Live Life
Living Life the Leisurely Way
LIVE LIFE isn’t just about getting active or trying a new sport. There are many more ways to spend your free time in Newham.
From culture to cafés, libraries to learning a new skill or discovering wildlife on your doorstep, leisurely life has never been so vibrant and exciting.
Take a look inside a book
Whether it’s enjoying a storytelling session with your child, chatting online to friends, browsing through new books and CDs or deciding which MP3 game to champion next, Newham’s libraries have got something for everyone.
There are libraries spread across the borough with almost one million books, CDs, DVDs, videos and lots more available.
They offer free internet access – great for studying online, searching out bargains on everyday things or getting information really quickly.
And if it’s books that are on your mind, why not try hearing your favourite titles read out loud?
Newham’s libraries run regular reading groups for families, children, teenagers, adults, over 50s and people with Tamil and Urdu as a first language.
“Hi everyone – Lara, one of the LIVE LIFE characters, here. Just wanted to say that I popped into my local library in Beckton Globe with Maisie the other day and was really impressed with the toys available for under fives. I didn’t even know you could borrow toys from the library and Maisie loved the selection available. I’m going to visit regularly now – Maisie gets new toys to play with every few weeks and I’m not out of pocket. Great!”
For more information about your local library call 020 8430 2000 or visit www.newham.gov.uk
Walk this way
If being outside helps you relax and recharge, why not take a stroll through one of Newham’s 22 parks and improve your local green knowledge.
You could discover 25 different varieties of trees in Central Park, take your kids to a different outside play area every weekend for months or join in with a variety of festivals. And it’s all for free.
“Hi everyone – Raj, one of the LIVE LIFE characters here. Just wanted to say that I joined a walking programme through Fit Club a few weeks ago and have been trying some of the self-guide parks walk programmes. I’ve discovered new areas of nature and facts about my local environment and I’m getting fit too. It’s great – you should try it!”
Dozens of activities and events take place in Newham parks every month which are designed to reflect Newham’s unique character and diversity.
From live music to team sports and nature trails, there’s so much for the local community.
And you can enjoy park life with the peace of mind that several of Newham’s open spaces have achieved the highest awards for being safe and clean – the Green Flag. Newham parks are generally open from dawn till dusk.
For detailed information on facilities in your local park visit www.newham.gov.uk/parks.
Do one thing
Why not get closer to nature this year by creating a 'Breathing Place' - that's anything that makes a better environment for wildlife, and for all of us?
We're working in partnership with the BBC and many London and local groups to create more breathing places all year round.
Creating breathing places can be as simple as taking a walk in the woods, or putting up a bird feeder. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can join the Parks Service or a local community group to help make a breathing place where you live.
Join in with Breathing Places and have fun too without breaking the budget. Find out what's happening in your neck of the woods at www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces