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 exhibition dates:
- Oxted library from Wednesday 2 July to Saturday 27 July
- Farnham library from Wednesday 30 July to Friday 30 August
Unearthed Exhibition at Oxted library during the month of July
Exhibition will be in Oxted library from Tuesday 1 July to 26 July. The library will be holding the following Programme of events to support the Exhibition.
Living Knowlege Network children's competition: Design a storybook garden on a plate
Competition for ages 5 to 11.
Closing date: Entries must be in by 12 noon on Saturday 26 July 2025.
Rules:
- You need a large dinner, plastic plate or container lid – so the water won’t soak through.
- Make lawns or grassy areas using moss.
- You can make a pond using a jam jar lid of water.
- Twigs can be used to make trees.
- You can add animals or figures, perhaps your favourite book characters, or garden features (a chair or stone to sit on and to read?)
- Perhaps you could make things using modelling clay, matchboxes, matchsticks or even Lego.
Be as creative as you can!
Judging:
- Two categories: 5-7 and 8-11. There is one prize for each category.
- The entries will be judged by Hurst Green Gardening Club.
- For the day of judging: the plates should have a label with child’s first name, age and contact number (so we can return the plate) underneath so we know who they belong to.
Have fun!
The Kindest Garden - Landscape designer & author Marian Boswall in conversation with broadcaster, podcaster and author, Julia Parker
Tuesday 22 July, from 7pm to 8pm.
Discover how we can make an active contribution to the health of the planet, improving and replenishing biodiversity through our gardens.
Cost: £5 per adult.
Book online or if unable to book on line, please book in Oxted Library
Book online for the Kindest Garden
Garden stories and colouring
Thursday 24 July, from 2.15pm to 2.45pm.
Suitable for ages 5 and under
Free Session, no booking required
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.