What's on in Hackney libraries
What's on at your local library
To find out what's on at your local library, just follow the links below:
- Clapton Library
- Dalston C.L.R. James Library
- Hackney Central Library
- Homerton Library
- Shoreditch Library
- Stamford Hill Library
- Stoke Newington Library
- Woodberry Down Library
Clapton Library
Below you'll find a list of forthcoming events at Clapton Library. To find out how to contact and visit the library please see the Clapton Library branch page.
PC Users Workshop
The 1st Thursday of each month, 4 - 5pm. This is an interactive forum where the specialist Netloan Team and PC Users share their views and ideas. Hands-on practical sessions are also available.
University of the 3rd Age (U3A)
This is a self-help group that is continuously evolving, and suitable for people who are no longer in full-time employment, but believe that 'learning is for life'. Sessions are available on the following days:
- 1st and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 2pm-4pm
- 2nd and 4th Friday each of month, from 10.15am-12.15pm.
- 3rd Friday of each month, from 2-4pm
Visit www.hackneyu3a.co.uk for more information about the University of the 3rd Age.
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 Group (adults)
We meet every first Thursday of the month, from 6.30pm - 8.00pm. Please join us for our next reading group on Thursday, 1st March, where we will be discussing "The Tiger's Wife" by Tea Obreht. This young novelist "has been named by The New Yorker as one of the twenty best American fiction writers under forty", so it should be a good read! Just come along. Tea, coffee and cookies provided. For more information please call or email Cordula at Clapton Library. Tel: 020 8356 1620 Email: cordula.vonderassen@hackney.gov.uk
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.
The Wordlovers Society
The second Tuesday and last Thursday of each month, 5.30pm - 7.45pm. 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.

Dalston C.L.R. James Library
The MyVoice Project
MyVoice is a three year programme shaped and led by young people. It is led by The Reading Agency and funded by the Big Lottery and will take place in 20 locations in four regions across England. MyVoice aims to open up creative reading and writing opportunities to young people who would not usually use their library.
The young people involved with MyVoice will be setting up reading and writing hubs in their local libraries; accessing accredited volunteering opportunities with links through to education and apprenticeships; running events and activities for other young people; participating and contributing to MyVoice Online and accessing mentoring opportunities. The first Hackney MyVoice group will be based at the new Dalston CLR James Library - to get involved come to a meeting or contact Dawn.hendrickson@Hackney.gov.uk or on 020 8356 5237, or Natalieserena.Lewis@Hackney.gov.uk or on 020 8356 7577. Age 13-16.
Great Grub Club
A magazine club for 4-7 year olds promoting healthy eating. Come along to get creative and make your own snack boxes. A fun way to learn about healthy eating!
The Launch of MyVoice
Wednesday 15 February, 3 - 4.30pm
Calling all 13 - 16 year trailblazers!! Would you like to. share your thoughts, opinions and talent; develop basic skills in creative and copy writing, receive training in digital and social media, get some volunteering experience and gain accreditation for your achievements?
If so, MyVoice is for you! MyVoice is a three year programme shaped and led by young people and if you would like to find out more, come along to the launch where you will also be inspired by our special guest Action Jackson and create a unique piece of Artwork about living in Hackney. Age 13-16.
MyVoice: Steering Group Meeting
Tuesday 13 March, 5 - 6pm
MyVoice aims to open up creative reading and writing opportunities to young people who would not usually use their library. The young people involved with MyVoice will be setting up reading and writing hubs in their local libraries; accessing accredited volunteering opportunities with links through to education and apprenticeships; running events and activities for other young people; participating and contributing to MyVoice Online and accessing mentoring opportunities. The first Hackney MyVoice group will be based at the new Dalston CLR James Library - to get involved come to the first meeting and find out more! Age 13-16.

Hackney Central Library
Below you'll find a list of forthcoming events at Hackney Central Library. To find out how to contact and visit the library please see the Hackney Central Library branch page.
Great Grub Club
Wednesday 15 February 2-3pm
Do you have Children aged between 3 - 7 years old? Why not come and join the Great Grub Club drop in session. Fun activities including Great Grub Club colouring activities you can even sign your children up to our free magazine club which is full of recipes, ideas and activities. a great way to show your children that being healthy is Fun!
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? The next meeting of the Reading Dragons is Thursday 15 March, 5-5pm and the book is Tim Defender of the Earth by Sam Enthoven.
The ESOL 'Carry on Reading' Group
The ESOL 'Carry on Reading' Group is relaunching in October on a new day and time.
First Thursday of every month 6 - 7.30 pm. A group for English learners who want to improve their reading and speaking 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
Monthly on a Wednesday, 10.30am-11.30am. Please feel free to join this lively group at our next meeting on Wednesday 29 February when the group will be discussing, 'Resurrection of the Body' by Maggie Hamand. Reserve or collect a copy from any of the libraries. For further details contact lydia.julien@hackney.gov.uk.
The Reading (Lane) Book Group
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month 6.30-7.30pm. An informal and friendly book group for all lovers of literature. Why not join us at our next meeting on Wednesday 22 February when we'll be discussing, 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' by Mohsin Hamid. Reserve or collect a copy from any of the libraries. Contact lydia.julien@hackney.gov.uk for further details.
Teenage Reading Group
Every first Wednesday of the month 6-7.30pm. For 13 to 17 yr olds. Do you enjoy reading, talking and having fun? The next meeting of the Teenage Reading Group is Wednesday 29th February 6.00 - 7.30 and February's book is Theodore Boone by John Grisham.
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.
Older people's drop-in session
If you're over 55 why not come and have a cup of tea and a chat with us at our monthly drop-in session. We meet on the first Thursday of the month, 2-4pm. To find out more about the session and any special events that we have planned call 020 8356 2550 and ask for Robert, or 020 8356 2547 and ask for Lydia.

Homerton Library
Below you'll find a list of forthcoming events at Homerton Library. To find out how to contact and visit the library please see the Homerton Library branch page.
Project Hero - Graphic Novel Reading Group
Every second Friday of the Month, 4pm - 5pm. Reading Graphic novels for ages between 9-16. Creating Super-heroes and discussing super-heroes. Be a hero, join today. Ages 9-16. Contact Morgan.Omotoye@Hackney.gov.uk
Creative writing group
Last Thursday of the month, 6-8pm. Interested in writing, and exploring the written word? Please come along!
Homerton Reading Group (adults)
Every third Monday of the month from 6.30pm - 8pm. Please join us at our next meeting on Monday, 20 February, when we will be discussing "Memoirs of Hadrian" by Marguerite Yourcenar. Just come along, or for more details contact Teresa Szechter at Homerton Library - email teresa.szechter@hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 1960.
Toy Library
Mondays 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)
Two sessions on Fridays 10 - 11am and 11.30am - 12.30pm. Term time only. Music workshops for Under 5s. For more information call Hackney Music Development Trust on 020 8820 7410.
Homerton Library user group
Second Thursday of the month 7 - 8pm. Come and have your say about the library.

Shoreditch Library
Below you'll find a list of forthcoming events at Shoreditch Library. To find out how to contact and visit the library please see the Shoreditch Library branch page.
Baby Rhyme and Bookcrawl
Join us every Wednesday, 2-3pm for an enjoyable storytelling and baby rhyme sessions with toys and musical instruments. Collect Bookcrawl sticker for each book you read and for every five stickers you get one of the ten beautiful Bookcrawl certificates. Refreshment provided. Please note: these sessions will not run during the summer holidays.
Older people's drop-in
First Thursday of the month 10am-12 noon. If you are over 55 then come and have a cup of tea and a chat with us at our monthly drop-in session.
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 of book group will be Thursday 24 November, 6 - 7pm - book to be discussed will be 'That Rose Red Empire', by Iain Sinclair. For more information contact Ade Magbagbeola on 020 8356 4350.
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
Below you'll find a list of forthcoming events at Stamford Hill Library. To find out how to contact and visit the library please see the Stamford Hill Library branch page.
Zumba for the over 50s with Hester
Every Friday, 12-1pm. Zumba, the Latin inspired dance and fitness programme is coming to Stamford Hill Library. Aged between 50 and 65? Why not come along to these free sessions; make friends, burn calories whilst increasing your strength and stamina and toning your body. Interested? For further information or to become an AgeWell member contact 020 7241 5909.
Meditation for the over 50s with Amarjit
Every Friday, 1.30-2.30pm. Learn how to relax and reduce stress with Meditation at Stamford Hill Library. Aged between 50 and 65? Then why not come along to these free sessions to find out more. For further information or to become an AgeWell member contact 020 7241 5909.
Career advice and CV session
Fortnightly on a Wednesday 10am-4pm. Are you looking for the perfect job but feel your CV may be letting you down? Then why not visit Stamford Hill Library and speak to an adviser from Best Training Solutions who will be providing one-to-one Career Advice and CV Improvement Tips. Are you a group? Would you like the same support bought direct to you? CV, Mock Interviews or any other workshops - this can also be arranged. Contact the library for further details and to book in advance or contact linford@best-training.org.uk.
Stamford Hill Library Adult Reading Group
First Thursday of the month, 6.30pm -7.30pm. Next meeting is on Thursday 1st March. We will be reading Single Man by Christopher Isherwood. Copies are available to pick up in the library. For more information please email kwadjo.baah@hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 1964."
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
Under 5s Session
Every Wednesday, 2-3pm. Join the staff at Stamford Hill Library throughout the year for 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 and everytime you collect five stickers you will get one of the ten beautiful Book Crawl certificates.
Chatterbooks
Last Wednesday of the month, 4.30-5.30pm. A fun reading group for children aged 8-12. Please feel free to join us at our next meeting on Wednesday 25 January where we will be discussing our latest title, 'Spy Dog: Rocket Rider' by Andrew Cope. Please contact Philip at Stamford Hill library for further details.
Older people's drop-in
Monthly - Fridays, 10am-12noon. The next session is 3 February and there will be a talk on late onset diabetes from Diabetes UK. Please feel free to join us at at any of our sessions for coffee and cakes. Contact Zofia at the library (see the Stamford Hill Library branch page for the library phone number). Car parking available. Wheelchair accessible.
Toy Library
Every Tuesday, 10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm. A wide range of toys to play with and borrow. Age 5 and under - just turn up. Contact Diane or Jess on 020 8806 4130 ext 22 for further information.

Stoke Newington Library
Below you'll find a list of forthcoming events at Stoke Newington Library. To find out how to contact and visit the library please see the Stoke Newington Library page.
Stokey Teenage Reading Worms
Are you 13-17 years old and love reading? Choose books to read, discuss them with your peers and meet writers. A reading group for teenagers which meets each month at Stoke Newington Library on the last Thursday of the month, 4.30pm-5.30pm. For more information please ask library staff or email calum.docherty@hackney.gov.uk
Poetry appreciation group
An informal and friendly group meets once a month to read and discuss a range of poetry. We're next meeting on Monday 20 February, 6.30pm-7.30pm, and we're looking at the George Herbert poems from an anthology of Metaphysical Poets. Copies are available to borrow. For more information please ask library staff or email calum.docherty@hackney.gov.uk
Classical music appreciation group
If you love classical music, join our group where you can listen to and discuss works by famous classical composers. The group meets once a month, and the next meeting will be on Monday 27th February 6.30 - 7.30pm. The session will focus on anniversary classical composers for 2012. For more information, please email chris.huckle@hackney.gov.uk.
Older people's drop-in
If you are over 55 then why not join us at our free, monthly, informal drop-in sessions? The group meets on the first Monday of the month, between 10-12. The group features regular guest speakers, activities and discussion. Light refreshments are offered. Ask staff for more details.
Richard's reading group
Every second Tuesday, 7-9pm (adults). We're taking a romantic one-day break in February, so the next meeting will be on Wednesday15 Feb to discuss John Banville's 'Untouchable', a comic study of deception and conspiracy. To be kept up to date or express an interest in the availability of places, please contact Richard by emailing richard.boon@hackney.gov.uk.
Jamie's reading group
Every last Tuesday of the month, 7-9pm (adults). The next meeting is Tuesday 29 November and the current book is 'A Visit From The Goon Squad' by Jennifer Egan. Places are limited but please contact Jamie by emailing jamie.mearns@hackney.gov.uk if you would like to join the group.
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.
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
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.

Woodberry Down Library
Below you'll find a list of forthcoming events at Woodberry Down Library. To find out how to contact and visit the library please see the Woodberry Down Library page.
There are currently no events at this library.
Page updated: 10 Feb 2012

