Things in the library 28th Aug...

 Things that look a little different... 

To protect ourselves and library users we have plastic screens between the computers and in front of the desk. We ask you to wear a mask and sanitise your hands when coming into the library and maintain social distancing of 2m. Please take a wipe and clean the area you are about to use when you enter. We are currently open 8:45 to 17:00. We are now asking you to take control over your return dates for books again, we will be now be issuing items for normal loan periods of 1 or 3 weeks and also charging fines on overdue items. Books which are returned are quarantined before being re-shelved and if you use books in the library but don't borrow them please leave at the desk for staff to quarantine and shelve later.

If you are unable to come into the library we will still support your needs and can be flexible if you contact us to explain your circumstances. remember that by using your PIN (ask if you don't have one) and your library ticket number (first group of numbers on the back of your trust badge) you can manage your account remotely and also use the MyCirqa App.

Things to chat about... 

Our virtual reading group meeting this week takes place at 18:15 for an hour via Google Meet - please contact the library for the login link. We are chatting about 'When I had a little sister'. Whether you want to join us or are just interested in knowing about what we are reading, please contact the library if you would like to be in the email group for information. 

Our next book wil be 'The versions of us' by Laura Barnett on Wed 7th October. A man is walking down a country lane. A woman, cycling towards him, swerves to avoid a dog. On that moment, their future hinges. There are three possible outcomes, three small decisions that could determine the rest of their life.

The Versions of Us explores the idea that there are moments when our lives might have turned out differently, the tiny factors or decisions that could determine our fate, and the precarious nature of the foundations upon which we build our lives. It is also a story about the nature of love and how it grows, changes and evolves as we go through the vagaries of life.

Things about children's computer time... 

I am sure many of us have had battles with our children and negotiations worthy of United Nations peace agreements in trying to agree on how much computer time is allowed. In this BBC Radio 4 programme  - the problem is investigated and seen from the perspective of an 11 year old. Roman: What's wrong with screen time?

Things about skin...  

Skin Deep is a project aiming to improve the diversity in paediatric skin images online. This is to improve education and therefore patient care. It is a collaboration between the Royal London Hospital (Paediatric Emergency Department), Don’t Forget The Bubbles, and their Dermatology colleagues. They are collaborating with other hospitals and organisations in the UK and internationally. They are looking to build up their image bank and would love to receive your submissions. You can also browse their extensive range of Skin pictures. You can search by description, diagnoses, or body part. You can view their Diagnoses A-Z and also test yourself with their Quiz.

Things about Covid-19 and children... 

In the news today a large BMJ study which concluded

Our data confirm less severe covid-19 in children and young people with SARS-CoV-2 infection than in adults. Admission to critical care was associated with age under 1 month, age 10-14 years, and black ethnicity. In agreement with previous reports, we found older age and non-white ethnicity to be associated with MIS-C.

We also report that patients with MIS-C who are antibody positive for SARS-CoV-2 are more likely to be of non-white ethnicity, have mucocutaneous-enteric symptoms and cardiac complications, and have received intravenous immunoglobulins and corticosteroids than those who are in the acute phase of infection (polymerase chain reaction positive).

We have identified a systemic mucocutaneous-enteric symptom cluster across the whole cohort. In addition, we have provided evidence for refining the WHO case definition for MIS-C, including an association with low platelet count, fatigue, headache, myalgia, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy.

If you want to read the full text of the article it can be found here 

Things to cook... 

Definitely feeling autumnal today but still lots of lovely berries in the shops. I have made 'Pistachio meringues with summer berries' a couple of times recently when I had some egg whites which needed using up...very simple and delicious. Yesterday I used roasted and chopped hazlenuts instead of pistachios as I couldn't find any -  it worked really well. Make sure you leave them in the oven until completely cold.