Embracing sustainability this Libraries Week

Libraries Week runs from Monday 2 October to Sunday 8 October to honour everything our libraries have to offer.

It’s a time to celebrate all the innovative and often surprising things libraries do to support our communities. 

This year we are focusing on the amazing work going on in our libraries to promote sustainability and combat climate change.

A nature themed programme of events and activities for the whole family has been planned, including thought-provoking writing sessions, gardening and crafty workshops and advice sessions for entrepreneurs.

All events are free, but please consider supporting our libraries with a small donation. 

Books to save the planet

You can discover new nature, climate, and sustainability themed reads for all ages in stock collections highlighted throughout our libraries and online displays.

To find out what’s on offer, pop into your local library, browse the online Brighton & Hove library catalogue or download an eBook or eAudiobook from BorrowBox.

Join us in celebrating our libraries!

Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee, said: “Our libraries have been hard at work curating fascinating programmes for both Libraries Week and Black History Month, making October a month not to be missed.

“Sustainability, climate change and the protection of our environment are topics that continue to shape our reality, and it’s wonderful that our libraries found a way to bring attention to them with creative and playful events. 

“I invite everyone to explore the list of events and activities and join us in celebrating our libraries!”

What events are taking place?

Monday 2 October

Fun with Aquifer! 

3.30pm to 5pm, Jubilee Library

Take part in fun activities after school and learn more about TAP (The Aquifer Partnership) at this family event. 

No need to book, just drop in.

Tuesday 3 October

Writers in Conversation

5.30pm to 6.30pm, Jubilee Library

Author William Shaw presents the next edition of our crime writers' series, with Graham Bartlett and Jack Jordan. 

Book your ticket via the Brighton & Hove Libraries Eventbrite.

Wednesday 4 October

Green Coffee Morning

10.30am to 12 noon, BIPC Jubilee Library

Networking session for business owners and startups with Zellar. Learn to measure, plan, and share your business’ sustainability journey. 

Book your ticket via the BIPC Sussex Eventbrite.

Zellar Workshop

1pm to 2pm, BIPC Jubilee Library

Learn all about the Zellar sustainability platform which can enable your businesses to work towards its net zero goals whilst saving money and energy along the way.

Book your ticket via the BIPC Sussex Eventbrite.

Thursday 5 October

A Message to the Sea 

10.30am to 12.30pm, Whitehawk Library

Celebrate the beauty and diversity of life in our oceans and get creative painting pebbles with East Side Print. 

Book via 01273 694976 or e-mail info@eastsideprint.org.

Pigments of the Imagination 

5.30pm to 6.30pm, Jubilee Library

How do you colour books about colour? A fascinating talk by the colour historian Dr Alexandra Loske will take you on a rainbow walk through the history of colour in theory and practice. 

Book your ticket via the Brighton & Hove Libraries Eventbrite.

Friday 6 October

Wildlife Gardening Workshop 

2.30pm to 4.30pm, Patcham Library

Learn about amphibians and reptiles with Froglife and gardening for these species (and all wildlife) then make your own wildlife garden! All ages welcome. 

No need to book, just drop in.

Saturday 7 October

Recycled Crafts 

2pm to 4pm, Hangleton Library

Create your own mixed-media collage using recycled materials. Creative fun for the whole family! 

No need to book, just drop in.

Origami Workshop

11am to 12.30pm, Hove Library

2.30pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library

Make origami butterflies with Femigami taking inspiration from the book ‘The Yellow Butterfly: A Story from Ukraine’ by Oleksandr Shatokhin. All ages welcome. 

No need to book, just drop in.

Writing Our Legacy Covert Literary Magazine: The Natural Heritage of the South reading event  

12 noon to 1pm, Jubilee Library community space

Find out more about Writing Our Legacy’s Covert Magazines and hear readings from contributors. Learn about the projects ‘Shifting the Gaze’ and ‘Changing Chalk’, which aim to restore lost landscapes and habitats, bring history to life and offer new experiences outdoors. Refreshments provided. 

Book your ticket via WOL Eventbrite.

Sunday 8 October

Creative Writing Workshop with Writing Our Legacy 

12 noon to 2pm, Jubilee Library conference room 

Immerse yourself in thought-provoking stories and poems that focus on connections with the South Downs. Led by queer writer, journalist and activist Jasmine Qureshi, this workshop will explore landscape, heritage and the power of literature in promoting sustainability. 

Book your ticket via WOL Eventbrite.

All week

Jubilee Library - Environmental Award-Winner 

Jubilee Library Foyer (Display)

Find out more about the multi award-winning Jubilee Library and its pioneering green design credentials. Drop in any day this week during library opening hours.

Lend your support to our libraries

We want to make sure that everyone can benefit from the library service. 

If you love our libraries and wish to lend your support to their services, consider donating online to our Legacy Fund or making a cash donation in any library.

Brighton & Hove Libraries Legacy Fund, managed by Sussex Community Foundation, supports our events and activities across the city.

• October is an exciting month in our libraries, find out what’s on near you on our libraries events page.