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Events and activities in libraries

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National Year of Reading 2026

"Whatever you’re into, read into it"

The National Year of Reading is a national campaign initiated by the . Library services across the country are joining forces with partners to get everyone into reading in 2026. We know that reading supports success in school, work, and life. It boosts wellbeing, brings people together, and increases empathy.

Libraries are not just for ‘bookworms’ and students, they are destinations for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to meet and explore their passions. They are places to connect, discover, and bond. Places to meet other parents, or others who share your passions, in your own community – for free.

So Go All In and discover what is happening in your local ßÙßÇÂþ»­ library. Listen to an audio book, join a book club, attend an event, chat to a librarian and discover your next great read – or just simply sit and browse a book about gaming, gardening or Georgian architecture, your library is the perfect place to explore your passions! You can keep an eye on what is happening in your local library, please check individual library event pages for details.

Watch the video: .

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!

The Red Shoes LGBTQ+ Community Performance Project

Last taster session 17 January.

To sign up for a taster session:

Please complete the form: . If unable to complete the form please email zeynep@new-adventures.net

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: . If unable to complete the form please email zeynep@new-adventures.net

Last taster session 17 January.

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.

Lewis Carroll travelling display

ßÙßÇÂþ»­ History Centre’s Lewis Carroll collection has been growing for over 75 years. In 2025, marking 160 years since the first publication of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, the Centre celebrated the archives of Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (1832–1898)—better known by his enchanting pen name, Lewis Carroll—with a free foyer display and a cabinet exhibition in their search room.

We are thrilled to announce that the fascinating display will now be touring six ßÙßÇÂþ»­ libraries, giving you the chance to discover more about one of childhood’s most beloved authors!

Starting in January 2026, the display will be visiting the following locations:

For more information about Lewis Carroll at ßÙßÇÂþ»­ History Centre and to view from the Lewis Carroll collection, simply book a place in the ßÙßÇÂþ»­ History Centre search room and let them know you wish to see items from the collection.

To book your visit or to check the ßÙßÇÂþ»­ History opening hours see our webpage Visiting ßÙßÇÂþ»­ History Centre.

The Other Library.... I can’t read you, I wish I could

Step Inside for a Unique Storytelling Experience

In partnership with and the disability-led , we are proud to present The Other Library - an innovative installation and performance that celebrates storytelling, told in a variety of ways.

Its mission is to tell hidden stories of disability, creativity, capability, adaptation and independence, and the journey to achieve those things. The library goes beyond paper text: it’s song, dance, video, animation, podcast, documentary, flashmob, art and installation. Individual projects and three group projects, each in its own physical/digital book created by Freewheeler artists.

This immersive experience is more than a performance; it’s an invitation to connect, engage, and see the world through their eyes, featuring a bookshelf of stories to discover and a chair beckoning you to sit, open a book, and step into another perspective.

Both the installation and performances are free.

Tour schedule

Weybridge library:

  • Installation available from Saturday 24 January to Thursday 12 February
  • Performance on Saturday 31 January, 11.30am

Staines library (Brought to you by Escalate Arts):

  • Installation available from Saturday 7 March to Monday 23 March
  • Performances on Monday 16 March, at 11.30am and 2pm

Woking library:

  • Installation available from Monday 23 March to Friday 3 April
  • Performances on Monday 30 March, at 11.30am and 2pm

Heads and Tails: interactive storytelling performance

Get ready for another wild storytelling adventure!

dives into the folklore and fables of Southern African cultures, bursting with fun, laughter, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you are roaring like a lion or stretching tall like a giraffe, this is storytelling like you have never experienced before!

To celebrate , ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Libraries proudly welcomes back professional storytellers and for a spectacular return. They will bring African animal tales to life with high-energy performances, audience interaction, and plenty of surprises along the way.

Join us for an enchanting journey into African animal tales, brought to life with lively audience participation and interactive fun! Don’t miss this magical storytelling experience—happening at the libraries listed below:

Tour dates and locations:

Booking is essential so book now to avoid missing out. Tickets price is donation based (minimum suggested is £2 per person attending).

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.

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. Select an event to find out more and how to book.

  • on Wednesday 21 January at 2pm. Suitable for adults.
  • , from 3pm to 4pm. Suitable for adults.
  • on Thursday 5 February from 7pm to 8pm. Suitable for adults.
  • on Thursday 12 February at 6.30pm. Suitable for adults.
  • on Thursday 26 February from 6.30pm to 8pm. Suitable for adults.
  • on Saturday 14 March from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Suitable for adults.
  • on Saturday 11 April from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Suitable for adults.

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

Health Information Week - NHS app help drop-in events

Not just for Covid! Heard how great the NHS App is, but still not sure where to start or how to use it? Then come along to our drop-in sessions to get help from one of our friendly advisors.

We can help with:

  • Setting up your NHS Account
  • Downloading the NHS App on to your phone, or accessing it on your tablet or laptop
  • Using it to order repeat prescriptions in seconds
  • How to view your health record on the App
  • How to view your test results
  • Any other NHS App questions!

Please bring your phone/tablet/laptop or if you don't have any of these, public computers (PCs) will be available.

If it's your first time using the app, you will need to bring Identification (ID) with you to register for it. These are the accepted forms of ID for registration:

  • Passport
  • United Kingdom (UK) or European Driving License (Full or Provisional)
  • European National Identity Card
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), UK Residence Card, or European Economic Area (EEA) Biometric Residence Card (BRC).

Please also ensure you have access to your email account from your device should you need to reset your password.

Session dates, times and library:

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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