A NEW silent space which is to go on tour around Tynedale’s libraries allows readers to leave the hustle and bustle of the outside world and immerse themselves in a story.

Northumberland Libraries, together with Hexham Book Festival, has been working on the silence pod which has taken up residence at Prudhoe Library before heading on tour.

It incorporates a sound barrier to any noise going on in the library which makes it particularly good for people with dementia or who are on the autistic spectrum or have other sensory conditions. There are a range of audio book stories suitable for children and adults of all ages to enjoy in the pod, and it is accessible for everyone to use.

The pod is touring libraries in Northumberland and from Monday it has been in Prudhoe Library, before its next move to Haltwhistle library and then Hexham library.

As part of its launch in Prudhoe, a series of events are to take place.

A meet the author event with Catherine Isaac, who wrote Bridesmaids, under the pseudonym Jane Costello, and You Me Everything, is to take place on Thursday, March 14 from 6.30pm to 8pm.

And visitors will be able to get a view of Prudhoe through the Lens on Wednesday, March 20 from 2pm to 3pm, with community photographers Bill and Moira Wooldridge showing a selection of pictures. The photographs will include a round-up of 2018, plus a few trips down memory lane.

A creative writing workshop on Monday, March 11 at 10.30am will allow participants how to get creative with writing with Pat Stott of the U3A.

The events also allow visitors to experience the silence library pod, before it leaves Prudhoe Library on March 29.

It will then head to Haltwhistle Library from April 2 to April 27 and then Hexham Library from May 1 to June 1.