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We are welcoming visitors in all our libraries - click here for opening times of different branches. Many changes are afoot at the moment in our libraries - click here for the latest updates concerning the return of fines and reservations and our relationship with H&F Libraries coming to an end.
Don't forget that a whole online library of newspapers, journals, comics, books, audiobooks and more is available to you at all times, remotely, with your library card.
The events programme continues in our libraries and online - never miss another event, follow us on Eventbrite. There is a lot happening on our social media platforms too:
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Career novels with Kay Whalley
Virtual talk - Wednesday 6 April, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
What exactly is a career book? You could read Molly Qualifies as a Librarian (our favourite), Kate in Advertising, Clare in Television, Hester: Ship’s Officer, Sheila Goes Gardening and many more – all with a (supposedly) interesting story and enough information to (hopefully) inspire readers to take up the profession.
While these books do encourage girls to take their careers seriously, every girl in every book is completely reassured that, whatever career she pursues, she’s not going to be left on the shelf, which - it is hard to believe it today - was every girl’s dread until at least 1980.
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Come and hear Kay Whalley talk about this 1950s branch of women’s literature and find out what career novels can tell us about the lives and ambitions of 1950s teenagers.
About the speaker:
Kay Whalley is a writer and collector of children's literature who has long been acknowledged as *the* expert on career novels. She has written a guide to them, Career Novels for Girls.
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Quota Quickies: the worst films ever made?
Virtual talk - Thursday 7 April, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
‘Quota quickies’ are cheap, quickly made British films of the 1930s. They were funded by Hollywood studios purely to comply with British legislation which stipulated that for every Jean Harlow or Jimmy Cagney classic shown in Britain, there had to be a certain percentage of British-made films shown too.
In this talk Lawrence Napper will explain how the ‘quota quickie’ came about and take you into the frantic and frenetic world of the ‘quickie’ film studio.
He will also introduce you to six of the films themselves, discovering that far from being mere legal curiosities, they offer a fascinating insight into the culture of Britain in the 1930s. You can expect a mouth-watering glimpse into the early careers of stars and directors who would later gain international acclaim.
About the speaker:
Lawrence Napper teaches film history at King’s College London. He is one of the hosts of ‘Kino Quickies’, a series of quota quickie screenings and discussions at the Kino Cinema, Bermondsey on Sunday afternoons between March and May.
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Empowered minds: the Beat Generation writers
Virtual talk - Thursday 21 April, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
The Beat Generation loosely began in and around 1950, melding with the hippie/flower-child movement of the 1970s. The Beats, however, were the first and most foundational post-war countercultural movement that led to all the others.
Kerouac himself defined the beat with what he considered a closely aligned term “beatitude,” which we know from the bible and which thereby connotes the more spiritual or sacred aspects of the term.
Come along and explore the world of Allan Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and the rest of the Beat Generation with Lisa Stein Haven.
About the speaker:
Lisa Stein Haven is a Professor of English at Ohio University Zanesville, a regional campus of Ohio University.
She specializes in 20th century British and American literature, especially the modernist and post-war periods, and composition. Her research interests are mostly in silent film comedy, especially the work of Charlie and Syd Chaplin, Buster Keaton and now Max Linder.
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A Contrary Journey with Jill Culiner
Virtual talk - Tuesday 26 April, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
In 19thc Eastern Europe Jewish life was ruled by Hasidic rebbes and religious law dictated every aspect of daily life. Secular books were forbidden; independent thinkers were threatened with moral rebuke, magical retribution and expulsion. But the proponents of the Jewish Enlightenment, or the Haskalah, were determined to modernise and founded schools where Jewish children could learn science, geography, languages and history.
To understand this pivotal moment in Jewish history, armed with a useless nineteenth-century map, a lumpy second-hand coat and an unhealthy dose of curiosity, our guest, author Jill Culiner, trudged through the snow in former Galicia, Russia, Ukraine and Romania in search of one such man - rebel, bard and glittering star of fusty inns, Velvel Zbarzher. This is her story of A Contrary Journey.
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The Gentleman’s Magazine and its Georgian Readers
Virtual talk - Thursday 28 April, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
The monthly miscellany The Gentleman’s Magazine was launched in January 1731 by printer and publisher Edward Cave. It was the first periodical to use the term magazine in this way.
Cave’s new venture was an immediate success - for decades it was the top-selling periodical in Britain with thousands of regular readers throughout the British Isles, and even abroad.
This talk by historian Dr Gillian Williamson, author of British Masculinity in the Gentleman’s Magazine, 1731-1815, looks at why Georgian readers were so loyal to The Gentleman’s Magazine and what this can tell us about changes taking place in Georgian society.
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Free online books, newspapers, magazines and more
If you are a member of Kensington and Chelsea libraries, you can borrow and download books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, comics and scores free of charge.
Dowload them straight to a dedicated app on your tablet, phone, eBook reader or computer and read whether connected to the internet or not - say goodbye to boring tube journeys!
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The controlling idea - learning from stories: Dune
Virtual discussion - Thursday 7 April, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
In this series of talks, publisher Katie Isbester and her daughter Teddy, a film buff, discuss the central idea of some of the greatest stories told. Each session will grapple with the big issue embedded in the story and compare how the book and film treat this central idea. This time they will discuss Dune by Frank Herbert, with their guest, Richard Lloyd-Morgan.
Dune - the transformative power of belief: Paul is hailed as the Messiah when he lands on Dune. This massively assists him in organising an uprising. What is it about religion that galvanises people? We explore how the importance of belief in a greater power is shown in both the book and the movie.
About the speakers:
Hosts: Katie Isbester, PhD, is the publisher of Claret Press, an indie publishing houses specialising in stories that deal with politics, issues and places. Teddy 't Hooft is a student at university, doing an arts undergraduate degree. She loves films and TV series. She has her own opinions.
Guest: Initially a professional opera singer, Richard Lloyd-Morgan was ordained in 1998 and appointed chaplain to Kings College Cambridge 2003.
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Poetry as portals of discovery - creative writing
Virtual poetry workshop - Mondays in April, 6.30pm to 8pm
This course is about possibility, how to create new worlds through poetry, using curiosity and experimentation to develop, transform and reimagine. Each week will herald different sources of stimulus, using film, music, and image to offer an open door to adventure and play, provoking your creative mind to dance.
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About the workshop leader:
Jemilea Wisdom-Baako is a British-Jamaican poet. A London Writers Award recipient, she was shortlisted for the Rebecca Swift Women's Poetry Prize and The Bridport Poetry Prize.
She runs the arts company Writerz and Scribez CIC and is currently working on her first pamphlet.
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Form & architecture
In this session on form and arcitecture of poetry we will explore the different ways a poem can be constructed, and how that adds to the meaning of the work. We will experiment with forms such as Golden Shovels, Found Poetry, and Haikus.
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The art of Ekphrasis
In this week's workshop we will be using visual art as a stimulus and inspiration. We will look at poems that respond to imagery, and utilise this in our own writing. Prepare to delve into the seen and construct ideologies about what is unseen.
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Self portraits and sharing
Finishing up the project with opportunities for performance, sharing and feedback. We'll open our ears to the voices of others, after a few writing exercises exploring self-portrait poetry. Come ready to listen, and to be heard.
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Basic IT-help with volunteer in Central Library
Saturdays in April, 10am to 12 noon
Do you need help doing basics on the computer like opening an email address, filling forms or starting a social media account? Are you looking to learn how to book holidays or shop online?
Our IT-Help volunteer sessions are resuming in March with a new volunteer, Simon. Feel free to bring your laptop, tablet or phone along - Simon can help with using those too.
These are drop-in sessions and Simon can work with up to 4 people at a time.
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Chelsea Library reading group
In person & virtual reading group
Thursday 21 April, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Chelsea Library reading group is a friendly relaxed reading group of book lovers that meet once per month. We read new and prize-listed fiction, but will consider anything suggested by group members.
In April we will be discussing Bewilderment by Richard Powers. The book was shortlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize.
You do not need to book to join us in person!
To join us on Microsoft Teams, please click below.
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The Book of the Week
Virtual book club
Fridays in April, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Join the library team for a virtual discussion about The Book of The Week. You do not need to have read the book to join the discussion, but be prepared, you may hear some spoilers.
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Coffee-morning at North Kensington Library
Refreshments and chat in the library
Thursday 14 April, 11am to 12 noon
Why not join us for a cup of tea or coffee, a slice of cake and a nice helping of conversation in the friendly library atmosphere?
Come along for some treats and a chat with others in our local community. It is free and there is no need to book, just pop into North Kensington Library.
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Chelsea Chatterbooks
In person session for children
Saturday 2 April, 11am to 12 noon
Chatterbooks is a monthly reading group for children aged 7-12 years old which aims to encourage children to read for pleasure.
This month we have a special guest - the best-selling author of Time Travel Diaries and Roman Mysteries, Caroline Lawrence, will be joining us virtually to talk about her writing, so get your questions ready!
Please note: Children can join us in person in the library OR online, like Caroline. You do NOT need to book to join us in the library, but do register below to receive the link to join us virtually.
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Make a wild wall hanging for Spring! with Urbanwise
In person workshop for children - Tuesday 12 April, 11am to 12.30pm
Drop in to our family workshop and make a wall hanging from wild things from nature - then take it home.
All of us at Brompton Library are excited to welcome Urbanwise.London, an educational charity which was established in 1983 and is known for its brilliant work with children and young people, to do this fun craft activity for children.
This Wall Hanging workshop, making one from things from nature, is ideal for families with children aged from 3 to 11.
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Baby Rhyme Time at Central Library
In person songs and stories for young children
Mondays, 10am to 10.20am
Come along and sing your favourite songs with us!
Join us for Baby Rhyme Time at Kensington Central Library. We will be singing songs old and new, and we'd like you to join us too... We hope to see you all there!
This is a free event but places are limited and if busy we may have to restrict numbers - arrive early to avoid disappointment!
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Story Time at Central Library
In person stories for children ages 2 to 7
Wednesdays, 2pm to 2.20pm
Come along to Story Time at Central Library.
Each week we will have a new fantastic story to share with you. Join in as we share stories together and embark on new and exciting journeys in each session.
Places are limited so make sure to book to avoid disappointment. It is free for all and all are welcome but arrive early to avoid disappointment!
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North Kensington
Image: Original poster advertising a bonfire party at Powis Square, North Kensington, c.1970s.
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Community Posters
Recently, the RBKC Archives & Local Studies team were very excited to receive a donation to the collections of 14 original posters from a resident. The wonderful posters date from the 1970s and provide insight into the borough’s rich history of community organising, from community events to political action.
The team have applied conservation measures and are pleased that the posters will now be preserved for future generations.
If you’d like to view the rest of the posters you can book an appointment in the searchroom, or if you think that you might have material that you would like to donate to the archive collections please email: centrallocalenquiries@rbkc.gov.uk
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Passports for Life - by the Ładoś Group
Exhibition/Display - Kensington Central Library, 1 April to 31 May 2022
Eighty years ago in Bern, Switzerland, Polish diplomats launched the so-called “passport initiative” to save Jews from the Holocaust. The so-called Ładoś Group issued fake passports for neutral Latin American countries to Jewish people facing death camps in Europe.
The Pilecki Institute has conducted research on the activities of the Ładoś Group and this has resulted in the publication in 2019 of the Ładoś List, with the names of more than 3,000 people for whom passports were issued.
Visit Kensington Central Library and find out more about one of the largest rescue operations carried out by diplomats during the Holocaust. Look out for a talk by historian Roger Moorhouse about this in May - it will be listed on Eventbrite soon.
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Biography Central - Podcast
Biography Central is a podcast in which we invite you to join us deep in the basement of Kensington Central Library in London, to burrow amongst the shelves of the unique Special Collection of Biographies.
Here you will find around 90,000 books spanning 200 years of publishing.
In each episode we will focus on a particular biography and learn more about a fascinating person and their impact on our world.
Staff from Kensington Central Library and some guests will whet your appetite to learn more about a range of individuals from all walks of life.
Click here to listen to the podcasts we have done so far.
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Easter bank holiday opening times
Here are library opening times during Easter:
Friday 15 April - Closed
Saturday 16 April - Open as usual
Sunday 17 April - Closed
Monday 18 April - Closed
All our libraries will open at 9.30am on Tuesday 19 April
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Have a question?
Email us
You may not be able to pop in in person, but you can still ask a team of librarians anything you want through our email enquiry service.
Just email your query to libraries@rbkc.gov.uk and we'll do our best to help.
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Need a chat?
Phone us
There is a customer service phoneline if you want to speak to us about book recommendations, service queries or additional support.
Just call 020 7361 3010
Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm
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Message from the Council
Be part of creating a better experience for residents
Had a bad experience when contacting the Council or perhaps your enquiry was resolved first time? We want to hear from you.
Join our new Customer User Group and help co-produce new Council service standards which will ensure residents know what to expect when they contact us and ensure they receive the best possible service.
We’re looking for people to commit to at least four meetings over the next six months and in return you’ll receive voucher rewards. The first meeting is likely to be held in May 2022.
Interested? Please complete our online form.
For more details, a paper copy of the online form or a translated version, please email casusergroup@rbkc.gov.uk or call 020 7361 2080, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
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Message from Kensington Palace
Easter Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt
The Lindt Gold Bunny hunt is back this Easter!
Find the Lindt Gold Bunny and discover the stories of fascinating characters who visited, lived and worked at Kensington Palace. Use the trail map to explore the palace and gardens and find the bunny statues that are hiding there. With each Lindt Gold Bunny you find, a fascinating story will be revealed about an important palace character.
When you’ve finished, you’ll receive a Lindt Gold Bunny reward!
The hunt is designed for children aged 4-12 and their families. Please allow 1 hour to complete the trail. This event is included with your palace admission ticket. We advise pre-booking to avoid disappointment.
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