Events and activities at Banstead Library

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Special events

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.

Mini beasts and big beats

Family Adventure at Banstead Library!

Part of the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council  Relax, Engage, Experience, Create, Hydrate emotionally (REECH) programme in collaboration with Banstead Library's Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat.

Explore mini beasts through rhythm, storytelling, crafts, science and nature discovery adventures!

Suitable for ages 4 to 11 and their families,  Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) friendly

Cost: £3 per family, per session. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

8 weekly sessions , Wednesdays and last two sessions on a Saturday, from 11am to 12 noon from 22 July to 12 September. Session dates:

  • 22 July
  • 29 July
  • 5 August
  • 12 August
  • 19 August
  • 26 August
  • Saturday 5 September
  • Saturday 12 September

Attend all 8 sessions to get the most from the programme. If you can not make every session, you are welcome to attend individual sessions too.

Places are limited so booking essential.

Book at the Banstead Library Help Desk. For more information, please ask a member of staff at the Help Desk

Meet the Beat

Friday 7 August, from 11am to 12 noon.

Come along to Banstead Library and meet your local Community Police Officer at our friendly Meet the Beat session.
This is a great opportunity to drop in, say hello, and have an informal chat about community safety, local issues, or any concerns you may have. It's also a chance to get to know the officers who help keep our community safe and supported.

No booking is required, simply pop in and join the conversation. We look forward to welcoming you.

Pebble rhymetime and storytime

Pebble rhymetime

  • Every Tuesday from 10.15am until 10.45am
  • Every Friday from 10.15am until 10.45am

Please note: you now have to book for Rhymetime. Due to its popularity our Pebble Rhymetimes at Banstead Library will now be ticketed on a first come, first served, basis. Customers can come to the help desk and get a ticket from staff before the session. We can accommodate up to 25 adults with any of their children.

Find out more about Pebble rhymetime in Surrey libraries.

Storytime

Every Thursday from 10.15am until 10.45am

Places allocated on a first come first served basis. Tickets available from the library desk on the day.

Find out more about storytime in Surrey libraries.

Reading groups

There are currently three reading groups that take place at Banstead Library. See Banstead Bookmarks below.

The two other reading groups are run by members, who set the meeting dates, times and books. One of them, Banstead Library Book Group, is currently looking for new members. If you are interested in joining, please email banstead.library@surreycc.gov.uk and we will pass your details on to the group.

If you wish to set up an additional group, please speak to a member of staff in the library or please see our webpage, Starting a reading group.

Banstead Bookmarks

Banstead Bookmarks meets every second Friday of the month from 2pm to 3pm and is facilitated by a member of the library staff.

The 2026 meeting dates for Banstead Bookmarks are:

  • 14 August
  • 11 September
  • 9 October
  • 13 November
  • 11 December

The group is currently full, but you can join the waiting list by emailing banstead.library@surreycc.gov.uk

Find out more about reading groups in Surrey libraries.

Chatterbooks group

Chatterbooks sessions run on a Saturday, once every four weeks from 11am until 12 noon, on the following dates:

  • 1 August
  • 12 September
  • 10 October

Group suitable for children aged around 9 to 11 years old. The group will meet for a one hour session to discuss a book, to enjoy some crafts and activities and to be given the book to read for the next session.

This Chatterbooks group is currently full, however, if your child (aged 8-11 years) is interested in joining a group please register their details at the help desk and we will let you know when a space becomes available.

Other events

Knit and natter

Every Tuesday from 2pm until 3pm.

Coffee and company

First Friday of every month from 11am to 12 midday.

Join us for a relaxed morning of conversation and community over a free hot drink and biscuits. It’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy friendly chats in a welcoming space.

No booking required. Admission is free.

Banstead craft club

Every Friday from 3.30pm until 4.15pm (term time only).

Tickets are £1 per child. Suitable for children aged 4 and over; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Monthly beginners sketching program

Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm, once a month on the following dates:

  • 1 August
  • 29 August
  • 26 September
  • 24 October
  • 21 November
  • 19 December.

Relax, Engage, Experience, Create, Hydrate emotionally (REECH).

REECH is a programme of creative activities.

Free monthly REECH beginners sketching program for 18 plus and above.

Join artist Peter Andrews as he enhances your confidence with a step-by-step guide to developing basic sketching skills such as line and contour drawing; shape and form recognition; understanding the value of light and shade; introduction to the 5 p’s of drawing; application of techniques to draw a selected object. No prior skills needed.

Suitable for ages 18+.

Event free but limited places are available: Please register at the Banstead Library Help Desk.

Delivered in collaboration with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.

LEGO club

Lego club runs on selected Saturdays from 2pm to 3pm. Next session: 1 August

Please book at the help desk. Cost: £1 per child.

Suitable for ages 4+ with an adult present please.

Chess lessons

Every fortnight, Saturday from 11am to 12 noon (term time only).

Interested in learning how to play chess? Join us for a friendly, beginners chess session.

Each one hour lesson will cover the basics: how the pieces move, how the game works and help you build confidence through guided play and practice matches.

Suitable for ages 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost: £1 per person per session. Only 6 places are available each fortnight, offered on a first come basis.

Booking necessary. Visit our helpdesk or email banstead.library@surreycc.gov.uk to reserve your spot.

Digital support volunteer

  • Thursdays at 12 noon to 2pm
  • Saturdays at 10am and 11am

Do you want help using a computer, the internet, your iPad, tablet or iPhone, or other IT related problems?

Two digital support volunteers are now available at Banstead Library.

Please book an appointment in Banstead Library.

Please see our Digital support volunteer page for more information and to find out which other libraries currently offer a Digital Support volunteer service.

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