/ Black British Ballet / Family Festival / Novel Writing Month / Digital Bootcamps / Library Choirs
Advance booking required for most events
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER2024
gloslibraries.ukGloucestershireLibraries@gloucestershire_libraries @gloslibs
WHAT’S ON
Pay What You Choose
We want everyone who would like to experience events at the library to be able to. To make this possible, you have the option to choose how much you pay for a ticket (from £0 to £10 - based on what’s right for you) for many of our events. Proceeds will support future events, projects and services at The Library.
OCTOBER
Dive into a world of Fairytales and Fantasy at the Family Festival 2024.
Join us in Matson, Hesters Way, Oakley, Cinderford and Dursley for a day of fun and excitement this October Half Term.
Each location will host a festival day at welcoming venues like children and family centres, community centres, or school sites.
Enjoy a variety of creative activities, including: Theatre performances Music sessions Arts and crafts Storytelling Lego & Sensory Play Science Activities
Events Programme coming soon! Keep updated at gloslibraries.uk/family-focus
Our Histories, Our Stories and How They Empower Us
Are you inspired by the women in your life? Do you want to shape your own story and make a mark on your personal history?
Join artist Sophia Spooner for a creative writing and mapping workshop. Together, we’ll explore our connections to our life histories and the women who have influenced them—where our stories began, the lessons passed down, and what we've discovered about ourselves along the way. This workshop is open to anyone aged 11 and up.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Black British Ballet Project Tour is coming to Gloucestershire Libraries in January 2025, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich, often hidden history of Black dancers in British ballet.
Based on Dr. Sandie Mae Bourne's PhD work, this project seeks to transform perceptions of ballet in Britain. The exhibition, supported by English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and The Royal Ballet, will feature archival images, posters, audio-visual content, and immersive experiences.
Keep an eye on our website for details on the exciting events, including book readings, ballet workshops, and live performances.
Island Movements Performance:
An epic tale of the lives of a family from the Windrush generation
Island Movements is a short ballet that tells the story of Windrush and explores the impact of this generation’s experiences on their families, communities and society. Beginning with a young Caribbean soldier in WW2 Britain, this moving tale follows her and her family through their life in the UK up to the current day.
The show will be followed by a Q&A with the dancers and creators. If you’ve never seen a ballet before, then this is the one for you.
A lively and informative session for mature drivers and their families with tips on how to drive safely for longer, and how to plan for when it is time to retire from driving. This is led by members of the Older Drivers Forum. www.olderdriversforum.com
Bishops Cleeve Library Thursday 24 October, 19:00 – 20:00
Black British Ballet –Coming Soon!
National Poetry Day
beloved poem. Connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the beauty of words.
Cheltenham Library Last Friday of the month, 13:00 – 14:00
Gloucester Library Last Tuesday of the month, 12:30 – 14:00
Poetry & Art Workshop
with Chris Tutton
Join award-winning poet Chris Tutton for an inspiring Poetry and Art Workshop. In this interactive session, Chris will explore an art movement using book illustrations, guiding participants to create poetry inspired by the visuals. You’ll also have the chance to share your work with the group.
Chris Tutton, praised for his poetic mastery, has collaborated with the BBC, London Libraries, and various literary initiatives.
Bishops Cleeve Library Saturday 5 October, 13.00 - 14.30
Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and join one of our ongoing Share a Poem groups.
These sessions offer a relaxing way to meet new friends and enjoy poetry-inspired conversations about life in general. No need to be a poetry aficionado; just come with an open mind and enjoy the company of others.
All groups are Dementia Friendly.
Bishops Cleeve Library Every Friday, 10.30 – 12:00
Chipping Campden Every Friday, 14.30 – 15:30
Cirencester Library Every Monday, 10.30 – 12:00
Quedgeley Library Every Monday, 10.30 – 12:00
Tewkesbury Library First Tuesday of the month, 14.15 – 15:30
Join us at Stroud Library for a special event inspired by the season with author Elisa Lodato!
Celebrate the release of her new novel, Ghost Story, on September 26th. Elisa will discuss her writing process, share insights into the book, and read excerpts. Enjoy a Q&A session and book signing. Don't miss this exciting chance to meet Elisa and dive into her latest thrilling tale!
Interview with a Panda
and Author Andy S eed
Join author Andy Seed and a whole host of rare and amazing creatures from around the world as Andy shares his new book Interview with a Panda and Other Endangered Animals Too. We’ll meet chameleons, flying foxes, rhinos, rare crocodiles and a strange parrot that can’t fly among others, and learn why these special animals need our help.
Ages: 5 – 11 years
Don't miss an evening with acclaimed author Alis Hawkins, famous for her Teifi Valley Coroner and Oxford Mystery series!
Dive into her creative world as she reveals the secrets behind her historical mysteries, shares her writing process, and discusses the art of blending fact with fiction.
Experience her captivating stories up close, enjoy a lively Q&A session, and get your books signed. Whether you're a devoted fan or new to her work, this is your chance to connect with Alis Hawkins and be inspired!
Meet Olaf, the fox red Labrador therapy dog! Olaf will share his adventures working in schools and hospitals, read you a story, and offer colouring activities featuring his pictures. Plus, discover Olaf’s new book, Team Olaf’s Mutt Strut for Maggie’s, an illustrated, rhyming tale of Olaf and his canine pals on a Cornish adventure to raise money for Maggie’s. Join us for a heartwarming experience with Olaf and his inspiring stories!
Elisa Lodato
Alis Hawkins
CHILDREN’S
Poetry Cafés
National Novel Writing Month
Creative Writing Workshop: Mastering Dialogue with Cheryl Burman
Take part in an engaging creative writing workshop focused on crafting compelling dialogue. Explore what makes dialogue effective and gain practical techniques to enhance your storytelling. Whether you're new to writing or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will help bring your characters to life and drive your narrative forward.
Creating Vivid Characters Workshop with Rachel Sargeant
Dive into character creation with bestselling author Rachel Sargeant by analysing descriptions from literary greats like Margaret Atwood, Günter Grass, George Orwell and Zoë Heller. Participants will engage in discussions and practical writing exercises designed to enhance their skills. Suitable for both new and experienced writers.
Ageing with Creativity
As part of our Ageing with Creativity project, Gloucestershire Libraries started a choir at Longlevens Library for people over 60, including those living with dementia and their caregivers.
Due to its success, two more choirs were launched at Tuffley and Coleford Libraries in July 2024, thanks to National Lottery funding.
Held weekly when the library is closed, these sessions offer a calm, daylight environment. Led by Fiona Taylor, the choirs feature a mix of music from pop to musicals, often ending with “Bring Me Sunshine.” Each session includes a brief talk about library services, breathing exercises, and time for socialising with refreshments
Library Choirs
New member's welcome
Write that Novel Workshop with Jarek Adams
If you’re at any stage of writing a novel and want some support and guidance along with a box of tools that could help you on your way then this workshop is for you. Writer, Jarek Adams, will guide you through a few thought provoking exercises, and give you lots of pointers about structure, character, setting and dialogue. She'll also give you a few ideas on how to keep going when the going gets tough, especially for those of you who are doing the NaNoWriMo challenge, but also suitable for those at any other point on your writing journey.
Crafting Compelling Novels: A Creative Writing Workshop with Dr. Melanie Golding
Join Dr. Melanie Golding, a published author and Bath Spa University lecturer, for a Creative Writing Workshop. Learn to turn a vague idea into a strong novel concept, create a compelling hook, and plan your story beats. The workshop includes practical exercises and a deep dive into crafting a great mystery. Plus, there’s an opportunity for Q&A and recommendations for further study. Perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their writing skills — don’t miss this chance to start your novel!
The Longlevens Choir has been busy perfecting new and old songs! Their touching performance at Hucclecote Library during Dementia Action Week was a hit, and they recently delighted residents at Knoll Care Home with a lively sing-along.
Looking ahead, they’re planning a festive performance at Eastgate Shopping Centre in November, where all three library choirs hope to perform together.
fun, gets me out of the house, meet people, talk, sing”
Or contact your local library for more information.
Carousel of Stories
Reminiscence Exhibition
Favourite Places in Gloucestershire
Tastes of Memory
Our latest Carousel Of Stories project, Tastes of Memory will create a reminiscence recipe book featuring cherished recipes and their stories. It includes an intergenerational element, with cooking activities in educational settings and youth organisations.
New Digital Bootcamps, coming September 2024 - Free training for 16–24-year-olds not in employment, education, or training.
Our brand-new Digital Bootcamps are coming to a Lab near you, and they're packed with opportunities to get inspired by industry experts.
Whether you're taking a break from school, job hunting, building confidence, or just want to explore your creativity, this program is for you. Running alongside the school term, you'll get hands-on experience, learn new skills, and make connections that could jumpstart your career.
You'll also get to showcase your work in exhibitions and see what others are creating. But that's not all—your finished projects will be entered into a competition where the top creators will win prizes and work experience opportunities.
We’re also finalising plans to offer audio recording sessions for people over 60 and their families at six Gloucestershire Libraries. Participants can record their stories, which will be creatively interpreted by local youth groups.
All activities are dementia-friendly. Get involved at gloslibraries.uk/ageing-creativity
Favourite Places in Gloucestershire
Our previous Carousel of Stories invites you on a journey through time and memory with a rich collection of images and words. This exhibit, created in collaboration with Gloucestershire Archives, local care homes, and Barton and Tredworth Memory Café, features heartfelt conversations and individual memories captured by Jade L A Fisher photography.
Come and see the exhibition at the following locations or online at gloslibraries.uk/carousel-stories-favouriteplaces-gloucestershire
“Can I just take a moment to say a massive thank you for thinking of our residents when you set this project up. It has been great to support our residents to be a part of this and know their memories will live on for many years to come. All too many times we have heard such wonderful stories which sadly pass with our residents, and I feel what you are doing is truly amazing.”
Feedback from participating Care Home Manager
Stroud Library October 2024
University of Gloucestershire (Park Campus) November 2024 Forest of Dean Libraries December 2024
Hesters Way Library January 2025
Gloucester Library February 2025
Gloucestershire
Heritage Hub March 2025
Stay tuned for more details at gloslibraries.uk/ageing-creativity
And just for completing the program, you'll walk away with a £20 Amazon gift voucher and a certificate to recognise your hard work.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to boost your skills and kickstart your future!
To find out more or book a place visit gloslibraries.uk/space-to-create
Could you help us to deliver a future bootcamp? Get in touch: libraries.development@gloucestershire.gov.uk
COMING SOON
What to Expect:
Introducing the magical world of Library Littles!
Step into the enchanting world of Library Littles!
Located across most of our sites, Library Littles offers a space for early years children and their guardians to delight in reading, sensory play, and song.
Designed to support early language development and pre-literacy skills, Library Littles focuses on a relaxed ‘learning through play’ approach, fostering opportunities for children to express themselves creatively and imaginatively.
Interactive storytelling with our Library Assistants
A range of toys and equipment for your child to explore and interact with
Exciting themes such as ‘Under the Sea’, ‘Out in Space’ and ‘Jungle Safari’, changing every month
Bi-weekly or monthly sessions depending on location
Discover a Library Little event near you. Find event sessions and booking soon at gloslibraries.uk/family-focus
FEATURED LAB EVENTS
Tabletop Game
Workshop
Inventors
Thinking of starting your own business? Are you an online wizard in need of a helping hand with your branding? For digital or print use, then this session is for you! Broken down into bite-size chunks; Colour choice, Typography choice & loads more! Take what you learn and make your own digital Logo for your use online or on stationary, and we will even laser cut you your design as a keyring!
FEATURED LAB EVENTS
FEATURED LAB EVENTS
Workshop
Stroud Lab
Age: 16+
Camp
Coleford Lab
Have a go at making your own customised jewellery using out state of the art equipment like laser cutters and 3D printers. Use materials like acrylic and wood to cut out letters and shapes before making earrings, bracelets and necklaces. No technical experience needed but a steady pair of hands recommended.
Friday 25 October, 13.00 – 15.00
Friday 22 November, 13.00 – 15.00
Cost: £12.00
Age: 16+
Create a 2D side scrolling game in Godot 4. Whether you prefer making the artwork or messing about with code, there’s a place for you at this code camp. Work individually or in teams to create your own unique side scrolling game from a basic template. Our friendly Lab tech will be on hand to support you throughout.
Tuesday 29 October, 10.30 – 14.30
Cost: £15.00
