Events and activities in libraries

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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:

  • February: Redhill
  • March: Farnham and Staines
  • April: Woking
  • May: Epsom
  • June: Dorking
  • 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).

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!

LGBTQ+ stories through movement and words

Farnham Library on Saturday 7 March at 12 noon.

Surrey Libraries are thrilled to present a vibrant LGBTQ+ double bill and it is completely free.

In partnership with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Farnham Maltings, and Farnham Town Council, join us at Farnham Library on 7 March 2026 during the Farnham Literary Festival for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and community.

Building on last year’s success inspired by Swan Lake, this year’s event dives into the bold themes of New Adventures’ production of The Red Shoes. LGBTQ+ adults (18+) from across Surrey have collaborated to create an original movement piece that promises to be powerful and thought-provoking.

After the performance, stay for an inspiring author talk with Stephen Daly, a rising voice in young adult fiction whose debut novel launches in April 2026. Stephen will share insights into writing LGBTQ+ stories and exploring the social and cultural challenges faced by young people today.

Don’t miss this unique celebration of movement, storytelling, and community.

Event free but booking necessary.

Book online for LGBTQ+ Stories Through Movement and Words at Farnham Library

Lewis Carroll travelling display

Surrey History Centre’s Lewis Carroll collection has been growing for over 75 years. In 2025, marking 160 years since the first publication of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, the Centre celebrated the archives of Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (1832–1898)—better known by his enchanting pen name, Lewis Carroll—with a free foyer display and a cabinet exhibition in their search room.

We are thrilled to announce that the fascinating display will now be touring six Surrey libraries, giving you the chance to discover more about one of childhood’s most beloved authors!

Starting in January 2026, the display will be visiting the following locations:

For more information about Lewis Carroll at Surrey History Centre and to view from the Lewis Carroll collection, simply book a place in the Surrey History Centre search room and let them know you wish to see items from the collection.

To book your visit or to check the Surrey History opening hours see our webpage Visiting Surrey History Centre.

The Other Library.... I can’t read you, I wish I could

Various dates from  Saturday 24 January through until Friday 3 April.

Step Inside for a Unique Storytelling Experience.

In partnership with Farnham Maltings and the disability-led Freewheelers Theatre Company, we are proud to present The Other Library - an innovative installation and performance that celebrates storytelling, told in a variety of ways.

Its mission is to tell hidden stories of disability, creativity, capability, adaptation and independence, and the journey to achieve those things. The library goes beyond paper text: it’s song, dance, video, animation, podcast, documentary, flashmob, art and installation. Individual projects and three group projects, each in its own physical/digital book created by Freewheeler artists.

This immersive experience is more than a performance; it’s an invitation to connect, engage, and see the world through their eyes, featuring a bookshelf of stories to discover and a chair beckoning you to sit, open a book, and step into another perspective.

As well as the installation and the performance, why not continue the adventure with a creative writing workshop inspired by The Other Library installation, led by acclaimed author Sara Clifford. 

Both the installation and performances are free and available for everyone.

Tour schedule

Staines library (Brought to you by Escalate Arts):

Woking library:

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:

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.

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

What is the NHS app and how do I use it?

Tuesday 24 March from 10am to 12pm at Haslemere library.

  • 10am to 11am: Our Digital Welfare Officers will give a short presentation on the NHS app, with a walkthrough of how to sign up for the app, and how to use all its different features.
  • 11am to 12pm: Alys and Eleanor will be on hand to provide individual support to help you sign up for the app, or to help you navigate and make the most out of it.

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.

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