Lambeth Libraries getting ready for the summer and July events

Logo-grey-transparent Share/View Online
open-to-discovery
Summer Reading Challenge

Wow... summer is here! This year it comes with some hope that we can get out and about and start to do some of the things that we've had to miss for a year or so.

July sees the start of the annual Summer Reading Challenge for children; the library reading scheme encourages children aged 4 to 12 years old to set themselves a reading challenge of six books over the summer. In the process helping to prevent the summer 'reading dip' and motivate children to keep reading, to build their skills and confidence. Children must be a library member to take part but don’t worry if you haven't done it yet, you and the children can join here and it’s free. Of course we've got a fantastic line up of other events and activities for you to do online during July too.  

Do keep in contact with your local library services as things continue their gradual opening up. We'd love you to come in and browse where possible - just book an appointment and the library is yours! You can book appointments to use a PC, to print, photocopy/scan, browse, or study just call or email your local branch during opening hours and, as always, we'll be happy to help. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us at libraries@lambeth.gov.uk. Our plethora of free online resources is still available for you to enjoy so happy reading / listening / watching / learning!

Join Ilona and the Friends of Carnegie Library as she talks about her book When I Ran Away – Tuesday, 13 July 7pm

When I Ran Away follows a woman's journey from 9/11 over fifteen years, leaving her country, husband and children in search of a new life. It covers themes of friendship, grief, humour in dark times, isolation, dislocation, mental health, motherhood, loss of self/redefining self.

Ilona Bannister is a New Yorker married to an Englishman and raising two young sons in South London. A dual qualified US attorney and UK solicitor, Ilona practiced UK immigration law, and her experiences as a lawyer working closely with families in difficult situations, as well as her life as an expat, have made her a keen observer of people and the struggles of outsiders.

Register

(Online details will be emailed two hours before the start of the event to all who register.)

London’s Loveable Villain, introduced by author Andy Scott – Tuesday 8 June, 7pm

Andy Scott reads from his book London's Loveable Villain about his great-uncle Chick "Cocky" Knight aka "the Bear". Described as a real London character, boxer, bouncer, wrestler, lifesaver, villain but undoubtedly with a heart of gold - Chick saved at least 3 people's lives in dramatic circumstances. As a bouncer in Soho he took on four wielding knives and razors. As a professional wrestler he appeared all over the world, fighting all the great heavyweights in a 25 year career from 1932 to 1958, and in 1938 one of the first to appear on television.

Register to attend

Lambeth Libraries Children’s book Festival and much more for June…

Go to library websiteopen-to-discovery Lambeth Libraries Children's book Festival and much more for June... Lambeth with Lambeth Libraries Children & Young Peoples Readers and Writers festival

June is another busy month and we've got a fantastic line up of events and activities for you to do online. There are many celebrations during June and hopefully we have something for everyone whether you're celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride, the Windrush generation, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, Refugee week or are a lover of authors and great writing. 

In particular this month we have wonderful stories and children's authors for the young ones. Do check out the Lambeth Libraries Children & Young People’s Festival 2021 where you'll find much to do and enjoy. In the physical world, library services across Lambeth continue our gradual opening up. You can book an appointment to use a PC, to print, photocopy/scan, browse, or study just call or email your local branch during opening hours and, as always, we'll be happy to help. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us at libraries@lambeth.gov.uk. Our plethora of free online resources is still available for you to enjoy so happy reading / listening / watching / learning!

The Next Friends’ author event – Lilian Pizzichini

11 May, 7pm

Register for a free ticket and link to this online event

Lilian Pizzichini will talk with us about Mariella Novotny’s life, a life of intrigue, spying and crime...

In 1961 Mariella Novotny was engaging in sexual relations with President John F. Kennedy and believed to be a Communist agent. FBI officers called their investigation ‘The Bow-Tie Case’.

Two years later she was involved in the Profumo Affair. Then in the 1970s she began working undercover investigating police corruption in the Flying Squad. Her chief target was the author’s grandfather, Charlie Taylor, a London conman who had high-ranking officers in his deep pockets.

Mariella brought them all down and was found dead in February 1983. Christine Keeler said she was convinced it was murder, most probably by the CIA.

Mariella Novotny was embroiled in some of the top spy and crime stories of the day and in Lilian’s biography she emerges as the early embodiment of radical sexual politics.

See you there?