Spaced Out

Maidenhead Library was hosting 'Maidenhead's Big Read' this weekend, timed to coincide with World Book Day. This is a free event that always attracts a large number of families. This year's theme was outer space, and what a treat was in store! There were author's giving talks on various topics, story-telling sessions, astronomy exhibitions including a viewing telescope, and an immersive planetarium dome. Amy, Kristina, Nicola, Sheila and Tessa all went to help out. Tessa was manning the information desk telling people about what was on and answering any questions, and Kristina had the coldest job at the entrance welcoming people and recording attendance. Amy, Nicola and Sheila were all manning the planeterium at various times. This exhibit was very popular, so we were kept busy with crowd control and signing people up for upcoming sessions. A certain amount of juggling was required as there were quite a few no-shows but also a queue of people without bookings all keen to go in. The volunteers had a special viewing at the end of the day - you could lie down on cushions in the dome and look up at the ceilings on which images were projected accompanied by commentary. Everyone loved it. Sheila finished off at the story-telling corner, enjoying some space poetry read beautifully by Sue Palmer. The library was busy all weekend and it was great to be able to contribute to this amazing event