Top 10 library events this December

Digital Welfare Officers event in Woking

Find out about all the exciting things happening in libraries near you

There's always something exciting happening in libraries across Surrey, so keep reading for our top 10 events in libraries happening this December.

Warm Welcome events

With the cost-of-living crisis affecting more people than ever, this year we are proud to let you know that we have re-opened warm spaces across Surrey, known as Warm Welcome venues, including most of our 52 libraries. Warm Welcome venues are open to all residents this winter free of charge – no matter your age or situation. So, head inside our libraries, warm up, enjoy a free hot drink and much more. You will also find libraries hosting Warm Welcome events in December, including Saturday Craft clubs at Caterham Valley library.

To find out if your local library is a Warm Welcome venue, please visit the Warm Welcome venues in Surrey web page.

Digital Welfare Officers

The Digital Welfare Support Project is a community outreach program that is closing the digital divide and reducing isolation in Surrey. Our Digital Welfare Officers are out and about in our communities in December again, including in Camberley, Mole Valley (Skills Hub), Farnham and Woking. For the latest information, please visit the Events and activities in libraries web page.

Author events

Surrey Libraries presents many fabulous events in our libraries. For adults, there is a 'Partners in Crime' afternoon event on 4 December at Esher library with Mandy Morton and Nicola Upson, and authors Jacqueline Sutherland and AA Chaudhuri are back for a Crime Thriller evening at Epsom library on 7 December. Families can join picture book author Fiona Barker for two festive Storytime events with singing, reading and craft at Camberley and Guildford libraries on 21 December. To book your tickets for these events, please go to the Events and activities in libraries web page.

Living Knowledge Network events at Guildford Library

Surrey Libraries are a member of the Living Knowledge Network, a UK wide partnership of national and public libraries centred on exchanging knowledge and developing world class, memorable experiences for public library users. We will be hosting several cultural events, including the live streamed event 'The Worlds of Terry Pratchett' on 9 December, and 'An evening with Philip Pullman' on 14 December, both at Guildford library. Tickets are free and bookable by emailing guildford.library@surreycc.gov.uk.

Christmas events and activities in Surrey Libraries

Many of our libraries will be hosting festive events and activities in December, including choirs singing at Woking library (two events, both have sold out but you can add your name to the waiting lists), children can visit Santa's Grotto at Ashford Library on 6 December, and lots of Craft activities for the family (Hand Stitched Christmas cards, Paper Plate Christmas masks and Yarn Decorations) and Christmas Readings at Farnham Library.

Please visit your local library to find out how they are celebrating Christmas this year or visit the Libraries in Surrey web page.

Library Art Club for adults at Esher Library

Think you cannot draw but enjoy some doodling? Have a go at drawing with us at Esher Library! All levels are welcome, and we offer a light, airy atmosphere to discover the artist within you. Sessions are held every Wednesday morning, 10.30am to 12 noon and refreshments will be available. Book your free place by visiting Esher Library.

Tovertafel, a new magic interactive table at Banstead Library

Tovertafel is a games console with which interactive games are projected onto a table. The console has been developed for people with cognitive challenges including people with dementia, people with an intellectual disability and children with a developmental difficulty. The Tovertafel is available at Banstead Library, available during regular opening hours. Drop in use is available, however slots can be booked in advance. Please speak to library staff, or email banstead.library@surreycc.gov.uk.

Join one of our Reading Groups!

Do you enjoy a good read? Relish a lively conversation? Like meeting people in a friendly environment? Why not join a library-hosted reading group? Surrey Libraries supports over 600 reading groups across the county. We provide multiple copies of books, including brand new titles, to private and library-hosted groups. To find out more, please visit our Libraries' reading groups webpage.

Hearing Aid Clinic at Godalming Library

The Hearing Aid Clinic is returning to Godalming Library. The clinic will allow for routine maintenance of your hearing aid. These events will take place every third Monday of the month, from 10.30am until 12.30pm. The next date is 18 December. No booking is required and to find out more visit the Godalming Library web page.

Family History Research event at Cobham Library

Come and access Ancestry for free on the computers at any of your Surrey Libraries. If you like an experienced volunteer to provide you with assistance whilst searching your family history, you can visit Cobham Library every fourth Tuesday of the month from 10 am until 12 noon, when Raymond will be there to help you. You can pre-book a computer online if you wish. The next Ancestry event at Cobham Library will be on 19 December, no booking required.