Middlesbrough Library staff will be targeting Acklam, Berwick Hills and Central Library localities to raise awareness of what the libraries have to offer.

Flyers will be handed out offering a media exchange to entice new and existing members back who haven't used their local library for a while.

Tony MacKinder, 60, lives in supported housing in Linthorpe, which enables him to lead an active and fulfilling life.

ubu is giving Tony the chance to satisfy his love of animals by working at John's Place 4 Pets in the town's Borough Road. Tony now provides general help around the shop including cleaning and feeding the animals, which range from hamsters and guinea pigs through to the more exotic snakes, tarantulas and bearded dragons.

Sue Inglis, Customer service manager from ubu explains that: "We are so pleased that we have been able to support Tony to find voluntary work, which he thoroughly enjoys.

"Tony looks forward to going to the shop and helping care for the animals. It has built up his confidence and given him a real sense of self-worth. There is so much satisfaction and enjoyment knowing we are enabling the people we support to achieve their goals and develop greater independence."

Tony has really made a difference to the pet shop, with owner Russell Mills commenting that: "Tony is a real hard worker and a pleasure to have around. We are so pleased that we can give him this role which he has undoubtedly proven his worth."

ubu supports people with learning, physical or emotional difficulties to enable them to live an independent life. The company work with around 100 people across the Tees Valley, as well as throughout the north of England

Hand your entry, with your contact details, into your local branch or email Jessica_Christie@middlesbrough.gov.uk by Monday, January 30. You and a friend could become a library VIP for the day, which would include a tour of Central Library, Middlesbrough, access to the non-public historic collection, tea, cake and a goody bag.

A cast member spent 6 weeks in the summer working in an orphanage in Bulgaria where babies are only allowed to have 2 nappies in 24hours.

He was so moved by their plight that he asked if we could have a 'one off' panto night to raise funds just for that orphanage.

So on Saturday 12th February at 6.30pm and again at Trinity Methodist Church, Stainsby Road, Middlesbrough, you will have another chance to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!

All tickets will be £5 and are available from Linda Harkins on 868774.

Tickets prices remain the same as the last 4 years - £5 adults, £3 concessions and £14 for a family ticket, and are available now from Linda on 01642-868774. Prepare to be entertained.

MIDDLESBROUGH Libraries will be hosting a range of events as part of its World Jam festival this month.
A range of workshops, craft fairs and talks from leading authors will take place at Acklam, Hemlington and Marton libraries.
All events are free and aim to highlight a different culture from around the world.
For more information visit www.middlesbroughcouncil.co.uk.

A Remembrance Day Service will take place on Sunday November 14 at The Cenotaph, Middlesbrough. The procession starts at 10:45am.

Middlesbrough's Little Theatre will be performing A Christmas Carol this festive season. The first show is on Tuesday, November 23. Call 01642 815181 to book a ticket.

Remember, Remember the 5th November at Green Lane Rugby Club.The annual firework display begins at 6:30pm. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children.

South Cleveland Heart Fund held an Autumn fair on Saturday October 2 in the Community Centre, 468 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough and a big thank you to those who attended and helped us raise £654.

The money raised will go direct to the local heart unit at the James Cook University Hospital.

Our grateful thanks to:
All the Committee members and friends who manned the stalls on the day,
Everyone who donated the many prizes, gifts, groceries, baked cakes etc.
And to the generous public who gave their support on the day.

Special thanks to members of the official UK STAR WARS fan club, the 'Rebel Legion' who came along to entertain and draw in the crowds: giving local fans both young and old the opportunity to have their photo taken with their favourite character.

The North East is a black spot for heart related problems and we are very lucky in this area to have on our doorstep the nationally acclaimed Cardiothoracic Unit in the James Cook University Hospital

By helping and supporting the SCHF you help us to purchase much needed equipment and funding research, helping to keep the heart unit at the forefront of new technology.

If you would like to help to raise funds, make a donation or need further information

Please contact Dr Davies' secretary - Tel: (01642) 854621 or visit our website: www.schf.org.uk

And back again by popular demand is Star Wars - Members of the REBEL LEGION UK, so bring the kids - bring your camera, take a photo with your favourite character.

Bric-a-brac - cakes - tombola, jewellery and lots more, entrance fee 20p.

All monies raised will go to the South Cleveland Heart Fund, your local heart charity who help and support the regional cardiothoracic centre at the James Cook University Hospital. Keeping us at the leading edge of new technologies, purchasing much needed equipment, refurbishing of day rooms, Outpatients etc. and/or supporting doctors and nurses during their research

Chairman: Dr Adrian Davies
If you would like further information / would like to help to raise funds or make a donation to the SCHF, Please contact Dr Davies' secretary - Tel: (01642) 854621

Click here to view the Middlesbrough Literary Festival brochure
page in PDF format

Middlesbrough Libraries are hosting the Second Literary Festival from 19th June - 30th July 2010.

Find us on Facebook: Middlesbrough Literary Festival
Follow us on Twitter: @litfestival
Festival Website: http://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/litfest