Coding, debating and learning about space as college hosts Libraries Week

Coleg Llandrillo learners held a debate on vaping and tried coding as part of Libraries Week.

Students also learned about space, competed in a chess tournament and enjoyed a pampering session as part of a range of activities on offer throughout the week.

Libraries Week was held from December 5-7 to showcase some of the services offered by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Library+ centres.

The week’s events in the Bodnant building at the Rhos-on-Sea campus started on Tuesday morning with a debate on vaping. Learners had the chance to convey their point of view, listen to others and experience democracy in action.

On Tuesday afternoon, students were able to try coding sessions using Lego Mindstorms robots, experimenting with some of the latest technology the library has to offer.

On Wednesday morning the library hosted a reading group with learners from ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). The session included an introduction to new ESOL resources.

ESOL tutor Meleri Hughes said: “The ESOL students really enjoyed the reading group. They were delighted at the choice of books and everybody took a book home to read.

“They are looking forward to the next session, and commented on how kind and helpful the staff were to them. The ESOL students were impressed with the range of materials on offer and thought the dictionaries were a really helpful resource.”

On Thursday afternoon, students had a chance to unwind and be pampered, as Beauty Therapy learners offered free nail art sessions.

Sharon Grieve, Beauty Therapy tutor, said: "I am so proud of all the level 1 learners who came to support libraries week by showcasing their new nail art skills.

“It is wonderful to see the learners building their confidence with clients and watching their progression journey into the beauty industry.”

On Thursday, the focus was on the final frontier in a lunchtime lecture on astronomy.

Library print shop assistant Brian Woosnam inspired students to stargaze as he delivered an open lesson on the universe beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

The final event of Libraries Week was a chess tournament on Thursday afternoon. Cameron Jones won the first prize of £20, with Rhys Frost taking the £10 runners-up prize.

Library+ is a partnership between Library Services, Learner Services and the Additional Learning Needs Team. It is designed to create one point of contact for students to access resources and support.

There are 10 libraries at the Grŵp’s nine campuses, with each Library+ centre having a wide range of materials to support students with their studies, as well as offering wellbeing and enrichment activities.

The Library+ centres offer free WiFi access, digital learning equipment such as virtual reality headsets, loans of digital equipment, and support with digital study. Eligible students can loan a Google Chromebook device for free to support their studies, while there are dedicated, flexible study spaces enabling learners to bring in their own devices.

Students also have access to more than 70,000 books and journals and specialist online databases, including a wide range of e-book and e-journal platforms.

There are spaces for individual or group study, including quiet spaces which the Autism Mentoring team use to support learners.

Experienced staff are on hand to support students with study skills, and for help with assignments and examinations preparations. A range of resources is also available to support continued professional development including employability skills and career information.

For more information on Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s libraries, including opening times, click here.