Lambeth Readers and Writers Festival 2023
 The 2023 Lambeth Readers and Writers Festival is back with a series of inspirational events to suit all tastes. Whether you enjoy reading, writing, discussions, or simply sitting back and listening. Come and join us and express yourself! You’ll be amazed at the fun you can have in your local library.
 Throughout May and into June we have some great writers visiting Lambeth Libraries, here's a taste of May’s highlights:
For Fiction lovers you are in for a treat with Christopher Bowden (9 May) talking about his latest novel Mr Magenta, the fantastic Jessica George (16 May) discussing Maame, one of the hit titles of 2023, and prize-winning Caleb Azumah Nelson (24 May), who has invited his Mum, Eugenia Ashie, to discuss his new novel, Small Worlds, intergenerational relationships and the stories and music which make us who we are.
 For those interested in history and information, we have a stellar line-up: musician and writer Stephen Coates (4 May) discusses Bone Music: The Strange Story of Soviet Music on the Bone, former MP and best-selling political diarist Chris Mullin (15 May) returns with his trademark irreverence and keen eye for the political absurd, Dub Poet Linton Kwesi Johnson (17 May) is in conversation with legendary actor, director, presenter and cultural activist, Burt Caesar, writer and columnist Gary Younge (23 May) talks about his career and his latest book Dispatches and Comedian Sadia Azmad (31 May) discusses her hilarious book on how we all deserve to feel like a Sex Bomb!
 If your thing is poetry then we have a couple of brilliant events for you. Join local poet Jill Abram (10 May) who brings three fantastic poets of international renown living in the borough to you and follow up with celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the Black Ink Collective (19 May) for a night telling the Collective's story though readings and performances.
 In addition to author visits we have discussion on William Morris’s Art, Wealth and Riches (12 May), Mrs Meredith and the Convict Laundries of Vauxhall and Stockwell (22 May), the Lambeth LGBTQ+ Reading Group discuss the classic Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson (26 May) and Naresh Kaushal looks at Lambeth StoryTrails interactive immersive map (27 May) and talks about the process of 3D mapping and storytelling.
…and there are book discussions, exhibitions and more going into June with more writers, workshops and discussions... check out the brochure for a full listing. For all bookings please visit Lambeth Libraries Eventbrite page.
Art Exhibitions
 Showing until 26 May
Brixton Library. SW2 1JQ
Exhibition available during Library opening hours
Yair Meshoulam is a maker of beautiful and extraordinary paintings and installations, as well as a part-time guitarist, and self-proclaimed 'King of Wallpaper'. Born in Haifa in 1963, he has lived in London since 1966
The subject matter of this exhibition ranges from the mythological to the magical to the mystical but in a contemporary or timeless setting. The style is figurative from the imagination - surreal, symbolic, magic realist - label it how you will.
Groups and Activities
 Tuesday 2 May, 5pm to 6pm
Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ
Do you enjoy attending Brixton Library Fairs and Bazaars? Like practicing Tai Chi or Crafts? Appreciate following Local History?... or poetry? Literature? To celebrate and look to future activities with the Friends of Brixton Library, come along to this meeting. Light refreshments will be available. For more details and/ or rsvp: foftlbrixton@gmail.com
 Meets 2nd Monday of the month, 7pm to 8.30pm
Streatham Library, SW16 1PN
Contact to book your place, or to find out more: wellbeing@centre70.org.uk or sister2sisterBU@gmail.com
This is a free group for women from all cultures, who are living through any stage of the menopause. Each month we get together to share experiences, offer and receive support, and hear from specialist guest speakers.
 Thursday 11 May, 10am to 2pm
Brixton Library. SW2 1JQ
Could you foster? Children in our
community are in need of stable, loving homes to achieve their best future and fulfil their potential. Drop in to see us at Brixton Library. There are many different types of foster care, and we’re sure there’s one that works for you. www.lambeth.gov.uk/foster
 Wednesday 17 May, 11.30am to 2.30pm
Brixton Library. SW2 1JQ
Raising awareness of mental health and how to help. For residents, frontline staff, volunteers and local businesses. Drop in or book by emailing juney.muhammad@slam.nhs.uk
 Thursday 18 May, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Brixton Library. SW2 1JQ
Age UK Lambeth are holding a launch of their MY Health services. It will be a chance to find out about their free dementia support, chair based exercise classes and walking groups. Those who attend can try some gentle chair based exercise during the afternoon. Refreshments will also be available. The event is open to all older people living in Lambeth, free and with no need to book in advance. |
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Other Library Events
 This community engagement event immerses you in film, interactivity, debate and includes improvisation with a fantastic cast of performers considering the sometimes uneasy question of “what is needed to improve the lives of Black men in the UK?”
Thursday 18 May, 5pm to 7pm Brixton Library. SW2 1JQ
Booking via Eventbrite
Saturday 20 May, 12pm to 3pm Streatham Library. SW16 1PN
Booking via Eventbrite
 Friday 19 May, 7pm.
Clapham Library. SW4 7DB
Tickets £8 Booking via Eventbrite
Join Naomi Bedford, Paul Simmonds and their band for an evening of potent, exciting and emotional folk music - live in the Library!
 Saturday 20 May, 1.30pm to 4pm Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ
Booking via Eventbrite
The mic will be open to all ages. Register by email to perform: tonybhappydrums@gmail.com
First 19 booked will perform 1 to 3 poems each. As children will be present, please keep the language PG.
 Saturday 20 May, 2pm to 4pm Carnegie Library. SE24 0AG
The Brixton Immortals Domino Club will be giving you an opportunity to learn how to play dominoes and the skills you need to win. This is a great way to get children engaging in maths and probability while having fun – and a good social game for adults too. Come along for a fun afternoon.
Events for Children and Young People
 Wednesday 3 May, 2.30pm to 5.30pm West Norwood Library. SE27 9JX
Come along and find out what community groups are offering near you! There will be representation from local organisations providing information and resources on mental health, career progression, housing, revision assistance, volunteering opportunities, climate change – there’ll be interactive workshops, games, food, fun and more!
 As part of King Charles III coronation celebrations, Lambeth Libraries are hosting a range of free activities and events. There will be environmental-themed activities in line with the King’s passion for a greener society and craft activities.
Coronation nature themed crafts, drop-in activity for kids
Wednesday 3 May, 4pm. Brixton Library
Thursday 4 May, 4pm. Minet Library
Friday 5 May, 3.30pm. South Lambeth Library
Friday 5 May, 4pm. Waterloo Library
Saturday 6 May, 11am. Upper Norwood Library
Saturday 13 May, 12pm to 4pm.
Durning Library
Other Coronation events for Children
Tuesday 2 May, 10.30am. Clapham Library. Parent and Toddler – Make a crown for the coronation craft event.
Wednesday 3 May, 4pm to 5pm. West Norwood Library. King’s Coronation Crafts. Come along and celebrate the Coronation of the King with us! We will make paper crowns and shields to commemorate the special occasion. Refreshments provided. All ages are welcome to join in the fun!
Thursday 4 May, 2pm to 5pm. Streatham Library. The library garden has been cleared and is ready for planting. Join us to learn how to grow your own food by creating an edible green wall garden. Bee-friendly: We will also be planting flowers that will attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. Age 5+ all welcome Coronation Mural crafts will take place in the hall all day.
Saturday 6 May, 12pm to 2pm. Durning Library. Coronation Thaumatrope Animation Craft activity. Age 5+
Tuesday 9 May, 3.30pm to 5pm. Clapham Library. Grow your own plant and herbs. Come and plant a seed and take it home with you.
Saturday 20 May, 2pm to 4pm. Clapham Library. Saturday link up to grow your own vegetable, herb or flower. Ages 11 to 16
Events for Schools
 In April and May award winning YA author Alex Wheatle, with Book Clubs in Schools, bring top young adult writers to Brixton Library in a fabulous series of interviews and Q&A's with children.
A. M. Dassu - Boot It!
Wednesday 3 May, 11am. Brixton Library
For more information and school bookings, contact Caroline at cgraham@lambeth.gov.uk
From our Friends
 Wednesday 3 May, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Morley College, Stockwell Centre. 1 Studley Road. SW4 6RA
Let's celebrate Eid in style at Stockwell's Eid party hosted by Morley College on May 3rd! Bring your loved ones and get ready for an afternoon of food, fun, and dancing. Don’t miss out!
 Friday 5 May, 8.30pm to 9.30pm
Ruskin Park, meet at the middle of the three gates to the park on Ferndene Road SE24 0AB.
Booking via Eventbrite
Dr Iain Boulton of Lambeth Council will be leading another of his ever popular bat walks in Ruskin Park. Bat detectors supplied! |
