We are excited to announce that Surrey Libraries are now a member of the Living Knowledge Network. Created by the British Library, the Living Knowledge Network is a United Kingdom (UK) wide partnership of national and public libraries centred on exchanging knowledge and developing world class, memorable experiences for public library users.
Being part of the Living Knowledge Network gives Surrey Libraries customers access to a vast array of cultural events within their local library, including exhibitions, screenings, talks and even livestreams that you can watch from home! This is part of our journey to transform our Surrey libraries into local cultural hubs.
Events
Unearthed
Surrey libraries will be hosting an exhibition from the British Library Living Knowledge Network called ‘Unearthed’, which focuses on gardens, plants and community sustainability. Unearthed explores the transformative power of gardening, tracing personal stories alongside global histories. It celebrates gardening as a force for creativity, resilience and connection. From the people who have fought for the right and space to garden to the stories of the plants we use for food and medicine, discover how gardening has shaped our lives, our communities, and our planet.
Unearthed runs from Thursday 1 until Saturday 31 May at Godalming library.
Then tours these libraries.
- Molesey library from Wednesday 4 June to Saturday 28 June
- Oxted library from Wednesday 2 July to Saturday 27 July
- Farnham library from Wednesday 30 July to Friday 30 August
Alongside the exhibition there will be several events happening at Godalming Library throughout the month of May, with a focus on plants and gardening, select an event to find out more and how to if book (if required):
- Garden Art: grow your botanical drawing skills, Tuesday 27 May at 10am
- Gertrude Jekyll and the Future of Munstead Wood, Tuesday 20 May at 4pm.
During the month of May:
- Gardening book sale: Godalming Library will be holding a special Gardening ex-stock book sale.
- Seed Swap: From Friday 2 until Saturday 31 May. Donate your unwanted seeds and swap them out for ones that you need. Make sure your donated seeds are clearly labelled.
Garden on a Dinner Plate competition
Judging will take place on Saturday 31 May. Please bring all entries into the library before 12 noon.
Rules: Take 1 large dinner plate to create your perfect garden.
You could use a handful of moss for lawns. Jam jar lids for ponds. Twigs for trees. Why not add figures or animals. Use modelling clay, matchboxes or anything you can find. Be as creative as you can!
There will be two age categories. Ages 5 to 7 years old and ages 8 to 11 years old.
Please contact godalming.library@surreycc.gov.uk with any questions.
Look out for future events linked to Unearthed on our Living Knowledge Network events page.
If you cannot visit the library you can listen to an Audio description for Unearthed: The Power of Gardening Exhibition.