We’re celebrating all things library for this year’s Libraries Week, running from 7 to 12 October.
From flash mob singing to Lego, mindful colouring and book quizzes, there’s a full programme of events taking place across our libraries throughout the week.
Libraries Week is a celebration of the nation’s much-loved libraries. This year, we're celebrating the role of libraries in the digital world.
Our events are exploring how our libraries are:
- engaging communities through technology
- helping people build digital skills and confidence
- promoting health, wellbeing and education in the city
- supporting local business and enterprise
Fun worksheets and treasure hunts will also be popping up for children in all our libraries, all week - just drop-in!
Exhibitions and highlights
A series of portraits of library users by Brighton-based photographer Sam Luck, commissioned as part of the launch of the Brighton & Hove Libraries Legacy Fund and supported by Arts Council England, will be on show in the window of Jubilee Library.
A series of photographs of UK Black musicians called ‘Black Tunes Matter’ will also be in Jubilee Library from 1 to 30 October. The exhibition includes biographies, song lyrics and inspiring statements.
On Tuesday 8 October, ‘Black Lines Matter’ sees poets come together to share their poems for peace as part of this year’s Black History Month celebration.
A Network of International Women event on Wednesday 9 October provides a platform for women from different cultures to meet, share experiences and support.
There’s also an exciting talk with special guest Dr Alexandra Loske on the moon in literature, arts & culture, and an hour of musical fun with Greek myths and live classical music with 'Persius, Andromeda and the Sea Monster' at Whitehawk Library. Ideal for ages 5 to 11 but open to all - it's a free event but please book your tickets online via Eventbrite.
And much, much more! Visit our Libraries Week page for the full list of events…
Business & IP Centre start-up day
On Friday 11 October, Jubilee Library will host a start-up day for an exciting new service for start-up entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses coming to Brighton & Hove next year.
Working in partnership with the British Library, Brighton & Hove Libraries will be opening a new Business & IP Centre (BIPC) in early 2020.
Whether you're just starting out, need advice on protecting your intellectual property or are ready to take the next step, come along to our start-up day to find out how the BIPC will be able to support small business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors like you.
Join us on to watch live streamed talks and presentations from the British Library Business & IP Centre in London and meet experts from local business support organisations and enjoy light refreshments provided by local businesses.
Stay for the day or drop-in between 9.15am and 4.50pm. Visit our Business & IP Centre page for information about the start-up event and the plans for the city's BIPC.
Love libraries? Lend your support
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the council’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee, said:
“Libraries Week is a great opportunity for us to showcase all the great services, resources and experiences our libraries offer to everyone in the city, regardless of age, background or circumstance.
“Libraries are about so much more than books – they are there to offer support through every stage of life.
“That we’re able to still do a lot of that is helped by the Brighton & Hove Libraries Legacy Fund. That fund supports the library service’s events and activities, helping us reach more people across the city.
“Residents’ support ensures we can continue to put on exciting events and activities in our libraries.”
If you like to donate to the Libraries Legacy Fund, you can do so in collection boxes in libraries or donate online via our Libraries Legacy Fund fundraising page on totalgiving.co.uk. The Libraries Legacy Fund is registered charity, number 1113226.