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Special events
Lewis Carroll travelling display
The display will be at Staines Library in February.
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
For other libraries on the tour, please see the section Lewis Carroll travelling display on our Events and activities in libraries webpage.
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.
Swept Away, and evening with Beth O'Leary
Thursday 12 February at 6.30pm.
Two strangers find themselves stranded at sea together - what if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand? Enjoy an evening of conversation and stories, and don’t miss the chance to have your books personally signed by Beth at the end of the event!
Tickets cost £5 each and can be booked online.
The Other Library.... I can’t read you, I wish I could
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
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.
Other libraries on the tour:
- Installation available from Saturday 24 January to Thursday 12 February
- Performance on Saturday 31 January, 11.30am
- Installation available from Monday 23 March to Friday 3 April
- Performances on Monday 30 March, at 11.30am and 2pm
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.
Pebble rhymetime and storytime
Pebble rhymetime
- Every Monday from 10.30am to 11am.
- Every Wednesday from 10.30am to 11am.
- Every Friday from 10.30am to 11am.
- Every Saturday from 10.30am to 11am.
There is no booking in advance, please just turn up.
Find out more about Pebble rhymetimes in ßÙßÇÂþ» libraries.
Storytime
Every Saturday at 2.30pm.
There is no booking in advance, please just turn up.
Find out more about storytime in ßÙßÇÂþ» libraries.
Reading groups
Lavender Lit reading group
Last Saturday of every month from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
LGBTQ+ reading group.
Sign up for the group at the desk or email staines.library@surreycc.gov.uk
Collect a copy of the current book from the desk.
Find out more about reading groups in ßÙßÇÂþ» libraries.
Other events
Citizen's Advice drop in service
Every Monday from 10am to 12noon.
Find out more on the .
Quiet hours
Every Tuesday from 10am until 12 midday.
These hours are intended to be quiet and calm for those with sensory sensibilities, Autism, Dementia and more. Join us for a quiet sensory experience that is easy on the senses.
During this 2 hour period staff will do their best to enforce a quieter atmosphere. These hours are intended to be quiet and calm for anyone that may find the library overwhelming.
Poetry hub
Every Monday from 11am to 1pm.
The Poetry Hub is our weekly gathering, designed to be a haven for adults seeking connection and creativity through the power of poetry.
Held every week, our morning sessions offer a warm and welcoming environment where participants can engage in various activities centred around verse. From writing challenges to a cosy book club atmosphere, each session is a chance to explore the beauty of language and share stories in a supportive community. With limited time but endless possibilities, join us at your local Poetry Hub for enriching conversations, inspiring challenges, and the joy of discovering the poet within.
Watercolour workshop
Every Wednesday, from 10am to 12 noon. All welcome.
Code club
Every Wednesday and Thursday during term time, from 4.15pm to 5.15pm.
Code club is now back after the summer break.
The Code Club is a fun activity for children aged 9 to15. The children will learn digital skills by using programming language through various projects, also, they will develop their creativity, logical thinking, collaboration and communication.
Please apply to join: in person at Staines Library or email staines.library@surreycc.gov.uk
Please note: to accommodate Code Club all the public computers at Staines are booked out from 4pm onwards every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon during term time.
Knit and Natter crafting group
Alternate Wednesdays from 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
New members of all levels are welcome. Please enquire at the library or pop along to our session.
Men's Pitstop: mental health and peer group support
Every Friday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Find out more about .
Talking Tree, greener future sewing group
Second Saturday of the month from 10am to 1pm.
Drop-in councillor surgeries
- First Saturday of the month, 10.30am to 12.30pm with:
- Chris Bateson (Staines South)
- Jolyon Caplin (Staines South)
- Laura Barker (Spelthorne borough)
- Tony Burrell (Staines South)
- Second Saturday of the month, 10am to 12noon:
- Joanne Sexton (Spelthorne)
- Howard Williams (Spelthorne)
- Last Saturday of the month, 11am to 1pm
- Sinead Mooney (division Staines).
Museum craft club
Monthly Saturdays from 11am to 12.30pm. Starting 7 February: Roman Staines.
Language groups
Italian, for all levels
Second Saturday of the month from 10 to 12noon.
French, intermediate to advanced
Monthly, Fridays 11am to 12.30pm. Specific weeks may change depending upon availability.
German, intermediate to advance
Monthly, Mondays 11am to 12.30pm. Specific weeks may change depending upon availability.
Digital Support Volunteer
Every Thursday 2pm to 4pm.
Do you want help using a computer, the internet, your iPad, tablet or iPhone, or other IT related problems?
Drop in or make an appointment to see our Digital Buddy.
Appointments are recommended if you have something specific you need help with. Appointments are 30 minutes each and can be booked in the library or by email: staines.library@surreycc.gov.uk
Please see our Digital Support Volunteer page for more information and to find out which libraries currently offer a Digital Support Volunteer service.