Lewisham Libraries

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Discover events and activities for all ages as we celebrate the National Year of Reading 2026 https://libraries.lewisham.gov.uk/browse

Beyond the familiar lies a thousand possible worlds.This November, Lewisham Libraries invites artists to explore fantasy...
07/09/2026

Beyond the familiar lies a thousand possible worlds.

This November, Lewisham Libraries invites artists to explore fantasy realms, underwater cities, parallel dimensions, utopian societies, forgotten futures, and places that exist only in memory and imagination. Selected artworks will be displayed in Catford Library and this year, one exhibiting artwork will be chosen as the face of the Imagined Worlds season.

๐ŸŒ Open to all artists
๐ŸŽจ Free to submit
๐Ÿ“… Deadline: 18 September 2026

For more information and to apply, follow the link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/XR8tbkYyVA

Artwork by Alexandre Santacruz () featured in last year's exhibition.

Our SEND Families Sessions at Downham Library are starting back up for Autumn term.These fun sessions offer a chance to ...
05/09/2026

Our SEND Families Sessions at Downham Library are starting back up for Autumn term.

These fun sessions offer a chance to discover the library is a supported setting. They are relaxed, open and free sessions for families with disabilities and special educational needs to meet up and take part in a regular schedule of activities including; crafty play, sensory play, lego and termly sensory discos.

In September, our session is themed around Yin Jianlingโ€™s The Visible Sounds, an uplifting picture book based on a true story about a dancer with hearing loss. Weโ€™ll be making kaleidoscope inspired crafts and have play trays inspired by the story.

There is a quiet break out space upstairs (lift accessible), sensory focused activities downstairs and the freedom to come and go, stim and be yourself! Siblings, families and friends welcome too.

๐Ÿ“† Saturday 19 September, 17 October and 14 November
๐Ÿ•2.30-3.30pm.
๐Ÿ“Downstairs at Downham Library (with a chill-out space upstairs / via lift).

Booking is encouraged, but drop-ins are very welcome โžก๏ธ https://lewisham.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=354584

๐ŸŽถ Bring Your Own Vinyl is back at Catford Library! ๐ŸŽถJoin us on Saturday 26 September at 2pm for an afternoon of great mu...
04/09/2026

๐ŸŽถ Bring Your Own Vinyl is back at Catford Library! ๐ŸŽถ

Join us on Saturday 26 September at 2pm for an afternoon of great music, conversation, and shared listening. Bring along a favourite record and tell us the story behind it, or just come and enjoy discovering something new.

๐Ÿ“ Catford Library
๐Ÿ•‘ 2pm | Saturday 26 September

And there's more good news... from now on Bring Your Own Vinyl will take place bi-monthly on the last Saturday of the month. Mark your calendars!

Join author Ella Phillips on an interactive storytelling trail, inspired by nature, food, sunlight and seeds. Discover p...
03/09/2026

Join author Ella Phillips on an interactive storytelling trail, inspired by nature, food, sunlight and seeds. Discover playful sensory activities that spark imagination and conversations about food and adventure!

Ella will run two sessions as part of our free Family Day for early years children, happening at Downham Library on 15 September. There's no need to book, the sessions will be first come first served:

11am session 1
11.30am session 2

Join us any time during the day (10.30am-2.30pm) for Baby Rhyme Time, face painting, crafts, outdoor play, relaxing Tai Chi for parents, making baby books, giveaways and free books. Plus connect with local services that will support your parenting journey. We'll be in the leisure centre entrance and downstairs library. Everyone is welcome!

#0-5s

We love welcoming local schools into our libraries! ๐Ÿ“šโค๏ธA huge thank you to the Year 6 class at Invicta School for these ...
02/09/2026

We love welcoming local schools into our libraries! ๐Ÿ“šโค๏ธ

A huge thank you to the Year 6 class at Invicta School for these wonderful letters. Seeing children engage with their library is always a joy.

Access to books helps inspire a lifelong love of reading, supports learning, and opens up new worlds of imagination. If you're a teacher or educator in Lewisham and would like to arrange a class visit to one of our libraries, we'd love to hear from you!

๐Ÿ“ฃ OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTSLewisham Libraries is seeking artwork for Imagined Worlds 2026.We're looking for creative, though...
01/09/2026

๐Ÿ“ฃ OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS

Lewisham Libraries is seeking artwork for Imagined Worlds 2026.

We're looking for creative, thought-provoking works that challenge reality, explore alternate worlds, and spark curiosity. Whether your practice is traditional, digital, photographic, mixed media or experimental, we'd love to see your vision.

โญ Plus, one exhibiting artist will be selected to create the central artwork for the 2026 Imagined Worlds campaign.

๐Ÿ“… Deadline: 18 September 2026
๐Ÿ“ Window Exhibition in November at Catford Library
๐Ÿ’ฐ No submission fee

Apply via the link in our bio.

Artwork by Kitt Glover ( from last year's open call exhibition.

๐Ÿ“– Short on time? Big stories don't always need hundreds of pages.Swipe through our favourite short reads, from captivati...
31/08/2026

๐Ÿ“– Short on time? Big stories don't always need hundreds of pages.

Swipe through our favourite short reads, from captivating novellas to unforgettable short story collections.

Visit Catford, Deptford or Downham Library to browse the displays or see the full Short Reads list on the Lewisham Libraries Blog on our website

Supporting your 0-5 year old's learning can be simple and fun!Join us for Family Day at Downham Library on 15 September,...
28/08/2026

Supporting your 0-5 year old's learning can be simple and fun!

Join us for Family Day at Downham Library on 15 September, 10.30am - 2.30pm to get involved in fun learning activities such as:

Multisensory storytelling
Arts and crafts
Outdoor play
Baby rhymes and stories
Creating a simple interactive book for your baby.

Plus you will take away free books and activities, and connect with local services that will support you and your child.

This is a free drop in event. Keep an eye on our socials to find out more or search 'Downham Library family day'

Whether you're joining us in Deptford on Thursdays or Downham on Saturdays, Lewisham Libraries has something for everyon...
26/08/2026

Whether you're joining us in Deptford on Thursdays or Downham on Saturdays, Lewisham Libraries has something for everyone this ESEA Heritage Month and throughout the year. We are proud to bring our communities together to learn, create and celebrate the rich cultures, stories and contributions of East and South East Asian communities.

In celebration of East and South East Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month, Downham Library is delighted to host a series of free events every Saturday throughout September.

Join multi-award-winning theatre maker Aya as she shares her creativity, culture and traditions through hands-on activities. Participants will have the opportunity to create traditional Japanese keepsakes while learning about the stories, symbolism and cultural heritage behind them.

The celebrations culminate in our ESEA Grand Finale on Saturday 26 September. Led by EasyStepsUK, this free, family-friendly event will feature dragon dancing, tai chi and a range of engaging cultural activities, offering people of all ages the chance to experience and enjoy Chinese culture together.

The ESEA Grand Finale forms part of the Loved & Wanted campaign, a major social inclusion initiative launched by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, which champions the message that everyone in London is valued, welcomed and belongs, regardless of their background.

We look forward to welcoming residents, families and visitors to celebrate, learn and connect with us throughout ESEA Heritage Month.

๐Ÿ“š Meet Piotr Cieplak, one of the authors appearing at Written in Lewisham: Crime, Mystery and Suspense.A Forest Hill res...
25/08/2026

๐Ÿ“š Meet Piotr Cieplak, one of the authors appearing at Written in Lewisham: Crime, Mystery and Suspense.

A Forest Hill resident, Piotr is the author of Zofia Nowak's Book of Superior Detecting, a mystery that explores questions of identity, belonging, immigration and homophobia through an unforgettable amateur detective.

Join us to hear Piotr discuss how crime fiction can shine a light on the complexities of modern life, alongside fellow authors Mel Pennant and Adam Simcox. Book a ticket by following the link in our bio

Address

199/201 Lewisham High Street
London
SE136LG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+442083149800

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