LIBRARIES in Blackheath and Cradley Heath will be doing their best to banish the January blues at the start of next week.

With this coming Monday (January 21) tagged as 'Blue Monday', Sandwell libraries are hosting a programme of events to put smiles back on people's faces.

The third Monday in January is supposedly the most miserable day of the year, with people getting over the excesses and cost of Christmas but also back into the daily work grind.

Blackheath Library hopes to lift spirits two days before with a special 'Beat the Blues' variety show on Saturday night (January 19) at 7pm. Admission is £5.

Then on Blue Monday itself, there is a comedy and magic show for adults at Cradley Heath Library from 2-5.30pm.

Additionally, that evening there is a yoga session being held at Oakham Library, on the fringes of Oldbury, from 6-7pm.

As well as the special events libraries will also be hosting regular feelgood events such as knit and natter, cant and colour art therapy sessions, art groups, coffee mornings and reading groups.

Councillor Syeda Khatun, Sandwell's deputy leader, said: "Don't let Blue Monday get you down.

"Have a look at what's on at your library and beat the blues this January and all year round with the fantastic activities programmes on offer at all of our libraries."

Find out more about Blue Monday events at www.sandwell.gov.uk/bluemonday, www.discoversandwell.co.uk like 'Sandwell Libraries' on Facebook or follow @sandwelllibs on Twitter.