Library Link - Will be reopening Monday 12th April  (subject to government guidelines). 

Opening hours will be Monday 10am - 1pm.  Friday 2 - 5pm,  Saturday 10am - midday.  Use of the Library will be subject to all the usual facemask wearing, hand sanitizing and social distancing measures.

Changes -  CCC Library Service may not be able to provide support visits on Fridays and you will not be able to make Book Requests but they are hoping to make arrangements for a Click and Collect system to operate. You are requested not to scan any returned books but to deposit them straight into the Book Drop Box provided.  Then use hand sanitiser before choosing new books.

Returned books will be re-shelved after appropriate resting time.  The self-service machine will be in operation to allow you to record books taken out.

Gallery -  we hope that as you use the Library Link facility you will appreciate the artwork on display in the gallery.    Cards and gifts are on sale.

Highlighting Eden – thank you to all who got involved with some of the Highlighting Eden events leading up to the Spring Solstice.  Some created 'Windows' and Lanterns to celebrate the arrival of spring.  We hope that lots of you saw the artwork that Shap artist, Suzanne Stuart Davies placed in the community. Perhaps some pieces will be on display at The Old Courthouse.

Events – although we haven’t been able to hold events at The Old Courthouse in this latest lockdown we have held several Zoom events organized with

Wordsworth Grasmere that have provided enjoyment. Poet, John Hegley took part in our ‘Roots and Routes, Stones & Stories’ evening on 11th March.   On 15th March Jeff Cowton, curator of Wordsworth Grasmere gave an interesting virtual tour showcasing objects, manuscripts and artwork that illustrated the lives and relationships of William and Dorothy Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.  The OC Writing Group continue to meet monthly on Saturday mornings via Zoom. If you would like to take part email s.allen@wordsworth.org.uk or janet@theoldcourthouse.org for information.

Monthly Market – The Old Courthouse are keen to encourage opportunities for local artisans and we are collaborating with Shap Parish Council regarding the holding of a market on the fourth Saturday of the month.  There will only be food stalls present outside the Memorial Hall on 24th April but by 22nd May we should have a good variety of art and craft stalls both indoors and outdoors at The OC.

Volunteers – The last year has certainly caused many people to reconsider what they do and maybe how they can become more involved in their local community.   We have lots of ideas for developing The Old Courthouse and the site at the rear further.  We can only take things forward if more people are prepared to be involved.  If you would like to find out more just send an email with a note of your particular interest and skills set to janet@theoldcourthouse.org – we would love to hear from you.