Page contents
- Guildford Library improvement works and temporary closure
- Special events
- Green library hub
- Rhymetime and storytime
- Reading groups
- Other events
Guildford Library improvement works and temporary closure
Guildford library will be closed from Thursday 20 August to Monday 21 September while improvement works take place. From Monday 21 September, the library will reopen with a click and collect service while work continues. For more information, please see the Guildford Library webpage.
Events and Activities during the closure
Throughout the closure, events and activities will be unable to take place at the library. A number of our events including rhymetime will be held at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, outlined below:
- Rhymetime and storytime: Wednesdays at 10.30am in the River Room
- Poetry Hub: Thursdays at 10am in the Meeting Room
- Warhammer club: Last Saturday of the month at 3pm in the River Room
- Dungeons and Dragons club: second Saturday of the month at 2.30pm in the River or Vanbrugh Room.
Special events
Summer Reading Challenge events
There are currently no special events at this library.
Green Library Hub
Surrey Libraries have secured funding as part of a successful National Lottery bid led by Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) to deliver Green Library Hubs across the United Kingdom (UK).
Guildford Library aims to foster climate-conscious communities and provide trusted environmental information aligned with the council’s sustainability strategy.
As a Green Library Hub, Guildford Library will host key events such as children's workshops and adult talks encouraging climate action and supporting the local economy. All events are funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
Events
Magical mushrooms and fabulous fungi, a talk by Peter Smith
Wednesday 30 September, from 7pm to 8pm.
Please note this event is being held at Zero Carbon Guildford, Address:
Zero
Unit 1
Riverside Business Centre
Walnut Tree Close
Guildford
GU1 4UG
Whether you are a mycophobe (mushroom hater) or mycophile (mushroom lover) step into the Wood Wide Web (avoiding the Fairy Rings) to glimpse the amazing world beneath our feet. Learn the difference between the Agaricus Phalloides and the Amanita phalloides (it is important!), why we would not be here at all without fungi and how fungi might just help us save the planet.
Disclaimer: The talk contains references to magic mushrooms and some of the folklore associated with fungi can be a bit scary. There's also a section on poisonous fungi which might be considered not suitable for children.
Event free but booking is necessary.
Book online for Magical mushrooms and fabulous fungi, a talk by Peter Smith
If unable to book online, please book please email guildford.library@surreycc.gov.uk
Rhymetime and storytime
Pebble rhymetime
- Every Monday at 10.30am and 11:30am
- First Saturday of every month at 10.30am
No booking necessary. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Find out more about Pebble rhymetimes in Surrey libraries.
Storytime
Every Wednesday at 10.30am
No booking necessary. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Nature storytime
Last Saturday of every month, from 10.30am to 11am.
Suitable for ages 2 years old and over, this storytime will cover themes such as animals, nature and the environment. It is free to attend. No booking necessary. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Cantonese/English Bilingual Storytime
Second Saturday of every month at 10.30am.
It is free to attend. No booking necessary.
A fun and enjoyable introduction to new languages and libraries for young children. Sharing Cantonese and English books and stories with young children can help to build good language, learning and listening skills and give them a head start when they begin school and in life.
Find out more about storytime in Surrey libraries.
Reading groups
LGBTQ+ Reading Friends
First Saturday of the month, from 2.15pm until 3.30pm.
Surrey Libraries, in partnership with The Reading Agency, will be hosting a monthly Reading Friends group at Guildford Library for members of the LGBTQ+ community to come together around a shared love of reading.
Run by LGBTQ+ members of staff, the groups will have discussions and recommendations on a different subject each month. They will always be confidential, supportive, and positive spaces. This group is for adults.
You can express an interest in joining this group by completing our online application form or by speaking to a member of staff in Guildford Library.
Find out more about reading groups in Surrey libraries.
Find out about other Reading Friends groups in Surrey libraries.
Book groups
- Guildford Library Tuesday Book Group: Last Tuesday of each month, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the first floor.
- Guildford Library Thursday Book Group: Last Thursday of each month, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the first floor
Both are members only, we are currently looking for new members so please email guildford.library@surreycc.gov.uk to enquire.
Other events
Lego club
Every Tuesday from 4pm to 4.45pm.
Cost £1 per child (available to children over 4). Booking necessary, book in person at the library or by email guildford.library@sureycc.gov.uk.
Games nights
Every Thursday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
Please join us for new and classic board games, puzzles, scrabble and more.
Free, no booking required.
Poetry hub
Every Thursday, from 10am to 12 noon.
In partnership with the Surrey Poet Laureateship, the group will feature writing challenges and discussions, guest speakers, reading time, poetry games, social time, poetry sharing and feedback. Beginners welcome.
Free, no booking required, open to all. Located on the first floor of Guildford Library.
Crafting circle club
Every Friday, from 11am to 12 noon.
Located on the first floor fiction room. Open to all, the Crafting Circle is a space for adults of all abilities to bring along their knitting, crochet and embroidery to learn new patterns, develop their skills, and meet new people.
Free, no need to book.
Suitable for ages 16 and over.
Dungeons and Dragons club
Second Saturday of the month from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.
Aimed at ages 9 to 14.
Attendees will be making their characters, getting to know each other, and learning the basics of Dungeons and Dragons. All sessions will be £1 per child, and all equipment required will be available at the library (such as dice, character sheets and stationary). Registration is advised due to the popularity of the club. Those interested in joining us should email: guildford.library@surreycc.gov.uk .
Creative writing club
Every Saturday, from 2pm to 3pm.
Developing creative writing skills and a love of storytelling in a fun and supportive environment.
We are proud to say that we are also joining the Blue Peter Book Club to give you the opportunity to earn your Blue Peter book badge!
Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years old. Suggested donation 50p, no booking necessary.
Warhammer club
The last Saturday of every month from 3pm until 4.30pm.
Aimed at children aged 7 and over, open to all regardless of experience.
£1 per child, please email guildford.library@surreycc.gov.uk to book a space.
Digital support volunteer
For help using your computer or laptop you can book a session with our Digital support volunteer
- Every Monday from 1pm to 2pm
- Every Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm
- Every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm. Appointment only.
- Every Thursday from 2pm until 4pm
- Every Friday from 2pm to 4pm
- Every Saturday from 11am to 12 noon
Appointment only sessions must be booked in advance by emailing guildford.library@surreycc.gov.uk or in person at the 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.