What's On In Wandsworth Libraries: October
October Events and Activities
8th-13th October is Libraries Week. An annual showcase of everything libraries have to offer. This year the focus is on wellbeing and how libraries bring communities together, combat loneliness, provide a space for reading and creativity and support people with their mental health.
Follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest library news and events; find us @wandsworthlibs
Tuesday 2
11am Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Mother Goose through the Ages
An exhibition by Andrea Anderson and talk by Ferelith Hordon for children. Get ready to get carried away into a land of animals, elves and amazing characters as you unravel the stories of its beginnings of your favourite nursery rhymes! Free – booking essential
2pm Battersea Park Library, 020 7720 4122
Black History Inventors Workshop by Ruth Edmondson
Every-day we use things, often without wondering how they came to be. Join us at the Black History Inventors workshop for children and learn about some of the inventors behind the things we use every-day. Free - booking essential
3.30pm Battersea Park Library, 020 7720 4122
National Poetry Day
Come along to the Children’s Library and share your favourite poem with us. Have a go at writing your own poem and then add it to our Library Poet Tree. For children aged 4+ years
6pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Dear Evelyn
Author Kathy Page talks about her new book Dear Evelyn, which is partially set in Battersea. Copies of the book will be on sale and there will be a signing afterwards.
Wednesday 3
10am-12pm Wandsworth Town Library, 20 8877 1742
DigiPals
Are you an older person struggling to use computers? Come along to this support session run by Age UK Wandsworth; use one of our computers or bring your own device.
10.15-11.45am Southfields Library, 02087801945
Craft and Story Time
We will be showing you how to make a fun craft that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism. Booking is recommended.
2pm York Gardens Library, 20 7223 2341
Black History Inventors Workshop by Ruth Edmondson
Every-day we use things, often without wondering how they came to be. Join us at the Black History Inventors workshop for children and learn about some of the inventors behind the things we use every-day. Free - booking essential
3pm Southfields Library, 020 8780 1945
Scrabble Club
The first session of a new weekly Scrabble club for adults.
Thursday 4
11-11.30am Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Spanish Story Time and Songs
With Anusca. A special children’s Story Time.
2pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Craft and Story Time
We will be showing you how to make a fun craft that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism.
5.30-7pm Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Poetry Verse workshop
In partnership with Putney Verses. Help compose an on-the-spot poem. Come any time from 5-6.30 - All ages welcome!
Friday 5
9.30am Battersea Park Library, 020 7720 4122
Learning Mandarin and Calligraphy with Haiyun Rosa Wang
Mandarin is spoken by more than 730 million people in China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Haiyun Rosa will teach you a few words in Mandarin and explain about calligraphy. You can then have a go at some lettering and designs yourself.
10am-12.30pm Wandsworth Town Library, 020 8877 1742
Hear To Help
Hear to Help Wandsworth run an information stand on the first Friday of every month. Come along to find out information on: hearing loss, deafness and tinnitus; deaf awareness; products and technology; strategies for effective communication; local services to support people living with deafness, tinnitus or hearing loss; Action on Hearing Loss services and campaigns.
10.30 Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
French Story Time
Stories for children in French.
11-11.30am Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Italian Story Time
With Carlotta. A special children’s Story Time.
Saturday 6
10.30-11am Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
Enchanting story times with Anna
Stories for children in Italian.
10.30-11am Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Dad’s Rhyme Time
Songs and rhymes for dads and children aged 0-3 years.
10.30am-11.30am Southfields Library, 02087801945
Fun Palaces Well being craft
We will be making a craft to celebrate Well Being and healthy lifestyles.
For children aged 2+
10.30 – 11.30am Wandsworth Town Library 020 8877 1742
Fun Palaces Playdough Fun
For children ages 2+
11am-12pm Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
Fun Palaces STEM Workshop
Join Balham Library to make a Thaumatrope, a 19th century toy that introduces the idea of playing with animation and vision.
11am-2pm Battersea Park Library, 020 7720 4122
Fun Palace
Have a right royal fun day at our fun palace: Make a royal crown, add your pictures to our royal portrait, share stories about Kings and Queens. All ages
11am Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
Dad’s Rhyme Time
Songs and rhymes for dads and children aged 0-3 years.
11am Roehampton Library, 020 8246 6979
Learn to Make African Masks
Join Melissa and unleash your creativity and have fun!
12.30-2pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Beautiful and intricate Henna (Mehendi) Workshop
Join Ayesha Hafeez and group for a workshop that invites you to learn, discover and experiment with Henna.
2-4pm Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
Moon Festival with Snowflake Books
Join Snowflake Books to learn about the Chinese Moon Festival. Hear the story of the Jade Rabbit, get colouring and get crafting. Ages 4+
2-3pm Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Afternoon Craft
A fun craft activity for children aged 3-5 years.
2pm Wandsworth Town Library, 020 8877 1742
Learn to Make African Masks
Join Melissa and unleash your creativity and have fun!
2.30pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Autumn Stories and Craft
Autumn themed stories followed by a craft session. Part of the Fun Palaces weekend www.funpalaces.co.uk
Monday 8
6.30-8pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Film Screening: Journeys- Stories of migration to South West London 1948-1971
In 1948 the British Nationality Act was passed inviting people from the Commonwealth to come to the UK. In this film some of the people who made this journey tell their stories of leaving home to seek a new life in this corner of London. These are stories of excitement, hope and pain, the challenges of their journeys; setting up home; finding work; and going to school. Participants in the film will be present at the screening and they will join in a discussion on the themes brought out by the film. Free but please contact the library to book a place.
7-8.30pm Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
Quiz Night
A just-for-fun literary themed quiz to celebrate the start of Libraries Week. Drinks and snacks will be available.
Tuesday 9
3.30pm Battersea Park Library, 020 7720 4122
Libraries Week
It’s Libraries Week. Help us celebrate Battersea Park Library by writing about, and drawing, all the things you love about the Library. For children ages 4+ years
4.30pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Spanish Story Time and Songs
With Anusca. A special children’s Story Time.
5pm Battersea Park Library, 020 7720 4122
Sound Minds Choir
Singing in the library foyer with local choir Sound Minds
6.30-8pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Riots, racism and resistance in Imperial Britain
Iqbal Husain and Michael Mahoney for The National Archives talk about the race riots that took place in the UK in 1919 in various UK seaports such as Liverpool and Cardiff. Using copies of original documents from The National Archives, those attending can explore more about the immediate impacts and on-going legacy. Free but please contact the library to book a ticket.
Wednesday 10
10am Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Beautiful and intricate Henna (Mehendi) Workshop
Join Ayesha Hafeez and group for a workshop that invites you to learn, discover and experiment with Henna.
10am-12pm Southfields Library, 020 8780 1945
DigiPals
Are you an older person struggling to use computers? Come along to this support session run by Age UK Wandsworth; use one of our computers or bring your own device.
10.15am-10.45am Southfields Library, 020 8780 1945
Poetry Story Time
Poetry story time, because Southfields library is closed on National Poetry day (4th October) we will be celebrating on this date with some stories using rhyme and rhythm.
5-7.30pm Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Fiesta Of Fiction
An all day feast of literature and music, with a reading from Stuart, literary-themed cakes and bakes in aid of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, dressing-up as favourite book characters by assorted members of staff, followed by French Chansons and German cabaret songs. Includes:
6.30- 8pm Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
My Journey – An Evening of Words and Song
Brian, a singer, dancer, ballet tutor and choreographer, tells the heart-warming story of his immigration, being raised in Berlin, living in Johannesburg and moving to London. Enjoy an evening of songs from Gershwin to Hollander, from Sondheim to De Curtis via the Royal ballet and Germany. He will be accompanied on the piano by Richard Calder.
6-8pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Weird Wandsworth
Join local poet Hilaire for a free workshop in the Heritage Search Room at Battersea Library exploring how weird and wonderful stories from Wandsworth’s local history collections can inspire your poetry. Free book a ticket here book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weird-wandsworth-tickets-49590755284
Thursday 11
4-4.30pm Northcote Library, 020 7223 2336
Italian story time with Carlotta
Children’s stories in Italian.
Friday 12
9.30am Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
Learning Mandarin and Calligraphy with Haiyun Rosa Wang
Mandarin is spoken by more than 730 million people in China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Haiyun Rosa will teach you a few words in Mandarin and explain about calligraphy. You can then have a go at some lettering and designs yourself. Ages 2+
10–11am Wandsworth Town Library 020 8877 1742
Special Story Time
To celebrate Libraries Week, followed by a craft activity.
10.30am Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
Enchanting story times with Anna
Stories for children in Spanish.
6.30-8pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Tracing African-Caribbean Ancestry
It is often assumed that it is difficult or impossible to research Black ancestors in the former British colonies in the Caribbean. However as Kathleen Chater explains there are many records in this country and increasingly online that can enable people to trace their family history. Free but please contact the library to book a ticket.
Saturday 13
10.30-11.30 Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
Creative Writing Group
Always wanted to be a published author? Take part in some short writing exercises, share tips and feedback and improve your writing skills for Libraries Week.
10.30-11am Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Baby Rhyme Time
Songs for Libraries Week 2018.
10.30-11am Southfields Library, 020 8780 1945
Dad’s Rhyme Time
A special Rhyme Time for Libraries Week.
11am-12pm Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
Making African Masks
Come and make your own African Mask
11am Roehampton Library, 020 8246 6979
Beautiful and intricate Henna (Mehendi) Workshop
Join Ayesha Hafeez and group for a workshop that invites you to learn, discover and experiment with Henna.
11.30-12pm York Gardens Library, 020 8780 3085
Baby Rhyme Time
Songs for Libraries Week 2018.
2.30-3pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Story Time
Stories and songs for Libraries Week.
Monday 15
10.30am Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
French story time with Claudine
Stories for children in French.
3-5pm Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Hear To Help
Resources and advice on hearing loss, deafness and tinnitus from Action on Hearing Loss.
4-4.30pm Tooting Library, 0208 767 0543
French Story Time
Stories for children in French with Claudine.
Tuesday 16
9.45 – 10.15am Wandsworth Town Library 020 8877 1742
Music Class
Exciting music class focussing on songs and music from Africa, Asia etc. Ages 0 – 2 years
11am Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
French Singing With Marjorie
30 minutes of French songs with Marjorie Guest. Free -no need to book.
Wednesday 17
6.30-8pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Celebrating London’s Women of Colour
An exciting and interactive event presented by the Black Heroes Foundation - Joyce Fraser FRSA with Pamela Ivonne-Cole, international singer, songwriter and host. It presents some amazing work in relation to Black Female Londoners of note, with open mic available for audience participation. The audience is invited to bring their spoken word or songs that they wish to share. Free – booking essential.
6.30-7.45 Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Fun with Fungi
A Friends of Putney Library talk with Pam Islip, a local expert on toadstools and mushrooms.
7.15pm, Wandsworth Town Library, 020 8877 1742
Translating the richness of Polish literature
Come and meet translator Antonia Lloyd-Jones, who will introduce you to a selection of Polish writers and read short extracts from their recent work published in English translation. Here's your chance to find out more about what your Polish friends are reading and to discover their amazingly diverse modern literature. Free - booking essential.
Thursday 18
11am Northcote Library, 020 223 2336
French Singing With Marjorie
30 minutes of French songs with Marjorie Guest. Free -no need to book.
4pm Tooting Library, 20 8767 0543
Polish Story Time with Dorota
Stories for children in Polish
4.30-5pm Wandsworth Town Library, 020 8877 1742
Italian story time with Carlotta
Children’s stories in Italian.
6.30pm Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
An Evening With Marion Molteno.
Join us to hear from the author about the experiences that have inspired her novels – in particular UNCERTAIN LIGHT set on the borderland between Pakistan and Afghanistan. There will be an opportunity to buy books. Free.
Friday 19
9.30am Northcote Library, 020 7223 2336
Learning Mandarin and Calligraphy with Haiyun Rosa Wang
Mandarin is spoken by more than 730 million people in China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Haiyun Rosa will teach you a few words in Mandarin and explain about calligraphy. You can then have a go at some lettering and designs yourself.
10am Southfields Library, 020 8780 1945
Enchanting story times with Anna
Stories for children in Spanish.
10am Wandsworth Town Library, 020 8877 1742
African Story Time
Come and enjoy some stories from Africa, for children aged 2-5
11am Roehampton Library, 020 8767 0543
Craft and Story Time
We will be showing you how to make a fun craft that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism. Booking is recommended.
3.30-4.30pm Wandsworth Town Library, 020 8877 1742
Carnival Mask Making
Booking essential. Spaces limited to 10 children. Ages 6+
3.45pm York Gardens Library, 020 7223 2341
Handa’s Surprise
An interactive story session with Amma Poku. For children aged 2-7 with their parents and carers
6.30-8pm Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
Untold Histories
Kathleen Chater discusses her book Untold Histories: Black People in England and Wales During the Period of the British Slave Trade.
Saturday 20
11am Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
Beautiful and intricate Henna (Mehendi) Workshop
Join Ayesha Hafeez and group for a workshop that invites you to learn, discover and experiment with Henna.
11am-1pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
African Headwrap Workshop
Learn about African textiles with fashion designer and textile artist, Sylvia Emodi. As part of the session, the workshop will give you an opportunity to get practical with a range of craft techniques. Suitable for the entire family. Free – booking essential
2-4pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
South Asian Fashion and Food
Join Therese Rajadurai and group to learn about the vibrant and colourful region of South Asia; comprising of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. The richness of the region is seen in the clothing and the warmth is experienced in the food. A combination of both provides for an aesthetic and culinary treat embracing the wealth and elegance of this diverse community.
2.30pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Handa’s Surprise
An interactive story session with Amma Poku. For children aged 2-7 with their parents and carers
Monday 22
10.30am Battersea Park Library, 020 7720 4122
Fun board games session for ages 4+
11am Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
What Makes a Mobile Phone Ring?
Story telling with singing and print making bringing to life the tale of a brother and sister from The Democratic Republic of Congo and how they discover what makes mobile phones ring. Suitable for ages 3-7. With Jacqueline Mwanza
4pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
French story time with Claudine
Stories for children in French.
Tuesday 23
9.45 – 10.45 Wandsworth Town Library 020 8877 1742
Peggy Agbo’s French Music And Movement
Classes for babies and young children. Each session is a fun-filled adventure with snuggly puppet characters, lighting effects, bubbles, funky props and parachutes which keep the little ones engaged from start to finish! Ages 0–7yrs
10am-12pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Digipals
Are you an older person struggling to use computers? Come along to this support session run by Age UK Wandsworth; use one of our computers or bring your own device.11am Southfields Library, 020 8780 1945
Indian Block Printing with Andrea Anderson
Bring a white tee shirt (and a potato!) and get dressed to be messy! Suitable for ages 6+
1pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
The Greatest African Heroes workshop
Create a comic strip inspired by Marvel's comic book heroes from Black Panther, at this workshop for children by Jacqueline Mwanza. With ready made templates and also cut out of real life African Icons (past and present) like Mandela or Chimanmanda Ngozi Adichie, add your own dialogue to your very own epic saga! Ka Pow! Suitable for ages 8+
2pm Southfields Library, 020 8780 1945
Explore Learning: Handwriting
We take an imaginary day out to the zoo to see all the animals, from the lions to the zebras. The animals guide the children through their perfect letter formation, the giraffes’ tall necks help with the letter ‘h’ and the pigs curly tails help with the letter ‘e’. Ages 4-6
2.30-3.30pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Traditional Tales from Around the World
Stories for children with Children’s Librarian Heather. Free- no booking required
3pm Wandsworth Town Library, 020 8877 1742
Indian Block Printing with Andrea Anderson
Bring a white tee shirt (and a potato!) and get dressed to be messy! Suitable for ages 6+
4-5pm York Gardens Library, 020 7223 2341
Be A Maths Wizard
Join Explore Learning at wizard’s school to craft potions and have fun…all while building confidence in your times tables. Ages 7-9, registration required.
Wednesday 24
11am Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
Indian Block Printing with Andrea Anderson
Bring a white tee shirt (and a potato!)and get dressed to be messy! Suitable for ages 4+
11am Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Be A Maths Wizard
Join Explore Learning at wizard’s school to craft potions and have fun…all while building confidence in your times tables. Ages 7-9, registration required.
11am Roehampton Library, 020 8246 6979
What Colour is Nude for you?
The Nude Gallery is a collection of items that are deliberately made to mimic skin tones i.e. plasters, make up foundation, prosthetics, ballet shoes etc.Discuss and create Emoji style portraits that best represent you and what the colour 'nude' says about the commercial world and its' values regarding race and diversity. Suitable for ages 10+. Free – book at the library
1pm Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
What Makes a Mobile Phone Ring?
Story telling with singing and print making bringing to life the tale of a brother and sister from The Democratic Republic of Congo and how they discover what makes mobile phones ring. Suitable for ages 3-7. With Jacqueline Mwanza
2pm Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
Polskie Bajki z Dorota/Polish Story Time with Dorota
Stories for children in Polish
2pm York Gardens Library, 020 7233 2341
Indian Block Printing with Andrea Anderson
Bring a white tee shirt and get dressed to be messy! Suitable for ages 4+
4-5pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Games Without Frontiers
Drop in to play some diverse games from around the world. Try your skills at Oware, Chess, Snakes and Ladders, and more! Ages 5+, families welcome.
6.30-7.30 Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Re-imaging Mother Goose Through the Ages
An exhibition by Andrea Anderson and a talk by Ferelith Hordon
Thursday 25
11.00am Northcote Library, 020 7223 2336
Superhero Shapes
An educational workshop for children aged 4-6, in association with Explore Learning
1pm Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
The Greatest African Heroes workshop
Create a comic strip inspired by Marvel's comic book heroes from Black Panther, at this workshop for children by Jacqueline Mwanza. With ready made templates and also cut out of real life African Icons (past and present) like Mandela or Chimanmanda Ngozi Adichie, add your own dialogue to your very own epic saga! Ka Pow! Suitable for ages 8+
2-4pm York Gardens Library, 020 7223 2341
African Headwrap Workshop
Learn about African textiles with fashion designer and textile artist, Sylvia Emodi. As part of the session, the workshop will give you an opportunity to get practical with a range of craft techniques. Suitable for the entire family. Free – booking essential
2.30pm-3.30pm Wandsworth Town Library 020 8877 1742
French Story Time And colouring
For children aged 3+
4.30-5.30pm Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
Halloween fun!
Harry Potter quiz and treasure hunt for children, 7—11 years
Friday 26
10am-11am Wandsworth Town Library 020 8877 1742
Meet Author Molly Arbuthnott
Come and meet children's author Molly Arbuthnott, writer of the books Oscar The Ferry Cat and Oscar The Hebridean Cat https://www.oscartheferrycat.co.uk/ For ages 2-5 years.
10.30-11.30am Earlsfield Library, 020 8946 2088
Halloween Crafts
Make something spooky. For children aged 3-11 years.
11am Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Indian Dance Workshop
By Ragini Rajgopal and Natiya Alaya Academy. Raghini Rajgopal and her students will perform classical and folk dances from India. Folk dances are numerous in number and style and vary according to the local traditions of the respective state, ethnic or geographic regions. Contemporary dances include refined and experimental fusions of classical, folk and Western forms. You will get the opportunity to join the group of dancers and try your dancing skills in the library!
11am-12pm Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
Myth Atlas:Author event with Thiago De Moraes
With storytelling and live drawing, travel to all sorts of fantastic places—from the nine underworlds of the Aztecs to the top of the great tree Yggdrasil of Norse Myth.
2-4pm Battersea Library, 020 7223 2334
Know Your Herbs – Workshop
Join Eureka Shabazz for a workshop to help you discover what herbs you can use for different medical conditions and beauty therapy. From ancient times, herbs have been known to have savoury, aromatic and medicinal properties. Herbs are easy to procure or grow, cost-effective and safe. Free – book a place at the library
2.30pm Balham Library, 020 8673 1129
Indian Dance Workshop
By Ragini Rajgopal and Natiya Alaya Academy. Raghini Rajgopal and her students will perform classical and folk dances from India. Folk dances are numerous in number and style and vary according to the local traditions of the respective state, ethnic or geographic regions. Contemporary dances include refined and experimental fusions of classical, folk and Western forms. You will get the opportunity to join the group of dancers and try your dancing skills in the library!
2.30pm Wandsworth Town Library, 020 8877 1742
French story time with Claudine
Stories for children in French.
3pm York Gardens Library, 020 7223 2341
What Makes Electric Cars Go?
A story telling with Jacqueline Mwanza. The tale of a young woman who learns the art of peace making through dance from a tribe in the rain forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. What will she do when she discovers that electric cars might be putting her home town in danger? Suitable for ages 5 – 9. Free – book at the library
3.30-4.30pm, Wandsworth Town Library, 020 877 1742
Magic Tim
Amazing tricks and close-up magic with Tim The Enchanter.
4pm Roehampton Library, 020 8246 6979
Polish Story Time with Dorota
Stories for children in Polish
Tuesday 30
3.30pm Battersea Park Library, 020 7720 4122
Halloween Frights
Join the Battersea Park Library skeleton for spooky stories, colourings and drawings. Ages 4+
6-7pm Tooting Library, 020 8767 0543
Reading Group
The new Tooting Reading Group discuss Homegoing By Yaa Gyasi. Come and join us for a lively discussion, Copies of the book available form the Adult Inquiries desk at Tooting Library. Contact tooting.library@gll.org for more information
Wednesday 31
8-9pm Putney Library, 020 8780 3085
Space 2099: Murder: the Final Frontier
A Halloween murder mystery. In Space no one can hear you… DIE!. May the farce be with you. And so on, and so on. Please contact Putney Library for booking information.