South Tyneside Libraries

07/09/2026

Curious about writing?

Join South Shields Fiction Writers for free coffee, friendly conversation and readings from local writers. Whether you're looking for inspiration or just want to listen, drop in and stay as long as you like.

📅 Sat 12 September, 10.30am to 12.30pm at The Word
🎟️ FREE, drop-in event. Suitable for ages 16+

06/09/2026

Join bestselling author Caroline Roberts for an afternoon of coffee, cake and conversation at Hebburn Central.

Hear Caroline talk about the inspiration behind her heart-warming novels and the themes of love, friendship and community that run through her writing.

📅 Thu 10 September, 2pm to 3pm at Hebburn Central
🎟️ £2.88 online / £2 at The Word shop

Part of Northern Bookshelf Live and New Writing North's Right to Read programme.

Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/northern-bookshelf-live-an-audience-with-caroline-roberts-tickets-1991463390610?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/09/2026

Join us at Hebburn Central Library for a live streamed event with multi-million bestselling author Matt Haig. Watch the interview on our big screen and enjoy the chance to ask Matt your questions during the live Q&A.

Mon 7 Sept from 10am-11.30am
Free, booking required.

Can't make it to the library? You can also register to watch the event online from home.

https://theworduk.org/whats-on/in-conversation-with-matt-haig-a-borrowbox-event-displayed-at-hebburn-central-library/

06/09/2026

Library Walks (Sept-Oct 2026) 🚶🚶‍♀️

Get active with your local library and join our free guided walks. Running from 10 – 11am:

👉 8 Sept - The Word
👉 15 Sept - Jarrow Focus Library
👉 22 Sept - Cleadon Park Library
👉 29 Sept - Whitburn Community Library
👉 6 Oct - Boldon Lane Community Library
👉13 Oct - Hebburn Central Library
👉20 Oct - Boldon and Cleadon Community Library

Suitable for all to join. To book your place, call The Word on (0191) 427 1818

05/09/2026

It's the final week of the Summer Reading Challenge but there’s still time to complete it! Come down to your local South Tyneside library to go all in with reading before it's too late!

Until Saturday 12 September, children can sign up at their local library or online.

To complete the challenge children will need to read up to four books and participate in library activities. There will be stickers and certificates to collect along the way.

Illustrations © Harry Woodgate 2026. Read to the Beat © The Reading Agency 2026, registered charity number 1085443 England and Wales.

More at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge

04/09/2026

South Tyneside Libraries have set up a programme of fantastic walks from each of the council libraries.

Every Monday until 28th Dec 2026 at 10am.

These walks are open to everybody; they are free to attend and you don’t need to sign up. Simply turn up on the day and join us for some fresh air, good company and a pleasant ramble.

For more information https://theworduk.org/whats-on/walking-for-wellbeing-at-the-word/

Delivered through the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.

03/09/2026

🔎 Love a good thriller?

Join bestselling author Robert Rutherford at The Word as part of Northern Bookshelf Live. Hear about the inspirations behind his gripping novels Seven Days and The Missing Hour, and discover more about his journey as a crime writer.

📅 Wednesday 9 September, 6pm to 7pm
📍 The Word
🎟️ £2.88 online or £2 in person

Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/northern-bookshelf-live-an-audience-with-robert-rutherford-tickets-1991463252196?aff=oddtdtcreator

Part of New Writing North's Right to Read programme, celebrating the National Year of Reading 2026.

Robert Rutherford will be joining us to chat about his gripping thrillers Seven Days and The Missing Hour.

02/09/2026

Join Hayley for a fun-filled family signing session packed with songs, dancing and movement!

These themed sessions help develop language and communication skills, listening, rhythm, early phonics and physical development through interactive songs, stories, puppets and play.

📅 Last Saturday of every month* starting Oct 31
⏰ 10.15am to 11.45am

*Please note December's session will be on Sat 19th.
For information and bookings: https://theworduk.org/whats-on/tiny-tweeties-at-the-word/

02/09/2026

✒️ Try your hand at the art of calligraphy with expert calligrapher Angela Reed.

This beginner-friendly workshop will introduce you to the tools and techniques of beautiful writing, with all materials provided so you can get started straight away.

📅 Tomorrow (3 September), 10am to 12pm at Jarrow Focus
🎟️ £6.13 online / £5 in person

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-calligraphy-taster-tickets-1991379848734?aff=oddtdtcreator