A WEEK crammed full of free activities at the city’s libraries starts next Monday (27 October), as Leicester joins in with Green Libraries Week.
Green Libraries Week is an annual national event celebrating what libraries have to offer, with a focus on the climate and sustainability. It runs from 27 October to 1 November and includes author talks, interactive workshops, music and even a haunted school tour!
On Monday, join a mindful, creative session to make recycled mandala CD windchimes. The session – taking place at Braunstone Library, in the Brite Centre – is a great chance to transform old CDs into eco-friendly art for the garden or home. All materials will be provided.
In the evening, meet best-selling author Jasper Fforde at Leicester’s Central Library, for what promises to be an entertaining talk and Q&A. Jasper’s work includes includes Shades of Grey, The Eyre Affair and The Big Over Easy.
On Tuesday, there’s a bird feeder workshop at Beaumont Leys Library, while on Wednesday, you can learn to make unique table decorations at St Matthews Library. In the evening, Green Libraries Week joins forces with Black History Month to host an evening of conversation with Marcia Hutchinson at Highfields Library. Marcia will be discussing her solo literary debut, The Mercy Step - a tender portrait of a young girl’s quiet rebellion as she grows up in 1960s Bradford.
No-one is ever too old for Lego, which is why there’s a Lego Coding for Adults workshop at the Pork Pie Library on Thursday, where you can build, and then program, your bricks to come alive! There’s also a Bulb Planting Workshop at Aylestone Library, and the chance to join a Haunted School Tour at Fosse Library as you prepare for Halloween! Dare you walk the dark, deserted halls of this old Victorian school with nothing but a flickering candle to light your way? This creepy interactive experience is not suitable for the faint of heart, and is recommended for ages 11+.
If you prefer something more cosy, there’s An Evening with Adam Weikert at Leicester Central Library on Thursday evening. Hear about Adam's latest album, 'To Whom Ourselves We Owe', the stories behind the songs, the recording process and his musical journey so far. The evening will conclude with a short set of songs from the new album.
And the week rounds off with a local writers’ fair on Saturday 1 November at Leicester’s Central library, where visitors can drop in to browse stalls, meet local authors and publishers, or take part in a writing workshop.
Assistant city mayor for health, culture, libraries and community centres, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Our libraries in Leicester are a fantastic resource and Green Libraries Week demonstrates just how versatile they are – as places of learning, for communities to meet and for socialising.
“I hope that lots of people will take the opportunity to try something new, for free, during Green Libraries Week, and enjoy our citywide programme of events.”
To find out more and to book onto the free events, visit leicester.gov.uk/greenlibrariesweek
ENDS