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 FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER 2025
"Let’s be reasonable and add an eighth day to the week that is devoted exclusively to reading.” / Lena Dunham
As we fast approach the end of the year we could all do with that extra day. If that should ever happen we have all the books you need! If you can’t get to your local library we have stacks of audiobooks, ebooks, emags and ecomics available to borrow from our digital library. Check out our catalogue from the comfort of your own home and stay cosy!
If you have any queries about our services just give us a call on 01482 210000 or send us an email. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for all our latest updates.
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All of our libraries will be closed on the following dates:
- Thursday 25 December 2025
- Friday 26 December 2025
- Wednesday 31 December 2025
- Thursday 1 January 2026
We will close early at 1pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025. Visit our website for details of our branch library opening hours.
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Join us for some free fun filled winter activities at a library near you over the holidays! Activities include winter crafts, theatre shows, drama workshops, author sessions, science lessons and animal handling.
Tickets are free and going quick! Please book in advance using the link below or call the library.
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Our Under 5s sessions - will be back in your local library from Monday 5 January.
Free sessions: Baby Bounce, Toddler Time, Toddler Tunes, Storytime. No need to book - just turn up!
Unleash the artist within at one of our creative clubs:
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A chance to speak, inspire, or just have a break with other new parents or childminders. Drop in for a free cuppa and an extra hour to distract the kids!
Make friends and have fun at your local library:
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Shortlist announced: Monday 5 January 2026
We can’t wait to reveal the shortlist next year! We’re showcasing all our amazing longlisted authors reading from their chosen books on the Hull Schools Library Service instagram page! It's been a tough decision. Which book would you choose? #HullChildrensBookAward
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Join us at one of our regular reading groups for adults. No need to book - just turn up!
• INGS BOOK CLUB / Ings Library
Tuesday 30 December / 4:45 - 5:45pm We're reading The Married Man by K L Slater
Tuesday 27 January / 4:45 - 5:45pm We're reading Nice Work (if you can get it) by Celia Imrie
• AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB / Central Library
Wednesday 7 January / 2:00 - 3:00pm We're reading The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
Wednesday 28 January / 2:00 - 3:00pm We're reading The Voyage Home by Pat Barker
• FRED MOORE CRIME BOOK CLUB / Fred Moore Library
Wednesday 7 January / 2:30 - 3:30pm We're reading Dirty Money by Charlotte Philby
• LGBTQ+ BOOK CLUB / Central Library
Saturday 20 December / 11:15 - 12:45pm We're reading Tell Me Everything by Laura Kay
Saturday 31 January / 11:15 - 12:45pm We're reading Bored Gay Werewolf by Tony Santorella
• BOOK NOOK READING GROUP / Bransholme Library *NEW*
First Tuesday of the month - starts 6 January / 10:00 - 12:00pm Share your love of reading and passion for stories at our new adult reading group.
Please contact us if you would like further information about any of our book clubs.
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Saturday 10 Jan / 6:30pm / £5 Central Library
For this special screening, novelist Tony Kent joins writer, Nick Triplow, to talk about the film, the original novel and its journey to the screen, as well as his collaboration with Frederick Forsyth on REVENGE OF ODESSA, the acclaimed sequel to THE ODESSA FILE.
Monday 12 January / 5:00pm Central Library
One of Agatha Christie’s finest novels, The Seven Dials Mystery from 1929 is coming to the screen in a new three episode series from Netflix on 15 January.
Join us for this special livestreamed event with the cast members Mia McKenna Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter, Martin Freeman and writer Chris Chibnall talking about the making of this hotly anticipated release.
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Wednesday 21 January / 7 - 9pm Central Library + livestream
She's hunting a killer. But he's already found her.
Tariq Ashkanani talks about his new thriller The Night Hunter with writer and Hull Noir co-founder, Nick Quantrill. If you can't make it in person, join us on the livestream!
Everyone knows reading expands worlds, sharpens minds, and fuels creativity. But fewer of us are making time for it.
The National Year of Reading is a transformative campaign designed to reignite a culture of reading for pleasure across the UK. Its goal? To reverse long-term declines in reading for pleasure. Public libraries will be at the heart of this national movement and will allow us to shine even more light on our amazing libraries and celebrate our services. Watch this space as we Go All In!
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Check out the Christmas edition of the Radio Times completely free on Libby or BorrowBox! Take a look at all of the festive entertainment, all wrapped up in one place. Use your library card and pin to log in and browse thousands of publications!
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Festive soundtracks to accompany all your preparations! Includes The Nutcracker, the Three Tenors and Jonas Kaufmann’s delightful It’s Christmas. Free to watch with your library card. Download the app or visit Medici.tv.
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New year, new start? Boost your career with a #SkillsBootcamp.
Our Skills Bootcamps are fully funded, flexible courses giving you practical, industry-led training to learn new skills, build confidence and open doors to real opportunities!
80 % of completed participants have progressed into new roles or increased their responsibilities.
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The Makerspace at Hull Central Library provides a space for anyone to explore their creativity in arts, science, technology and engineering - independently or collaboratively. We've got state-of-the-art equipment, skilled staff to offer support and advice, and a variety of creative workshops.
If you want to learn more about our 30 day membership, or just meet some like-minded makers, drop in any time or give us a call on 01482 613395.
Get in touch: Email / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram
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Every Wednesday, 11:00am - 2:00pm / Western Library
Even though the weather is a little chilly, you can still join the Friends of Western Library and come and help in the community garden, or just have coffee and a natter! Every Wednesday unless it's raining!
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We have lots of opportunities for you to come together, have fun and make new friends at a library near you.
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Pick up a new hobby and unleash your creative spirit by joining one of our art clubs especially for grown ups!
Materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own. No experience necessary - just a willingness to get involved!
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Did you know we have one of the most comprehensive collections of printed music in the country? Our Vocal Score and Orchestral sets can be borrowed by choirs, orchestras, educational establishments, operatic societies and individuals for performance or study purposes.
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January 17 - March 19 2026 HuFree Gallery / Western Library
We are pleased to announce our next exhibition at HUFree Gallery in Western Library - The Weight of Remembering by Yeseniia Serduik
The show opens on Saturday 17 January with the official 'come and see us and meet the artist' on Thursday 22 January, 4.30pm to 7.30pm. It would be great if you could join us and celebrate the work and ponder on its powerful theme.
Until 11 February 2026 HuFree Gallery / Western Library
Perspectives Of Youth shows work by young photographers from the Vulcan Centre guided by Mal Williamson.
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If you can’t get to a library due to ill-health why not let the library come to you. We carefully select books to read or listen to and deliver them direct to your door. Whether you’re young or old, live in your own home or in residential accommodation this free service is available to you.
Watch this wonderful film from Curiosity to find out more about this service.
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With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our glorious leader Michelle Alford and wish her all the very best for a long, happy and well-earned retirement.
Michelle has worked for the Library Service for 45 years, from Saturday Girl to Librarian to Head of Service. She has always been passionate, driven and dedicated and has done so much for the service, the city, the staff - and will be missed so very much. Thank you for being a guiding light for libraries Michelle - enjoy your next chapter - you deserve it!
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Thanks for reading!
All our very best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year. Stay warm, and look after each other!
You can help us spread the word about Hull Libraries by forwarding this email to a friend or let them know they can

The Hull Libraries Team
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