of library resources such as e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines and e-comics. These resources can be downloaded straight from our online providers such as Borrowbox, RBdigital and pressreader to a PC, Laptop or Mac. Alternatively, you can download the apps directly to a smartphone or tablet.

Digital tip of the week

Our digital tip of the week is inspired by the festive season! We recommend browsing the different baking and cookery magazines available to read online via RBdigital and pressreader. There are lots of Christmassy inspired baking ideas for you to explore. Find us on Facebook @LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries or Twitter @LibFlintshire to share photos of your baking creations with us.

To access most online library resources you will need to enter your library membership number and pin. If you are unsure of your pin, please email us at: libraries@aura.wales All links and further details about our digital library resources can be found on our website: www.aura.wales/libraries

From everyone here at Aura Libraries, thank you for reading, stay safe and we hope to hear from you or see you soon! Whilst we may be facing difficult times, remember: we are always united by books!

• Aura is a charitable, not-for-profit, organisation responsible for managing the majority of leisure, libraries and heritage services in Flintshire. Aura is owned by its employees and operates for the benefit of local communities.