Page contents
- Other popular events and activities
- Escalate Arts
- Author events
- Digital welfare support
- Imagination Spaces
- Greener future in libraries
- Library of Things
- Pebble rhymetime
- Storytime
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
- Surrey culture and leisure
- Resources for reading groups
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.
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!
The Red Shoes LGBTQ+ Community Performance Project
Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community living or working in Surrey? Are you interested in taking part in creating and performing a movement piece with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures? Then look no further.
We are thrilled to be teaming up once again with Farnham Maltings and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures to offer LGBTQ+ adults the chance to take part in a community performance project right here in Surrey!
Last year’s piece was inspired by Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. This year, they will be diving into the world of The Red Shoes, exploring its rich themes through movement and creativity.
You can find out more about the project through testimonials from the performers on Facebook.
If you have any questions or would like to sign up for a taster session offering a perfect way for you to dip your toe in before committing to the performance project. Please complete the form: LGBTQ+ The Red Shoes Response Piece Taster Session Sign Up.
Please note that a background in dance is not necessary, and disabled participants are encouraged to take part.
We would really appreciate your support in helping us spread the word. Please feel free to share it with any contacts you have within the LGBTQ+ community.
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
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:
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
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:
- Dorking library, Library of things
- Godalming library, Library of things
- Guildford library, Library of things
- Haslemere library, Library of things
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.
Sign up to our Greener Matters newsletter to get updates.
Author events
Surrey Libraries are pleased to offer a programme of author events for 2025. Select an event to find out more and how to book.
- Dear Mr Snippet: an afternoon with author Roseanna Rolfe at Oxted library on Friday 21 November, from 2.30-3.30pm.
- Workshop with Comics artist Dominique Duong at Epsom library on Saturday 22 November at 11am. Suitable for anyone aged 12 and older.
- Question and Answer session with Alex Fitch of Panel Borders at Epsom library on Saturday 22 November at 1pm. Suitable for all ages.
- The Messenger, with local author, Claire Bamford at Dittons library on Thursday 27 November at 2pm. Suitable for adults.
- The Bear Who Wanted to Dance with Wendy J Warren at Ashtead library on Saturday 29 November at 11am. Suitable for children.
- Publishing unwrapped: A cosy conversation with author Hayley Dunlop at Ashtead library on Thursday 11 December starting at 6pm. Suitable for adults.
Digital welfare support
The Digital Welfare Support Project is a community outreach program that is closing the digital divide and reducing isolation in Surrey.
We aim to do this by identifying and targeting areas of the county where digital deprivation is highest, cultivating community links and providing IT skills sessions to those most in need. Our experienced and dedicated Digital Welfare Support Officers, Alys and Eleanor, are putting together a programme of events and opportunities to offer foundational knowledge of essential digital skills.
Upcoming events
Please check back fro updates.
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.