Events and activities in libraries

Page contents

National Year of Reading 2026

"Whatever you're into, read into it"

The National Year of Reading is a national campaign initiated by the Department of Education. Library services across the country are joining forces with partners to get everyone into reading in 2026. We know that reading supports success in school, work, and life. It boosts wellbeing, brings people together, and increases empathy.

Libraries are not just for ‘bookworms’ and students, they are destinations for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to meet and explore their passions. They are places to connect, discover, and bond. Places to meet other parents, or others who share your passions, in your own community – for free.

So Go All In and discover what is happening in your local Surrey library. Listen to an audio book, join a book club, attend an event, chat to a librarian and discover your next great read – or just simply sit and browse a book about gaming, gardening or Georgian architecture, your library is the perfect place to explore your passions!

Each month, one of our libraries will step into the spotlight with a flagship event linked to the national campaign. Meanwhile, every branch will host themed workshops, family-friendly sessions and creative activities to inspire readers of every age and interest. Explore the flagship libraries lined up for each month below!

Monthly schedule of flagship libraries:

  • July: Camberley
  • August: Weybridge
  • September: Godalming
  • October: Guildford
  • November: Walton
  • December: Horley

You can keep an eye on what is happening in your local library, please check individual library event pages for details.

Watch the video: If you’re into it, read into it: Go All In (National Literacy Trust and Go All In).

Surrey library quest

Surrey Library Quest launched on Thursday 5 March 2026.

Get ready to explore new stories, ideas, and adventures with the Surrey Library Quest. A fun challenge created to celebrate the National Year of Reading. Pick up your Quest leaflet from any Surrey library branch and complete 6 out of 8 simple reading and library related tasks. Once you have finished, return your completed leaflet to any Surrey library branch and you will be entered into a prize draw to win fantastic rewards, from National Book Tokens to an electronic tablet.

Please read the Surrey library quest competition terms and conditions.

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 Surrey County Council, 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.

Escalate Arts presents: musical story hunt

Saturday 18 July at Staines Library Hub. Sessions at  at 12 noon,1.30pm and 3pm.

Get ready for a storytelling session like no other!

Escalate Arts and Surrey Libraries proudly welcomes back professional storytellers Andy Copps and John Kirk for a spectacular return.

This time, they present a ‘Musical Story Hunt’ to coincide with The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat.

Join us at Staines Library Hub to explore how classic stories and new favourites find their perfect pitch in this storytelling adventure!

Booking is essential so book now to avoid missing out. Ticket price is donation based (minimum suggested is £2 per person attending).

Book online for Escalate Arts presents: musical story hunt

If unable to book online, please book in Staines Library.

To find out more about Musical Story Hunt: Story Hunt please see Andy Copps webpage.

Imagination Spaces

As part of our ongoing commitment to connect with our community, Surrey Libraries are proud to present the Imagination Spaces Cultural Programme, a vibrant celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and innovation. Through a rich mix of events, exhibitions, tours, and workshops hosted in libraries across the county, we invite you to explore inspiring cultural experiences that bring people together.

Take a look below to discover what events are coming up in the next few months!

Doorstep Duets 2026

It is a pleasure to once again welcome Doorstep Duets to libraries across Surrey Libraries, continuing to bring the joy and wonder of dance to communities throughout the Southeast.

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures presents Doorstep Duets, featuring The Bench choreographed by Glenn Graham

Have you ever sat on a park bench and wondered who came before you, who might come after, what they were thinking, and what hopes and fears they were hiding?

Choreographed by Glenn Graham, and performed by stars of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, tells the story of three people whose lives overlap in unexpected ways. It is a poetic and moving exploration of memory, connection, and the quiet moments that shape us.

If you’ve never experienced a dance performance before, this is an exciting opportunity to dive in. Enjoy a free 20minute show, no booking required, just turn up at one of the locations listed below, feel the energy, and be part of the moment!

We look forward to seeing you at one of the performances!

Click for more information about Doorstep Duets and other Doorstep Duets tour dates.

Greener future in libraries

Reduce your carbon footprint by borrowing library books

Borrowing books from you local library saves the environment by reducing the demand for new book production, saving paper, ink, transport, and packaging, all of which have a carbon cost. Find out how much you save by using our carbon saving calculator below.

Your green libraries impact

Enter the number of books you borrowed from Surrey libraries in the last year:

Your estimated CO₂ savings will appear here.

* Based on an estimated 0.7 kg CO₂e saved per book borrowed instead of bought new.

Regular green events in libraries

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.

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.

Monthly Saturdays:

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

Library of Things

Why buy when you can borrow!

We are pleased to support a number of Libraries of Things across our network. Allowing users to borrow everything from garden tools, sports and exercise equipment, table top games to camping equipment

Each library is run by a local environmental organisation and hosted in the library, providing easy access to this great service.

You can find a Library of Things in the following locations:

Green Library Hub , Guildford library

Green Library Hubs logo, white background, green, black and orange image and wording. Surrey Libraries have secured funding as part of a successful National Lottery bid led by Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) to deliver Green Library Hubs across the United Kingdom (UK).Green Library Hub logo, white background, green and orange image and wording.

Guildford Library aims to foster climate-conscious communities and provide trusted environmental information aligned with the council’s sustainability strategy.

As a Green Library Hub, Guildford Library will host key events such as children's workshops and adult talks encouraging climate action and supporting the local economy.

Find out what's happening at Guildford Green Library Hub

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.

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

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. Select an event to find out more and how to book.

Special storytime with Michael Parkin at Camberley Library on Monday 3 August, from 10.30am to 11.30am. This event is suitable for adults with children aged 5 and under.

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 now running in most libraries. Spaces may be limited and booking may be necessary, please check individual library event pages for details.

In this section

Did you find this information helpful?

Rating Did you find the information helpful?

We aren't able to reply to individual comments, so please don't include any personal details.