Library Activities and Events

Based on the award-winning book by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, The Girl of Ink and Stars tells the story of Isabella and her lifelong friend Pablo’s journey into the forbidden and unknown territories of their island in a search for their missing friend. Following her map and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers beneath the dry rivers and smoky mountains a fiery legend is stirring from its sleep...

The Girl of Ink and Stars is brought to you by The Spark Arts and is a magical story that champions children as brave, resilient and curious.

Told through 360° sound- the performance is presented through headsets, provided to the audience, to give an immersive 360° sound experience. Individual headsets will allow them to hear the full soundscape of the mythical island of Joya and be fully transported to Isabella’s world.

A story for adventurers aged 7+.  Booking essential, £2 per person. Book in your local library.

• Saturday 3 August 10.30am - 11.30am, Hyson Green Library
• Saturday 3 August, 3pm – 4pm, The Meadows Library
• Wednesday 7 August, 3pm - 4pm, Wollaton Library
• Thursday 8 August 10.30am - 11.30am, Strelley Road Library
• Thursday 8 August 3pm - 4pm, The Dales Centre Library
• Friday 9 August 10.30am - 11.30am, Nottingham Central Library 
• Friday 9 August 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Aspley Library
• Monday 12 August 10.30am - 11.30am, Basford Library
• Monday 12 August 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Bulwell Riverside Library

Can I bring a younger child to the performance? The Girl of Ink and Stars has been specifically created for children aged 7+ so the content may not hold the attention of a much younger child. This show also involves the use of headphones, provided to the audience, to enable a truly immersive experience. Therefore, for children to have the best experience they would need to feel comfortable wearing headsets for the full duration of the show, which is 55 minutes. We do not want this to be a barrier for families attending so please discuss with the library if you need more information.

Tell me more about the 360 sound & headsets? In a first for our library shows, we are making use of immersive technology to provide 360 sound. Audience members will be provided with headsets, pictured–similar to gallery/ museum headphones*, to transport themselves in Isabella’s world and experience her journey along with her.

What If my child doesn’t want to wear the headset? The theatre piece has been designed around this new technology, so to get the most out of the experience it is better to wear the headphones. There will be some sound without the headphones so the child will still be able to hear the music and story if that is more comfortable experience for them.

Can the volume on the headsets be controlled by the wearer? Yes the headsets will have an adjustable volume control to ensure the wearer has control of the volume they hear.

What happens if a child starts playing/removing headphones and I am sat at the back? Staff will be on hand to assist with any headset difficulties during the show, we will help them to get the headphones back on or guide the child to you if they are feeling anxious.

I am hard of hearing, how can the technology work for me? We are very happy to talk to you about making the show accessible for you, whether that be through your aids or our loop systems, please inform us in advance so we can ensure we have everything set up for your arrival.

Is there any information available to prepare my child for the show? Yes, we will be working with the production company to create an easy read synopsis.

Blast off into space this summer with our out of this world summer programme of fun!

The Space Chase Summer Reading Challenge has launched and its sure to be summer of adventure, exploration, reading and fun! Along with the challenge we will be running lots of activities across our libraries...take a look below!

All activities are free and drop in unless stated otherwise.

Kev’s Comic Art Masterclass: Back by popular demand!  Learn how to write and draw comics with Kev Sutherland (writer for the Beano, Marvel and Doctor Who). Take away a photocopied comic and individual caricature of yourself! For ages 7+. Booking essential, £6 per person. Contact the library to purchase tickets.

• Saturday 27 July, 1.30pm - 4pm, Wollaton Library
• Saturday 27 July, 9.30am - 12pm, Nottingham Central Library

Fun with Rocketmole: Hear this story about a mole on a mission and make a rocket to take home.                                                            

• Wednesday 31 July, 11am - 2pm, Sherwood Library
• Thursday 1 August, 11am - 2pm, Basford Library
• Thursday 1 August, 12pm - 3pm. Bilborough Library
• Friday 2 August, 11am - 1pm, Nottingham Central Library
• Friday 9 August, 11am - 12pm, Radford - Lenton Library
• Monday 12 August, 11am-2pm, Strelley Road Library
• Tuesday 13 August, 10am - 11.30am, Aspley Library
• Friday 16 August, 10.30am - 12pm, Hyson Green Library
• Friday 16 August, 1pm - 3pm,St Ann’s Valley Library
• Thursday 22 August, 1pm - 3pm, Wollaton Library
• Wednesday 28 August, 12 - 2pm, Meadows Library

Geoffrey Jumper: Our regular children’s performer returns with mischief, magic and music for all the family. £2 per person. Contact the library to purchase tickets.  

• Wednesday 14 August,  2.30pm - 3.30pm, Wollaton Library
• Thursday 15 August, 11am - 12pm, Southglade Park Library 
• Thursday 15 August, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Hyson Green Library
• Friday 16 August, 11am - 12pm,  Radford - Lenton Library
• Friday 16 August, 2.30pm – 3.30pm, Nottingham Central Library
• Monday 19 August, 11am - 12pm, Basford Library
• Monday 19 August, 2.30pm – 3.30pm,  Bulwell Riverside Library
• Tuesday 20 August, 11am - 12pm,  The Dales Centre
• Tuesday 20 August, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Aspley Library
• Wednesday 21 August,  11am - 12pm, Sherwood Library
• Wednesday 21 August,2.30pm – 3.30pm,  St Ann’s Valley Library 
• Thursday 22 August, 11-12pm, Meadows Library
• Thursday 22 August, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Clifton Library  
• Friday 23 August, 11am - 12pm, Bilborough Library
• Friday 23 August, 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Strelley Road Library

 Aliens Love Underpants! Drop in for alien crafts inspired by the hilarious book.                                                             

• Monday 29 July, 12pm - 3pm, Strelley Road Library
• Tuesday 30 July, 10am - 11.30am, Aspley Library
• Wednesday 31 July, 11am - 1pm, The Dales Centre
• Wednesday 31 July, 12pm – 3pm, Bulwell Riverside Library
• Friday 2 August, 11am - 12pm, Radford - Lenton Library
• Monday 5 August, 12pm - 3pm, Clifton Library
• Wednesday 7 August, 11am - 2pm, Sherwood Library
• Thursday 8 August, 11am - 2pm, Basford Library
• Friday 9 August, 1pm - 3pm, St Ann’s Valley Library
• Friday 16 August, 11am - 1 pm Meadows Library
• Wednesday 21 August, 1pm - 3pm, Nottingham Central Library

Super Space Science: Get out of this world and discover space with some fun science activities. For ages 7+.

• Friday 9 August, 11am - 1pm, Clifton Library
• Friday 23 August, 10am - 12pm, Aspley Library
• Wednesday 28 August, 1pm - 3pm,  Nottingham Central Library

Marshmallows for Martians: Listen to this rhyming space adventure story and make marshmallow constellations and button planets.

• Wednesday 31 July, 12pm - 3pm, Meadows Library
• Thursday 8 August, 12pm - 3pm, Bilborough Library
• Friday 9 August, 10.30am - 12pm, Hyson Green Library
• Monday 12 August, 12pm - 3pm, Clifton Library
• Monday 19 August, 11am -2pm ,Strelley Road Library
• Thursday 22 August, 12pm - 2pm, Southglade park
• Friday 23 August, 11am - 12pm, Radford - Lenton Library
• Wednesday 28 August, 11am - 2pm, Sherwood Library
• Thursday 29 August, 1.30pm - 3.30pm, Nottingham Central Library
• Friday 30 August, 1pm – 3pm, St Ann’s Valley Library

LEGO Space Chase: Let your imagination take off and build your own space creations to add to our lunar space scene.                                   

• Monday 29 July, 12pm - 3pm, Clifton Library
• Tuesday 30 July, 1pm -3pm, Wollaton Library
• Friday 2 August, 1pm - 3pm, St Ann’s Valley Library
• Monday 5 August, 11am – 2pm, Strelley Road Library
• Wednesday 7 August, 12pm – 3pm, Bulwell Riverside Library
• Thursday 8 August, 11am - 2pm, Southglade Park Library
• Thursday 15 August, 12pm - 3pm, Bilborough Library
• Monday 19 August, 11am - 2pm, Sherwood Library
• Friday 23 August, 10.30am - 12pm, Hyson Green Libra
• Wednesday 28 August, 11am – 1pm, The Dales Centre

Coding with Micro:bits: Unlock the secrets of computer coding and do some really cool stuff using a BBC Micro:bit. Age 7+.

• Friday 2 August, 2 - 4pm, The Dales Centre
• Wednesday 14 August, 2pm - 4pm, St Ann’s Valley Library

The Enormous Crocodile: Storyteller John Kirk is working with the Roald Dahl Company to present The Enormous Crocodile. In the biggest, brownest, muddiest river in Africa the Enormous Crocodile is dreaming of eating little children for his lunch. He has thought up all kinds of secret plans and clever tricks but will the other jungle animals allow him to enjoy his meal?  

His interactive storytelling presentation is 30 minutes and suitable for children 4+. It is kindly supported by The Roald Dahl Company with music by Joseph Attenborough. £2 per person. Contact the library to purchase tickets.

Don’t miss John Kirk’s genius storytelling. He’s brilliant!  John Kirk brings stories to life in an amazing way and encourages children’s reading, writing and listening skills.  Jeremy Strong, author of “The Hundred Mile an Hour Dog”

• Wednesday 14 August, 11am - 12pm, Sherwood Library
• Wednesday 14 August, 4.30pm - 5.30pm, The Dales Centre Library 
• Wednesday 14 August, 2pm - 3pm, Strelley Road Library

Creative Kids Club: Design you own alien and make up your own short story about them!

•  Saturday 24 August 12pm-2pm, Meadows Library

 Southglade Park Live: Have fun with special spaced themed activities.

• Thursday 1 August, 12-4pm, Southglade Park Library.

All activities are free and drop in unless stated otherwise. Contact the library to purchase tickets for paid events

Gaming Quiz- Anime, Manga, Games, music

Brought to you by Storysmash team, a full on Anime, Manga, TV and gaming quiz to celebrate Nerdom in Nottingham!

It's free to enter and you can have a team of up to 4 to compete for fantastic prizes! Rounds will include Picture Round, General Knowledge, Anime Music and Gaming Music.

No need to book but if anyone has any questions message us via quizmaster Joshua.passey@nottinghamcity.gov.uk. For ages 11+

Nottingham Central Library, Saturday 3 August, 1 pm to 3 pm

Boardgame Sessions

Love board games and roleplaying games? Or just interested in them. Come along and play a variety of single-session games at our next two Storysmash Gaming sessions.

All suitable for young adults and both complete beginners and experienced players wanting to try something new.

Aspley Library Wednesday 7 August 10 am till 12 pm or Wednesday 21 August 10 am till 12 pm

Bulwell Riverside Library Friday 9 August  2.30pm till 4.30pm or Friday 23 August  2.30pm till 4.30pm

Free and no need to book...just rock up! Feel free to bring a game with you as we can discuss playing it at some point.

For more info speak to Joshua on Joshua.Passey@nottinghamcity.gov.uk 

How to build a website using WordPress 

Saturday 20 July, 10am - 12pm or Monday 22 July, 1pm - 3pm, at Nottingham Central Library.

Do you want to build your own website but unsure where to get started? Why not join us for a practical hands-on session about websites for beginners…

No coding experience is required but participants should be comfortable using computers and the web.

To book your free place for the 20th click here. To book for the 22nd click here. 

Learn to Code Music with Sonic Pi 

Tuesday 23 July 4pm - 6pm, at Bulwell Riverside Library

Sonic Pi is a code-based music creation tool. Take your first steps to coding music using Sonic Pi. This family friendly session goes over the basics of music programming language on Sonic Pi’s using Python. No coding experience is required but participants should be comfortable using computers and the web.

Booking information: Free family places can be booked through Eventbrite here or by telephone the Library on 0115 883 3500 Ext. 3. There is a minimum of 1 adult, aged 19+, and a maximum of 4 people per group. Suitable for children aged 8+.

Introduction to Programming using Python 

Wednesday 24 July, 4pm - 6pm, at Nottingham Central Library

Take your first steps in programming and learn how to code. We will be using Python to understand the basics of programming language. No coding experience is required but participants should be comfortable using computers and the web.

Booking information: Participants must be aged 19+. Free places can be booked through Eventbrite here  website or telephone the library on 0115 915 2825.

Learn to Code Music with Sonic Pi 

Monday 29 July, 10am - 12pm, at the Dales Centre Library

Sonic Pi is a code-based music creation tool. Take your first steps to coding music using Sonic Pi. This family friendly session goes over the basics of music programming language on Sonic Pi’s using Python. No coding experience is required but participants should be comfortable using computers and the web.

Booking information: Family places to be booked through Eventbrite here or telephone the Dales Centre Library on: 0115 876 1990. There is a minimum of 1 adult, aged 19+, and a maximum of 4 people per group. Suitable for children aged 8+.

Digital Day: family drop-in session

Wednesday 31 July, 2pm - 5pm, at Strelley Road Library

Drop-in for a family friendly exploration and taster session of digital technology. Try, make, explore and create using Raspberry Pi, Makey Makey, Micro:bit and Scratch.

Booking information: No experience or booking is required. Must have an adult aged 19+ present, suitable for children aged 8+. Book your free ticket here on Eventbrite here or call 0115 9152880.

Bengali, Gujarati and Urdu book groups

For dates of the next meeting and further information please contact Syed Anwar via email on syed.anwar@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or call on 0115 876 1938.

Nottingham Central Library

Book Group

First Thursday of the month, 5.45pm to 7 pm

Crime Readers' Group

Last Tuesday of the month, from 2 pm to 3.15pm

Readers' Group

First Tuesday of the month, from 5 pm to 6 pm

Reading For Mental Health Book Club

Contact Jane Brierley on 0115 876 1933 or jane.brierley@nottinghamcity.gov.uk for more information

Reading For Pleasure

Third Tuesday of the month, 11.30am

The Listening Chain an audiobook group for visually impaired persons

Second Wednesday of the month 2 pm to 3.30pm

Contact Sarah Akroyd 0115 876 1946 or sarah.akroyd@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Bulwell Riverside library Library Club and Book Group

Second Friday of the month, 10.15am to 11.30am

0115 883 3500

Dales Centre Library Reading Group

First Friday of the month, 4.45pm to 5.45pm

0115 876 1990

Meadows Library Reading Group

First Wednesday of the month, from 6 pm to 7 pm

0115 915 9279

Sherwood Library Pageturners Reading Group

First Friday of the month, 6 pm to 7 pm NB: New opening times, the group will continue to meet as usual, please contact staff for further information.

0115 915 1155

St Ann's Valley Library Book Group

Third Wednesday in the month, from 12 pm to 1 pm

0115 883 9700

Strelley Road Library Book Group
Third Monday of the month, 11 am to 12 pm

0115 883 3500

Wollaton Library Daytime Group

First Wednesday of the month, 10.30am to 11.30pm

0115 915 2809

Wollaton Library Evening Reading Group

First Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm to 8.30pm

0115 915 2809

Conversation Groups for learners of English

These groups are for anyone who wants to improve their confidence in speaking English. They are aimed at people who speak English as a second language and help you build confidence by discussion, debate, exchanging ideas and through activities and tasks.

The groups run in term time only at:

Nottingham Central Library   Thursday 2.30pm to 4.15pm

Dales Centre Library  Monday 1pm to 2.30pm

Hyson Green Library   Friday 10.30am to 12pm

Meadows Library   Monday 10.30am to 12pm

St Ann's Valley Centre Library  Wednesday 1pm to 2.45pm

The Language Cafe

Saturdays 1pm to 3pm at Nottingham Central Library.

This is an informal language exchange and fun way to learn new languages or practice your teaching skills, it runs in term time only.

For more information about Conversation groups or the Language cafe please get in touch:

Email: enquiryline@nottinghamcity.gov.uk  or contact the relevant library.

We have lots of regular activities after school, on Saturdays and in the holidays suitable for all ages of children and young people. Click on the relevant age group below for more details:

Under 5s    5-11 years    12-19 years  Summer Reading Challenge

To find out about special and one-off events go to the top of this page, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for Stay Connected monthly library updates via email.

One2One Family History computer help sessions.

Support to explore some of the online sources available. The sessions are free and last for one hour. Contact the Local Studies Library

Family History drop-in sessions

On the first Wednesday of every month, 10 am to 12 pm, in the Local Studies Library, floor 1, Central Library. Anyone with family history questions is welcome, whether they are just starting or are already doing their research.

Join our family history group

Are you researching your family history? Would you welcome meeting others who are also researching family history to share progress and brick walls? Then come along to our regular family history group meetings.

The group meet on last Saturday of the month at Nottingham Central Library, Learning Suite, Floor 2, 10 am to 12 pm.

For more information contact Nottingham Local Studies Library:

local_studies.library@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

or Tel: 0115 915 2873.

Our new drop in games cafe is the perfect way to get out to meet new people in your local area while enjoying some new and old favourite games!

Games Café are free and run weekly at the following libraries;

• Aspley Library, Thursday, 10.30am to 11.30am
• Basford Library, Monday, 10.30am to 11.30am
• Clifton Library,  Monday, 10.30am to 11.30am
• Sherwood Library, Monday, 10.30am to 11.30am 
• The Meadows Library, Thursday, 10.30am to 11.30am. 
• Southglade Park Library, Mondays, 10.30am to 11.30 am 

Easylink public transport is providing free journeys for anyone with any mobility difficulties. Transport should be booked direct with Easylink and you need to state it is for the Games Café.

Knit, stitch and crochet clubs are free and open to anyone who has an interest in needle and yarn crafts; whether you knit, crochet, cross-stitch, embroider or enjoy any other type of needle crafts.

The clubs welcome people at all levels of experience who are willing to share their time, ideas and skills with others or just want to work on their projects.

Groups meet at:

Aspley Library Knit and Natter, Tuesday 4 pm to 5.45pm

Basford Library Knit and Knatter Group, Alternate Tuesdays 9.30am to 12 pm

Bilborough Library Knitting and Crochet Group, Monday and Friday 10 am to 12 pm

Bulwell Library Knit and Natter, Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 12 pm

Friends of Meadows Library Sewing Group, Wednesday 10.30am to 12.30pm

Nottingham Central Library Tangled Yarns Knitting and Crochet Group, alternate Tuesdays 1 pm to 3 pm

St Ann's Valley Library Knit and Stitch Group, Friday 10 am to 12 pm

Strelley Road Library Knit and Stitch Group, Tuesdays, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Dales Centre Library Crochet Group, Saturday 11.30am to 12.30pm

Monthly, from September to June, libraries invite guest experts who present talks and discussions on a wide range of subjects. Recent topics include Japanese tea ceremonies, the history of photography, local history and poetry. 

Everyone is welcome to attend and its a great place to meet people in your community. There is no requirement to attend every talk and refreshments are available for a small contribution.

Library clubs are held at:

Basford Library Second Tuesday of the month 10.30am to 11.30am

Clifton Library First Thursday of the month 10:30 am to 12 pm 

Sherwood Library Third Thursday of the month, 10am to 11am 

Are you interested in creative writing? Do you want to meet others with similar interests? Here are some writing groups in Nottingham where you might find inspiration!

DIY Poets

Third Tuesday of the month, 8 pm

The Peacock pub, Mansfield Road, Nottingham

07905 322813

Lowdham Writers' Group

Second Tuesday of the month, 7:30 pm

Old Ship Inn, Main St, Lowdham

Nick Sparrow 0115 914 4057

Nottingham Poetry Society

Fourth Saturday of the month, 2:45 pm

The Mechanics, North Sherwood Street, Nottingham

01773 712282

Nottingham Shakespeare Society

First and Third Tuesday of the month, 7 pm

The Mechanics, North Sherwood Street, Nottingham

0115 925 6551

Nottingham Writers' Club

First and Third Wednesday of the month, 7 pm

The Mechanics, North Sherwood Street, Nottingham

Jeremy 0115 962 1453

Nottingham Writers' Studio

A work and resource centre for professional-level writers

Aly Stoneman 0115 959 7947 / admin@nottinghamwritersstudio.co.uk

Notts Writing Group

Mondays 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm The Bell Inn, Angel Row, Nottingham nottswritinggroup@gmail.com

Open to anyone unemployed and looking for work or training. Delivered in partnership with trained employment advisers from local organisations, drop in for help with your CV, interview skills, job searching, finding training and apprenticeships.

Universal Skills is an online resource aimed at anyone who is looking for work. It’s free to use in the library or from home, just log in with your library card number.

Topics include:

• Basic IT Skills
• How to use Find a Job 
• Universal Credit
• Employability Skills, including job search, interview skills, CV writing

Libraries with sessions are listed below: