Tuesday evening, 12 November: 7 - 8:30pm

Join Iqbal Hussain for this joyful, defiant and dazzling story of Rafi Aziz – a Northern boy dreaming of his name up in Bollywood lights.

It's 1981 in the suburbs of Blackburn and, as Rafi’s mother reminds him daily, the family moved here from Pakistan to give him the best opportunities. But Rafi longs to follow his own path. Flamboyant, dramatic and musically gifted, he wants to be a Bollywood star.

Twenty years later, Rafi is flying home from Australia for his best friend’s wedding. He has everything he ever wanted: starring roles in musical theatre, the perfect boyfriend and freedom from expectation. But returning to Blackburn is the ultimate test: can he show his true self to his community?

Navigating family and identity from boyhood to adulthood, as well as the changing eras of ABBA, skinheads and urbanisation, Rafi must follow his heart to achieve his dreams.

View the livestream for up to 30 days on the Carnegie Library Facebook page.

Please register to reserve a place and help with planning for this event.

Event organised by the Friends of Carnegie Library

Emma Slade Edmondon & Nicole Ocran

Tuesday evening, 8 October - 7pm to 8:30pm

at the Library (free admission)

Authors Emma Slade Edmondson and Nicole Ocran, hosts of the podcast Mixed Up, discuss what it truly means to be of mixed heritage.

Emma and Nicole want to break down barriers and open up a deeper dialogue of the mixed-race experience. Although this book was born out of a desire to speak directly to the mixed-race community, they discovered there is something in it for everyone. Whether you are mixed, you know someone mixed, if you have ever considered dating outside of your race, if you’re a parent committed to sharing a more diverse view of the world with your child, or indeed an adult wanting to expand your views on culture and identity – then The Half of It is for you.

They discuss what it truly means to be mixed-race, delving into everything from culture and identity to interracial relationships, to adoption, to understanding the historical context of mixed-race people – ultimately culminating in a rounder and deeper appreciation for the mixed-identity.

Hosts of the critically acclaimed podcast Mixed Up.

Mixed Race podcast - listen to a sample

Read a sample of The Half of It

View the livestream for up to 30 days on the Carnegie Library Facebook page.

Please register to reserve a place and help with planning for this event.

Presented by The Friend of Carnegie Library in cooperation with The Lambeth Library Service

10 September, 7pm to 8:30pm - at the library (or livestreamed)

Simon Hannah presents his book on Lambeth in the 1980s when the borough epitomised “loony left” Labour councillors, squatting and defiance of central government. From Town Hall to the Railton Road, front line Lambeth was at the heart of the struggle for municipal socialism.

Presented by The Friends of Carnegie Library in cooperation with The Lambeth Library Service.

Please register to reserve a place and help with planning for this event.

View the livestream for up to 30 days on the Carnegie Library Facebook page.

at the library - Tuesday, 13 August (7pm to 8:30pm)

Louise Candlish - Sunday Times bestselling author of 17 novels and published all over the world - will be at the library to discuss her latest novel.

Our Holiday is new for summer 2024 - a psychological suspense crime thriller beach read, set among holiday-home owners on the English south coast and full of characters you'll love to hate and unexpected twists.

A Richard & Judy Book Club pick.

This event is organised by the Friends of Carnegie Library

Please register to reserve a place and help with planning for this event.

View the livestream for up to 30 days on the Carnegie Library Facebook page. (Go to the video page)