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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Suffolk is linking up with the Suffolk County Council library service for a new campaign called "Anything but Shhhhhhh".

The idea is to encourage all of us to take advantage of what libraries have to offer and these days it's quite a lot!

Yes they still loan out books, CDs and DVDs but now you can also pop in for a coffee or snack, surf the internet, take part in one of the special classes or even use a recording studio. You are even allowed to make a noise!

The partnership will feature across all Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Suffolk programmes and is being spearheaded by breakfast show presenter Mark Murphy.

"I hadn't been to a library in years and couldn't believe what is now on offer," said Mark. His breakfast show colleagues Emily Anderson and Rob Dunger are also keen to get involved too.

"We're all heading off together to get our library tickets at the new Gainsborough library in Ipswich," said Mark.

"It'll be interesting to see what books they read in their spare time.

"I reckon Rob will like travel and my producer Emily will be after more books on assertiveness."

If you haven't been to a library for a while because you have an overdue book then don't worry.

Bring it back

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Suffolk negotiated with Suffolk County Council for a week long amnesty. For a week in September 2009 you could take your overdue book, DVD or CD back without fear of being fined.

On 16 September the James Hazell show will be broadcasting from the new multi-million pound Gainsborough library, Clapgate Lane, Ipswich between 0930 and 1300 BST.

Sally Burch and James Hazell

The whole show will come live from the library and give audiences a real taste of just what is on offer, James will even be learning how to be a librarian himself.

"I'm convinced I have an old library book and can't wait to return it without getting told off," said James.

James' Producer Sally Burch will also be joining him on the road. As a confirmed bookworm she may find it slightly difficult to keep her mind on the show.

"With James complaining most of the time it'll be great to not have to keep him quiet in the library," said Sally.

The Lesley Dolphin afternoon show will be offering suggestions for a good read every Monday afternoon between 1300 and 1600 BST and you can find out more about this feature by clicking here:

"Our libraries are hugely varied, exciting places to be, and a far cry from the perception of rows of dusty books and disapproving librarians," said Rosie Clarke, Suffolk County Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport, Culture, Diversity, Health and Wellbeing.

"Whether people come for the laid back atmosphere of our Sundays, with music and fun for children, or to enjoy free access to the internet from our PCs, we have lots to offer.

"It's a place for people to meet their friends, take advantage of our extensive catalogue of books, games and DVDs, and get involved in activities from clubs to special events.

Councillor Rosie Clarke

"There's something for everyone and we're delighted to be able to tell everyone about it with support from Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Suffolk."

Suffolk has 44 libraries and six mobile libraries so why not pop into one near you and see what is on offer? In these times when many of us are strapped for cash it could end up saving you a packet.ΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύΜύ