Top 10 library events this May

Libraries are Where it Happens!

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

Author events for adults

May is another inspiring month, with plenty of author events aimed at adults:

Drenched in Drink & Wickedness, a local history talk on Cobham's brewery and pubs with Dr David Taylor, at Cobham Library, 3 May, 1 to 2pm, £5 per ticket.
Four shots in the Night with bestselling author Henry Hemming at Ewell Library, 3 May, 6 to 7pm, £6 per ticket
Life Wasn't Boring with Colin Groves at Woking Library, 7 May, 5.30 to 6.30pm, £5 per ticket.
This Could Be Your Future with one of the world's leading environmental scientists, Paul Hardisty, at Ash Library, 8 May, 1.30 to 3.30pm, £6 per ticket.
A Crime Thriller Event with Simon Mason at Ashtead Library, 9 May, 7 to 8pm, £5 per ticket.
An Evening with Mick Herron and Abir Mukherjee at Woking Library on 30 May at 6.30pm, £8 per ticket

To book your tickets, and to find out about other events, please go to our Eventbrite page.

Surrey Cultural Lives project – FREE talks in our libraries

The Surrey Cultural Lives map brings together the rich stories of Surrey's distant and recent cultural past. Funded by the University of Surrey and created by academics and researchers in Surrey and beyond, the map springs from a desire to bring local stories to life and connect people with their local heritage.

On 7 May, find out about Ethel Smyth, The Surrey Composer at Dorking Library (6 to 8pm), and on 14 May please head to Godalming Library (2 to 4pm) to listen to a talk on Jane White: From The Norfolk Coast to the Surrey Jungle.

To read up on this project, please visit Surrey Cultural Lives.

Dementia Action Week – Coffee Morning at Banstead Library

To raise awareness for Dementia Action Week, Banstead Library will be hosting a special Dementia Coffee Morning on 16 May (11.30am to 1.30pm). Find out what dementia support our library service can offer, including our Reminiscence Collection, the new Reading Well for Dementia booklist, and of course you can interact with our Tovertafel, a projection-bases system that is designed for people living with dementia and adults with learning disabilities. Everyone is welcome for a coffee, a chat and some interactive play, no need to book.

Dying Matters Awareness Week – Death Café at Oxted Library

Surrey Libraries will be supporting Dying Matters Awareness Week by hosting a special Death Café on Friday 10 May, from 1.30 to 3pm, at Oxted Library. Thoughtful conversations around death, dying and bereavement are encourages over coffee and cake. Our Café is free and open to all to speak freely and without judgement. There is no set agenda, just a facilitated discussion following the interest of those attending. Just drop in, no need to book.

Meet Surrey Libraries staff at the Ash Fete

On Saturday 18 May (12 noon to 4pm) you can find our wonderful Surrey Libraries staff at the Ash United Football Club Funday and Dog Show. They will be there to tell you more about upcoming events and activities at Ash Library, including their new Storytime sessions starting on the 1st June. You can find out more about their fabulous Obie interactive projector, they will sell Chart Media workbooks and there is a lucky dip for children!

Author events for children

Of course, we also have great author events for children in May:

A special and fun Storytime and Craft event with Dapper and Suave at Woking Library. Listen to "Alex Looks His Best", and then create your own Peacock. Event is on Saturday 18 May, 11am to 2 noon, suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years old. Minimum donation is £1 but suggested donation of £4 per ticket per child (no need for adults and babes in arms to book a ticket).
Grandpa Kuma, a special storytime event with Japanese-American author-illustrator Michelle Maiden at Woking Library, on Tuesday 28 May, 10.30 to 11.30am. Event is suitable for 3 to 6 year olds. Minimum donation is £1 but suggested donation of £4 per ticket per child (no need for adults and babes in arms to book a ticket).

To book your tickets, please visit Surrey Libraries' Events.

Creative Writing Club at Guildford Library

Do you have a child keen to develop their creative writing skills and a love of storytelling? If so, they can join an inspiring club at Guildford Library, and learn to write in a fun and supportive environment. On the third Saturday of every month in the childrens library from 2.15pm to 2.45pm, the next club is on 18 May. Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years old and the suggested donation is 50p, no booking necessary.

Meet the Beat sessions at Addlestone Library

Do you live in the Addlestone area, and would like to have a chat with your local police officers to discuss local issues and raise any concerns you may have? The visit Addlestone Library, where regular monthly drop-in sessions will be held from 2 to 2.30pm. The next one is on the 4th May.

Retro Game Week at Caterham libraries

From 28 to 30 May, head towards Caterham Valley library where games and consoles, provided by That Retro Place, are available all day to play. On 31 May and 1 June, these games and consoles will be available in Caterham Hill Library. These are free, all-day events, and there is no need to book, just drop in. Donations are welcome on the day. Please bring your library card to use any of the games and consoles. If you are not a library member yet, it is FREE to join in branch or online.

Remarkable World of Trees Exhibition – Dorking and Leatherhead Libraries

Dorking and Leatherhead Libraries are excited to be able to host this fantastic exhibition, brought to us by The Tree Council – Surrey Tree Warden Scheme, creator Kate Bretherton and Surrey Libraries. Inspired by Kate Bretherton's book, The Remarkable Trees of St Albans, the exhibition explores the world of trees from the soil they grow in, to the insects, birds, and animals that call them home.

At Dorking Library, the exhibtion includes collaborative artwork, author talks and book signings, and interactive art and craft workshops and activities for children.

At Leatherhead Library, we have a display of paintings by artist Judit Matthews, as well as a variety of fun and informative activities and events.

To find out more, please visit Events and activities in libraries.