Find out about all the exciting things happening in libraries near you
As winter approaches, children of all ages and reading capabilities can join the Winter Mini Challenge. This is a free, virtual, digital challenge that encourages children to keep up their reading habits over the winter months. They set their own target and once completed, children can collect a prize in a library near them. All you have to do is show your certificate and be a library member.
So, pick up your books from your local libraries, and whilst there, grab a hot drink as part of our Warm Welcome Scheme. There are also plenty of events and activities taking place in December. Keep reading to find out what is happening in our libraries this month.
Christmas events and activities
In December, our Surrey libraries are hosting a variety of festive events and activities for all ages. Here is a small selection:
- Stoneleigh Community Library is hosting a free Christmas event on Saturday 14 December. From 10:30am to 3:30pm. Drop in for some festive craft activities and a treasure hunt across the library and other nearby shops.
- Haslemere Library has a Christmas Gonk Treasure Trail throughout December. Joyful Jingles (percussion) and 'woolly' craft on Saturday 14 December and a Christmas Panto on Saturday 21 December. Booking recommended. Visit the library or email haslemere.library@surreycc.gov.uk
For details about the above events, or to find out what is going on in your local library, please visit our Libraries webpage.
Children's author events
- Banstead Library: Frog in a Fog, an interactive Storytelling session with Marielle Bayliss, Saturday 14 December from 11am. Suitable for 3 to 6 years old. Suggested donation £4 per child, adults go free. To book your tickets, please visit our Eventbrite webpage.
- Author Kate Hopkins will read a Christmas story from her book Percy's Purr, followed by a colouring activity. At Ashtead Library, Monday 23 December from 3pm. Free event for families, aimed at children aged 7 to 12. Book at the library or email ashtead.library@surreycc.gov.uk
'Make Do and Mend' sessions at Cranleigh Library
Bring along a textile item you would like mended. Our volunteers at Cranleigh Library will try and work their magic. Please note our volunteers are unable to mend or replace zips. Every third Saturday of the month from 10am to 1pm. To book your slot please ask at the desk in Cranleigh library or email cranleigh.library@surreycc.gov.uk
BookTrust storytime for under 5s
- BookTrust Storytime is an exciting library experience for families. It is a fun and interactive way to entertain your under 5s at your local library. BookTrust have chosen five books, and these will be read by library staff giving families the chance to vote for their favourite book. This includes Ashtead, Caterham Hill, Dittons, Dorking, Ewell, Guildford and Weybridge libraries. Please visit our Libraries in Surrey page to see if your local library takes part in these special Storytime sessions.
LGBTQ+ Community Performance Project
Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community living in Surrey? Are you interested in working with New Adventures to create an original movement performance? Dance experience is not necessary, and we encourage disabled participants to take part. Find out more and register your interest by Sunday 5 January 2025.
Virtual Rhymetime events – livestreams from Woking Library staff
Woking Library is currently being refurbished. Which means their staff will be hosting their popular Rhymetime sessions virtually. Join them on Thursday 5 December at 11am, and Tuesday 10 December at 11am, via Woking Library's Instagram page (@woking_library). Aimed at the under 5s. Everyone living in and outside of Woking is welcome! For more information, please visit their events' webpage.
Councillor surgeries
Did you know that several libraries host regular drop-in sessions so you can meet your local councillors? These includes the following libraries:
- Ashford Library. Several surgeries on different Saturdays and at different times. Please check Ashford Library's event website.
- Ashtead Library (first Saturday of the month, 2pm to 4pm)
- Shepperton Library (first Saturday of the month, 1.45pm to 3.45pm)
- Staines Library (first/last Saturday of the month, 11am to 1pm)
- Sunbury Library (first Saturday of the month, 10.30am to 11.30am)
Bramley Community Library 10th anniversary celebrations
Bramley Community Library is celebrating 10 years as a volunteer-run library. This takes place on Saturday 14 December, from 11am to 12.30pm. There will be refreshments, free gifts and children's activities. Just drop in, everyone is welcome.
Work Wise – Supporting people to get work at Horley Library
On Tuesdays between 1pm to 2pm, meet an employability specialist for expert support. This is through Surrey County Council's Work Wise Program. This scheme is for anyone aged 16 to 64 living in or registered with a GP in Surrey or northeast Hampshire. The scheme is also for anyone with the following:
- a physical or mental health condition
- disability
- neurodivergence
- learning difficulties
- anyone that may need support to find or maintain employment
For further information, email Jennifer. Matthews@getsetuk.co.uk, or visit Horley library's website.
Libraries Transformation Programme
We are modernising our library services and creating flexible, innovative and inclusive spaces. This work focuses on key libraries including Epsom, Redhill, Staines, Weybridge and Woking. Whilst work is ongoing, we are offering a few library services and events in temporary locations. For example, Redhill Library has recently moved to Belfy shopping centre until summer 2025. Epsom Library is currently running their Rhymetime and Storytime sessions at the Epsom Picture House Cinema. For the latest news and event details, please check our Libraries in Surrey page and follow our libraries on social media.
