Page contents
- Other popular events and activities
- Imagination Spaces
- Greener future in libraries
- Author events
- Pebble rhymetime
- Storytime
- Learn coding with Kano
Other popular events and activities
- See what events are taking place at your nearest library, please check individual library event pages for details.
- Living Knowledge Network
- Poetry blog
- Libraries from home for children and young people
- Libraries from home for adults
- Surrey culture and leisure
Imagination Spaces
We are excited to let you know about some fantastic events coming to Surrey Libraries over the next few months.
In the Margins art exhibition – touring Surrey Libraries
Working in partnership with Disability Arts in Surrey (DAiSY), Artist Jon Adams, and several of DAiSY's member organisations (Art Matters, Bloomin' Arts and The Orpheus Centre), they created a fantastic collection of artworks that were installed at Reigate Library for over 2 months. 'In the Margins' aims to empower marginalised disabled artists and share their life experiences. The project tells their life stories, explores their passions, and highlights places where they feel a sense of belonging. Visitors are invited to explore these stories, promoting understanding, empathy, and inclusion.
DAiSY and the project "In The Margins"
After the successful exhibition at Reigate library, we are very excited to let you know that the "In the Margins Art Exhibition" will be touring around other libraries across Surrey.
Dates and locations to be confirmed.
SEED – pilot performances in libraries
During February and March, we had the pleasure of working with Katie from Made By Katie Green, contemporary dance company, supporting her new research project called Seed. A storytime and dance adventure designed to encourage young audiences, 18 months to 4 years, to explore nature and the world around them.
Using the research obtained across the workshops, Katie would now love for you to join her and two Seedologists on the look-out for new specimens. Together they follow the journey of a mysterious new seed that has appeared in our libraries, watching it transform as it travels through the four seasons.
Find out more by watching the trailer on vimeo.
This playful, interactive adventure for everyone will be approximately 45 minutes.
Please select a session from the list below to find out more and book.
- Staines Library on Saturday 8 June. Two sessions:
- Guildford Library on Monday 10 June. Two sessions:
- Esher Library on Wednesday 12 June at 10am.
- Dittons library on Wednesday 12 June at 2pm.
Greener future in libraries
The Remarkable World of Trees Exhibition
Dorking and Leatherhead Libraries from 28 May 2024 to 31 August 2024.
Dorking and Leatherhead Libraries are excited to be able to host this fantastic exhibition, brought to us by The Surrey Tree Warden Network, The Tree Council, creator Kate Bretherton and Surrey Libraries.
Inspired by Kate Bretherton's book, The Remarkable Trees of St Albans, this exhibition was originally displayed in St Albans Museum, and explores the world of trees from the soil they grow in, to the insects, birds, and animals that call them home. Visit the exhibition and events to get lots of ideas of how you can help trees, hedgerows, and our whole environment.
The exhibition at Dorking Library includes collaborative artwork, author talks and book signings, and interactive art and craft workshops and activities for children. We also have a world of trees photographic display from the Dorking Camera Club.
At Leatherhead Library, we have a display of paintings by artist and illustrator Judit Matthews, as well as a variety of activities and events for adults and children.
Paintings by Judit Matthews will be available to buy at Leatherhead Library, and additional items from authors and artists will be available to buy at both Dorking and Leatherhead libraries.
Dorking and Leatherhead libraries will be holding the following events in support of the Exhibition. Select an event to find out more and how to book if required.
Dorking Library
- Exhibition launch evening, Thursday 30 May, from 7pm to 9pm.
- Howard Gregory - Talk on Elm trees, Thursday 13 June, from 7pm to 8.30pm.
- The tap-dancing pigeon with Serena Hassan, Saturday June 15, from 10.30am to 11.30am.
- Butterflies, bees and bugs, children's craft event with the Dorking Museum, Saturday 20 July, from 10am to 2pm.
- Storytelling and creative workshop with Tina Talbot, Saturday 3 August, from 10.30 to 11.30am.
Leatherhead
- Plant swap, Saturday 8 June, from 10am to 4pm. No booking necessary. Exchange your extra seedlings if you have them, or just pick up something new to grow. Event free.
- Hedgerow Craft, Saturday 29 June, from 10am to 12 noon.
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:
Weekly Woking Environment Action (WEAct) advice sessions at Woking library. Volunteers from WEAct climate action group will be on hand to offer advice each week.
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.
World around us eBooks on Libby
Step into nature eAudio books on BorrowBox
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.
Read more about our new eco library cards.
Surrey's greener future
The Surrey Energy advice tool, 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 Surrey's Greener Future, Surrey County Council's climate change strategy.
Surrey's Greener Future
Grants of up to £25,000 are now available for eligible Surrey residents to help make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. Read more about the grant funding available to Surrey residents.
Sign up to our Greener Matters newsletter to get updates.
Our climate change newsletter
Author events
Surrey Libraries are pleased to offer a programme of author events for 2024. Select an event to find out more and how to book.
- Alex Looks His Best: storytime and craft with Dapper and Suave at Woking library on Saturday 18 May at 11am. Event suitable for children.
- The Sparkler, author talk with Alan Humm on Saturday 25 May from 1pm to 2pm. Event suitable for adults.
- No Country for Girls with Emma Styles at Woking Library on Saturday 25 May. Event is suitable for adults and older teens.
- Grandpa Kuma Storytime with Michelle Maiden at Woking Library on Tuesday 28 May at 10.30am. Event suitable for ages 3 to 6.
- An Evening with Mick Herron and Abir Mukherjee at Woking library on Thursday 30 May at 6.30pm.
- The Tap-Dancing Pigeon of Covent Garden with Serena Hassan at Weybridge Library on Saturday 8 June from 2pm to 3pm. Event suitable for for adults with children aged 4 to 8 years.
- Balchen's Victory with author Alan Smith at Godalming library on Wednesday 19 June at 3pm. Suitable for adults.
- Crime Thriller Evening with Jacqueline Sutherland and A.A. Chaudhuri at Haslemere Library on Thursday 20 June. Event suitable for adults.
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 currently back up and running in most libraries. Spaces may be limited and booking may be necessary, please check individual library event pages for details.
Learn coding with Kano
Open the door to coding with Surrey Libraries and iamtheCODE! Start your coding adventure now.
All you need is your library card number, and you can reserve Kano free of charge to collect from your local library!
Reserve Kano and let the fun begin
All our Kanos have been kindly donated by iamtheCODE.