What's on in Hackney Libraries
Libraries
- CLR James Library
- Clapton Library
- Hackney Central Library
- Homerton Library
- Shoreditch Library
- Stamford Hill Library
- Stoke Newington Library
- Woodberry Down Library
CLR James Library
To find out how to contact and visit the library see the branch page for CLR James Library
Children's Story Group
Saturday 24 April, 2-3pm. Meets monthly. A fun, creative and supportive group for emergent readers focussing on simple story discussions. Members will read aloud and discuss literature in its many forms including members own stories. The groups primary aim will be to encourage, build confidence and develop language and communication skills.
Teenage Reading Group
Last Monday of the month. Next meeting Monday 29 March, 4.30-5.30pm. Following on from our question and answer session with local author Catherine Johnson we will be meeting to discuss her novel, 'Hero'. Copies of this title are available from the library. Please feel free to join us at the meeting.
Games Afternoon
Aged 5-15? Bored sitting indoors? Would you like to make new friends? Do you enjoy playing games like Scrabble, chess and four in a row among others? If so, visit CLR James Library every third Saturday of the month for our games afternoon (2-4pm). The next games afternoon takes place on Saturday 20 March. Please ask library staff for further information.
Science Fiction reading group
Third Tuesday of every month, 6.30-7.30pm (refreshments provided). Do you enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy books? Would you like to meet up with like-minded people and discuss them? If so, join the Science Fiction reading group. Just email ReadScienceFiction@Hackney.gov.uk to join and we will arrange for a copy of our next title to be sent out to you.
CLR 24-30 reading group
Tuesday evenings once a month, 6.30-7.30pm. Join in the lively discussions; come and have your say on our latest title. Next meeting is Tuesday 30 March when we will be discussing 'As I Lay Dying' by William Faulkner (copies available from the library). New members and visitors welcome. Refreshments provided. For further information please contact adrian.morris@hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 1665
Chatterbooks (reading group)
Third Tuesday of every month, 4-5pm. Fun and activities for children aged 8-12. A chance to talk about your favourite books and discover new ones, make friends and have fun. Enjoy games, trips, author visits, art activities, quizzes and competitions. For further information, please call the library on 020 8356 1665.
Under 5s Story Session
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes every Thursday 11am-12pm. There will be regular craft activities and themed events. Come along, bring your friends and have fun with the staff at CLR James library.
Older people's drop-in session
If you're over 55, then why not come and have a cup of tea and a chat with us at our monthly drop-in session. Our next meeting is Tuesday 9 March 2.30-4pm when Joanne from 'The Stroke Project' will be running a session on stroke prevention. Come along and get the support you need to make a healthy change.
Toy Library
Why not visit our regular 'Toy Library' sessions for children aged 5 and under which take place every Friday from 10.30am-12.30pm. Come along and see the wide range of toys that are available to play with and borrow.
University of the Third Age: Pensioners Reading Group
Monthly - every second Wednesday, 11am-12.30pm
Clapton Library
Clapton Library has reopened
The new and improved library has now reopened. To find out how to contact and visit the library see the branch page for Clapton Library.
Under 5s Session
Every Thursday, 11am – 12pm. Stories, Games and Toys for little ones and a place for parents and carers to have a chat and make new friends.
Reading is Fundamental (RIF)
Monday 26 April, 10.30 – 11.30am. Event for under 5s (first of three). Join us for the first of three fun packed sessions, with interactive storytelling by educator, writer and performer Penelope Solomon. At the end of each of the three sessions your child will be able to choose a book to take away and keep – so attendance at all three sessions is best to ensure that your child can get the most out of the activities. Invited group event, but places available for public booking. Monday 10 May (Second of three sessions), Monday 7 June (last of three session). Please contact Clapton Library. to find out more.
Regular class visits from local schools
The library is happy to accommodate regular class visits from local schools. If your school is interested in participating, please contact Clapton Library.to discuss with a member of library staff.
Adult Reading Group
Meets on the first Thursday of each month, from 6.30 – 8pm
The first meeting is on Thursday 1 April and the title of book to be discussed is ‘This book will save your Life’ by A M Homes. Books are available at the counter.
Adult Reading Group
Thursday 1 April, 6.30-8pm. Title of book to be discussed ‘This book will save your Life’ by A M Homes. Books are available at the counter.
Hackney Central Library
To find out how to contact and visit the library see the branch page for Hackney Central Library
Living Libraries
Read All About It: a newspaper reading group for adults with learning disabilities
Every Friday, 11am to noon. A newspaper reading group for people with learning disabilities. Come along and grab a free paper; make new friends and share your views on the latest news and ‘read all about it’.
Chatterbooks Reading Dragons – Boys Only Group
Are you aged between 8-12? Do you enjoy books and reading? Do you like quizzes, competitions and games? Do you want to have fun with people your own age and talk about the books you like? At our next meeting, Thursday 18 March 4-5pm, we will be discussing our latest title, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ by Roald Dahl. Interested? This group is currently closed to new members; please contact Linda to join our waiting list on 020 8356 2543.
The ESOL ‘Carry on Reading’ Group
First Friday of every month 5-6.30pm. A group for English learners who want to improve their English and meet new people run by an ESOL qualified teacher. This is not a class, it is an informal group where we read and discuss books. For further information please contact Lisa or Ana at Hackney Central Library or phone on 020 8356 3000.
Metropole Learning - Free English and computer courses for parents
Every Monday from 4 - 5.30pm. Metropole Learning is offering parents free English and computer courses. Come to the library for a free assessment interview with our advisors. Call Jyoti on 07931 844687 for further information.
The Coffee, Cake and Book Group
Every six weeks (during term time only) on Wednesdays, 10.30-11.30am. Do you enjoy reading and meeting new people? Then come along to our next session on 10 March where we will be discussing our latest book, ‘Return of the Native' by Thomas Hardy. New members always welcome. For more information call Adrian or Lydia on 020 8356 2542/2547 or email Coffee-Cake&Book.Group@Hackney.gov.uk
The Reading (Lane) Book Group
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, 6.30-7.30pm. Do you enjoy reading and socialising? Then why not join us on Wednesday 17 March to discuss our latest book, ‘Im Not Scared' by Niccolo Ammaniti. For more information call Adrian or Lydia on 020 8356 2542/2547 or email readinglanebookgroup@hackney.gov.uk
Teenage Reading Group
Every first Wednesday of the month 6-7.30pm.Our next meeting will be Wednesday 14 April, and the book is A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray.. For 13 to 17 yr olds. Do you enjoy reading, talking and having fun? For more information call Linda on 020 8356 2543.
Under 5s Story Session
Fridays, 11am-12noon. These sessions will not run during the summer holidays. Please contact the library for dates.
Toy Library
Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm. A wide range of toys to play with and borrow. Age 5 and under - just turn up.
U3A Textile Craft Group
1st Wednesday of the Month 2-4pm. Come along and learn a new skill, bring your own skills and join a friendly fun group.
The Wordlovers Society
Last Thursday of each month, 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Next meeting Thursday 25 February. A group for anyone interested in poetry and creative writing. Please bring some of your own written work to read out or perform to the group. All levels very welcome. Facilitated by writer KG Lester. For more information email tyaxx@hotmail.com
Homerton Library
To find out how to contact and visit the library see the branch page for Homerton Library
Carnival Group Children’s Workshop
Every Thursday, 6 – 8pm. Run by the Tropical Isles Carnival Group. Please call 020 8356 1690 ask for Homerton Library and speak to Marcia Charles or Pervez Chuhan for more information.
Drama Classes
Every Tuesday 6 - 8pm. Etienese Productions presents drama classes with industry professional Judd Batchelor. Learn how to get that audition and build up your acting skills! Age group: 14 -19yrs. Cost: £35 for six week course or each class £5.50. For more info please call: 07906 261827 or email etiproductions@live.co.uk
Homerton Reading Group
Third Monday of each month from 6.30 to 8pm. 15 March we will be discussing 'Deaf Sentence', by David Lodge. For more info contact Don Badenoch or Esther Lacruz on 020 8356 1690 or email don.badenoch@hackney.gov.uk or esther.lacruz@hackney.gov.uk
"SYE" Cancer Group
The 2nd Thursday of every month, 12 – 2pm. Affected by cancer? You are not alone! Come to our support group. Family members, carers and friends - all are welcome. For further information contact Madhu Agarwal at Homerton University Hospital on 020 8510 5191
Homework Club
Every Monday and Tuesday for age 9 – 11 (Primary School students). Every Thursday for age 11 – 13 (Secondary School students), 3.30 – 5.30pm. For info please email Dawn.hendrickson@hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 5237
Toy Library
Monday 11am-1pm
Storytime and Bookcrawl
Tuesdays 11am-12pm. Storytelling and Toys for under fives in the children's library. A relaxed time to listen to stories, music, play, participate in simple art activities and socialise with other parents and kids. Refreshments provided. Collect your Bookcrawl stickers and win nice certificates too. Just turn up
Music Box (for toddlers)
Friday 10am-12.30
User Group
Come and have your say about the library. Last Thursday of the month 7—8pm.
Shoreditch Library
To find out how to contact and visit the library see the branch page for Shoreditch Library.
Computer sessions for people with learning disabilities
Every Thursday, 2-4pm. Just drop-in.
Shoreditch Book Group (adults)
Fourth Thursday of the month, 6-7pm
Do you enjoy reading and meeting new people? Next meeting is on Thursday 25 March when we will be reading 'Something To Tell You' by Hanif Kureshi. For more information contact Anthony Clater on 020 8356 4350 or 07787 933788.
Shoreditch Library Reading Group (adults)
Meets every six weeks on Fridays, 6.30-7.30pm. Contact Rose Heatley on 07950 909 212
Chatterbooks Boys Reading Group
- Are you aged between 8-12 years old?
- Do you enjoy books and reading?
- Do you like quizzes, competitions and games?
- Do you want to have fun with people your own age and talk about the books you like?
Chatterbooks meets on the second Thursday of every month from 4.30 - 5.30pm. Contact the library for more information.
Toy Library
Thursdays, 10am-12noon
Under 5s
Fridays, 11am-12noon. The session will not be running during the summer holidays.
Young Writers' Club
First Monday of the month, 4.30-5.30pm. For 7-13 year olds.
Stamford Hill Library
To find out how to contact and visit the library see the branch page for Stamford Hill Library
Computer sessions for people with learning disabilities
Every Wednesday, 10am-12pm. Just drop-in.
WeightWatchers
Every Tuesday from 6-7pm and every Thursday from 9.45-10.45am. Held in Stamford Hill Library Hall
Ebony Saturday School
Every Saturday from 9.15 -11.15am (Term time only). Held in Stamford Hill Library Hall
Stamford Hill Adult Reading Group
The group meets 6.30-7.30pm on the first Friday of the month. Copies available to pick up in the library. We are currently reading 'Slumdog Millionaire' by Vikas Swarup.and the next meeting is on Thursday 1 April. For more information contact eileen.cannon@hackney.gov.uk or Michelle.Gardner@Hackney.gov.uk,, or call 020 8356 1746.
Under 5s time
Every Wednesday, 2-3pm. We invite parents/carers to come and enjoy our storytelling and baby rhyme sessions, craft activities, musical instruments and toys. We provide refreshments and give away stickers when you attend any of the sessions. Everytime you collect five stickers you will get one of the ten beautiful Book Crawl certificates.
Stamford Hill Teenage Reading Group
Every first Wednesday of the month, 4.30-5.30pm Socialise and share views on books. Copies available from library. Borrow a copy and come along to join the discussion. Light refreshments provided. For more information, ask in the library or email Calum.Docherty@Hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 1746. You may can also read the Teenage Reading Group's blog.
Chatterbooks
Last Wednesday of the month, 4.30-5.30pm. A fun reading group for children aged 8-12. Ask in the library about how to join.
Stoke Newington Library
To find out how to contact and visit the library see the branch page for Stoke Newington Library
Storytelling sessions for under 5s run by speech and language therapists
Tuesday 1 June 1.30-3pm: Storytelling using instruments
Wednesday 21 July 10-11.30am: Creative storytelling
No booking required.
Richard's Reading Group
Normally, every second Tuesday, 7-9pm (adults). However, due to Easter holidays, the April meeting is on Tuesday 20 April, to discuss the group's current selection - Azar Nafisi's memoir 'Reading Lolita in Tehran'. Some limited places are available - please contact Richard by emailing richard.boon@hackney.gov.uk if you would like to join the group.
Jamie's Reading Group
Every last Tuesday, 7-9pm (adults). The group is currently reading Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar for the next meeting on Tues 30 March. Places are limited but please contact Jamie by emailing jamie.mearns@hackney.gov.uk if you would like to join the group.
Under 5s
Wednesdays 2-3pm, in the children's library. Stories, games, toys and musical instruments for little ones and a place for parents and carers to have a chat and make new friends. Refreshments are provided. Bookcrawl certificates for children who have read four books and collected four bookcrawl stickers.
Games club for children and teenagers
First Tuesday of the month 6-7.30 pm. Are you aged 7+ and love challenge? Join our Games Club and learn to play a variety of exciting board and fantasy/strategy games - Formula One, Warhammer, Monopoly, dominoes, chess, draughts, cards etc. All level players are welcome - from beginners to advanced players. Bring your favourite board game with you to be played. Free refreshments.
Exchange Group
Based in the library study area. Exchange Group is a company offering free and subsidised training, computer courses, business courses and skills for life. For more information call 020 8809 3522 or visit www.exchangegroup.co.uk
Chatterbooks reading group
Third Thursday of every month, 4-5pm. Are you aged 8-12, enjoy reading and meeting new people? New members welcome to collect book from library and join in the discussion on the day of the meeting. Refreshments provided. Make new friends, enjoy activities, arts and crafts plus days out, games and competitions. For more information, please call the library on 020 8356 5231.
Rhymetime for under fives
Every Saturday 11am-12pm, in the children's library. Join in singing favourite rhymes and nursery songs and playing games. Enjoy storytelling, puppets, toys and lots of lovely bubbles! Refreshments provided.
Older people's drop-in
If you are over 55 then why not to come and have a cup of tea and a chat with us at our monthly free, informal drop-in sessions? We have a range of guest speakers and our next meeting is on Monday 12 April, 10-12. Ask staff for more details.
Classical music appreciation group
Last Monday of the month, 6.30 – 8pm. If you love classical music join our group where you can listen and discuss works by famous classical composers. For more information contact Chris chris.huckle@hackney.gov.uk
Stoke Newington Teenage Reading Group
Are you 13-17 years old and love reading? You'll choose books to read, discuss them with your peers and meet writers. Our next meeting is Thursday 25 March, 4.30-5.30 and we’ll be discussing ‘Girl, Missing’ by Sophie McKenzie. It’s a tense, prize-winning tale of Lauren’s journey to discover if she was adopted - or kidnapped! Copies are available to pick up in the library. Ask staff for more details.’
Woodberry Down Library
To find out how to contact and visit the library see the branch page for Woodberry Down Library
Woodberry Down Book Group
Are you interested in being part of a new Woodberry Down Book Group? For more information and to get involved contact Rob Francis on 020 8356 1671 or email rob.francis@hackneyhomes.org.uk
Photo credit: Dennis Morris - www.dennismorris.com - all rights reserved
Page updated: 16 Mar 2010