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Events and activities in libraries

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Escalate Arts

Escalate Arts Spelthorne is an Arts Council England funded initiative, designed to transform how people work, design, enjoy and participate in the arts in Spelthorne.

The project has been developed in partnership between ßÙßÇÂþ»­, Spelthorne Borough Council, Artswork and Ashford Youth Club.  For more information about the initiative please see the Escalate Arts webpage.

News and events

For the latest news and details about upcoming events including those taking place at the Staines Library Hub, please see the Escalates Arts News and Events page.

Imagination Spaces

As part of our ongoing commitment to connect with our community, ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Libraries are proud to present the Imagination Spaces Cultural Programme, a vibrant celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and innovation.

Through a rich mix of events, exhibitions, tours, and workshops hosted in libraries across the county, we invite you to explore inspiring cultural experiences that bring people together.

Take a look below to discover what events are coming up in the next few months!

Second Hand Dance presents The Sticky Dance for Libraries

We are very thrilled to offer the chance for families to experience The Sticky Dance at several libraries across ßÙßÇÂþ»­ this coming November.

You will get to watch two dancers' shimmy through audiences weaving a tapestry of sticky tape in this tactile dance performance for young children. They will invite you to tape, stick and groove, to see and feel sound or to be still, watch and listen. Audiences will be encouraged to explore freely, turn the rules upside down and create their own experience.

The Sticky Dance is an interactive, engaging and colourful performance installation for children and their families. We offer a welcoming, inclusive space where free exploration is encouraged through moving, watching, listening, dancing and making noise.

The age guidance: 3 to 5 years with parent/carer. Babes in arms are welcome.

ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Library tour dates:

Booking is now open.  .

The Sticky Dance is co-created by Rosie Heafford and Takeshi Matsumoto. Co-commissioned by The Southbank Centre and The Place, and South East Dance.

The Red Shoes LGBTQ+ Community Performance Project

Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community living or working in ßÙßÇÂþ»­? Are you interested in taking part in creating and performing a movement piece with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures? Then look no further.

We are thrilled to be teaming up once again with Farnham Maltings and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures to offer LGBTQ+ adults the chance to take part in a community performance project right here in ßÙßÇÂþ»­!

Last year’s piece was inspired by Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. This year, they will be diving into the world of The Red Shoes, exploring its rich themes through movement and creativity.

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If you have any questions or would like to sign up for a taster session offering a perfect way for you to dip your toe in before committing to the performance project. Please complete the form: .

Please note that a background in dance is not necessary, and disabled participants are encouraged to take part.

We would really appreciate your support in helping us spread the word. Please feel free to share it with any contacts you have within the LGBTQ+ community.

Greener future in libraries

Reduce your carbon footprint by borrowing library books

Borrowing books from you local library saves the environment by reducing the demand for new book production, saving paper, ink, transport, and packaging, all of which have a carbon cost. Find out how much you save by using our carbon saving calculator below.

Your green libraries impact

Enter the number of books you borrowed from ßÙßÇÂþ»­ libraries in the last year:

Your estimated COâ‚‚ savings will appear here.

* Based on an estimated 0.7 kg COâ‚‚e saved per book borrowed instead of bought new.

Green Libraries Week

This year will run from Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November 2025, celebrating libraries with a focus on the climate and sustainability.

In support of Green Libraries Week the following ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Libraries will be holding events:

More libraries will be added once events have been confirmed.

Regular green events in libraries

Monthly Tuesdays:

Cranleigh Climate Action and Cranleigh Library climate cafe will be available to provide energy advice and see what financial support is available to help with energy bills.

Every Wednesday:

What next? Wednesdays at Godalming library. Volunteers from What Next? charity will be on-hand to provide advice, guidance and helpful tips in what you can do to support our local environment.

Saturdays:

Monthly Nature storytime at Guildford library. Suitable for 2 years old and over.

Green reads

We've specially selected some titles exploring the natural world, environmental issues and sustainability.

Library of Things

Why buy when you can borrow!

We are pleased to support a number of Libraries of Things across our network. Allowing users to borrow everything from garden tools, sports and exercise equipment, table top games to camping equipment

Each library is run by a local environmental organisation and hosted in the library, providing easy access to this great service.

You can find a Library of Things in the following locations:

Biodegradable eco library cards

Crafted from environmentally friendly materials, these cards not only reduce waste but also contribute to the preservation of our planet. By opting for these compostable and recyclable cards, library-goers become part of a growing movement to protect the environment and foster sustainable practices.

ßÙßÇÂþ»­'s greener future

The , will help you by asking a series of short questions and depending on the answers will offer tailored information on grants, support and advice, and non-financial help on a range of topics

Find out more about ßÙßÇÂþ»­'s Greener Future, ßÙßÇÂþ»­'s climate change strategy.

ßÙßÇÂþ»­'s Greener Future

Sign up to our Greener Matters newsletter to get updates.

Our climate change newsletter

Author events

ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Libraries are pleased to offer a programme of author events for 2025. Select an event to find out more and how to book.

Digital welfare support

The Digital Welfare Support Project is a community outreach program that is closing the digital divide and reducing isolation in ßÙßÇÂþ»­.

We aim to do this by identifying and targeting areas of the county where digital deprivation is highest, cultivating community links and providing IT skills sessions to those most in need. Our experienced and dedicated Digital Welfare Support Officers, Alys and Eleanor, are putting together a programme of events and opportunities to offer foundational knowledge of essential digital skills.

Upcoming events

Winter wellbeing hub

We will be in attendance at Farnham Primary Care Network's Winter Wellbeing Hub at Farnham Hospital on Friday 24 October between 10am to 3pm.

We can help with the NHS app or any other digital queries, and we will be promoting events and activities at Farnham Library.

This event is for those aged 75 and over and/or a family carer, on an invitation from your Farnham General Practitioner (GP) practice.

Pebble rhymetime

Rhymetimes are now running in most libraries. Spaces may be limited and booking may be necessary, please check individual library event pages for details.

Storytime

Storytimes are now running in most libraries. Spaces may be limited and booking may be necessary, please check individual library event pages for details.

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