Libraries offer much more than just a warm welcome - our eight largest libraries have new ranges of items to sell that are ideal if you’re stuck for ideas for presents this Christmas.
Gifts for sale include jigsaw puzzles, mugs, umbrellas, bookmarks and much, much more, some with a literary theme.
Many libraries, including our smaller ones, sell stocking fillers such as 3D bookmarks, activity books and wallcharts.
Why not pop in and have a browse?
Come on and join in with some fun-filled family activities this Christmas with West Sussex Libraries!
During December lots of libraries will be holding special Christmas Storytimes, some in time for bedtime - perfect for children under eight!
Come along wearing your snuggliest pyjamas and bring a torch and your favourite teddy to join in with some brilliant new (and classic!) Christmas stories.
These events are free but prebooking is essential. Find your local event and book early to avoid disappointment.
Regular activities continue during the Christmas break, with the exception of those which fall on Christmas Eve (Saturday 24 December) or on a Bank Holiday.
You can share the festive season with library friends at our Knit & Natter groups, make some noise at a Rhyme Time session or get creative at our Construction Club or Board Games groups. Our drop-in groups are free to attend, and everyone is welcome!
Discover what events and activities are happening in your local library.
We are running a mixture of in-person and online events throughout December offering free business advice, from 1 to 1 clinics to workshops and webinars.
Introduction to Intellectual Property (online) - Wednesday 7 December, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Business start-up resources (online) - Tuesday 13 December, 10.00am – 11.00am
Business 1 to 1s at Crawley Library – Wednesday 14 December
RISE Innovation 1 to 1s at Crawley Library - Thursday 15 December
Find out about even more free business events at the Business and IP Centre Sussex.
Check out our free business resource page to find business resources you can access in libraries.
You can also sign up for the BIPC Sussex Newsletter for all the latest news and resources!
You can now access the 1921 census for FREE on Findmypast in all our libraries and in West Sussex Record Office. For many people this may be the first time you have been able to find information on close family members e.g., parents and grandparents and so is an important step back in time.
If you have any questions about the 1921 census, contact our Enquiries Team.
We know that many parents and carers of children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019 will have applied for or are in the process of applying for primary and infant school places.
The easiest way to apply is online and applications close on Sunday 15 January 2023. If you need help our friendly library staff can support you to use the online admissions form.
Calling all book lovers and podcast fans! We’ve got a brand new episode of our Library podcast Lend Us Your Ears.
Join librarians Anna, Becca and Tom as they look back on Black History Month in October, from favourite book recommendations to a memorable film screening at Crawley Library with South London Arts company Oxygen Arts.
You might even find your next book to read!
Find the podcast and all previous episodes here.
Saturday 3 December is Small Business Saturday! Let's get together to celebrate small business success and 'shop local', to support small businesses in the community.
We offer a wide range of resources to help small businesses to develop and thrive, as well as support for start-up businesses.
Did your children enjoy the Gadgeteers Summer Reading Challenge? A Winter Mini Challenge is happening online from 1 December.
To take part, children simply need to read three books or more of their choice. Every time they finish a book, they add it to their Challenge website profile and leave a short book review. Reaching their online reading goal will unlock a special virtual badge and a new wintery Gadgeteers certificate to print off and keep. There are also fun activities, videos, reading recommendations, plus an exciting competition!
Visit the Winter Mini Challenge website from 1 December 2022 to start rating and reviewing their books and enjoying the online activities.
Join local historian Alan Green to explore the history of the four ancient streets in the southeast quadrant that became, in Georgian times, the most select address in the city.
The talk will be held at West Sussex Record Office at 7.00pm on Tuesday 28 February (limited numbers; booking essential); alternatively, join us online via Zoom.
To attend in person (£8; £7 for West Sussex Archives Society members), please ring 01243 753602 to book and pay.
Online attendance costs £5:
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