LIBRARY staff in Kirklees want to make a noise to help blind and partially-sighted people access books.

A two-week campaign called Make a Noise in Libraries is under way.

The aim is to encourage people with sight problems to try out their local library.

Kirklees Library Services and Kirklees Transcription Service are working with the Royal National Institute for the Blind and a number of other organisations to run events for people of all ages.

These include ‘touch tours’ of museum collections at Huddersfield Art Gallery, adult and children themed story sessions, a children’s session with Eureka!, the Halifax children’s museum, and an exhibition of the latest vision aids and equipment.

Clr Shabir Pandor, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member in charge of libraries, said: “Around two million people in the UK suffer with sight problems.

“Kirklees libraries use many imaginative ways to enable blind or partially-sighted people access information, including audio and large print books, the Transcription Service, storytelling, poetry, author events, local history talks and more.

“I would like to encourage as many people as possible to visit their local library during the fortnight and find out what is on offer.”

Make a Noise in Libraries will provide an opportunity for those with visual impairments to meet with a wide range of organisations in one place.

The event will be held at Huddersfield Central Library on Tuesday June 11 between 10am and 3pm.

Acclaimed guest author and storyteller Giles Abbot will also be hosting two events.

The first is at Birstall Library on Tuesday June 11 at 7.30pm, followed by another at Huddersfield Town Hall on Wednesday June 12 from 10am-noon.

At Huddersfield Town Hall, Giles will be performing Patched and Mended, a story in which he mixes a telling of a Welsh myth with the telling of the story of how he lost his sight and found his path.

At Birstall Library and Information Centre, Giles will be performing Mongan’s Frenzy, a wild Irish tale of love, greed, the wisdom of the gods and the folly of men.

Both are suitable for adults and older children.

Most events during Make a Noise in Libraries fortnight are free, but there is a small charge for the Giles Abbot events of £3 per ticket or £2 concessions.

Council staff launched the fortnight before Huddersfield Giants’ game against St Helens at the John Smith’s Stadium on Monday.

For further information or for a full list of events go to www.kirklees.gov.uk/events or contact Kirklees Transcription Service on 01484 221955 or e-mail transcription.service@kirklees.gov.uk