Calico Libraries invites writers from across the borough and beyond to enter its inaugural writing competition!
We’re seeking short works of fiction (1,500 words or fewer) responding to the theme Imagined Worlds. Whether your story explores a reimagined reality, a speculative future, or an entirely original landscape, we’re looking for creative and distinctive interpretations of the theme.
Winning and highly commended entries will be published both in print and online, and will each receive a contributor copy of the physical pamphlet.
Submissions are open from 1st November until 31st December!
For submission guidelines and to submit your work, please visit calicoprojects.com/calico-creative-writing-competition/
Calling all GCSE and A Level art students!
Sydenham Library is delighted to offer a programme of free classes with our artist in residence, Anna Arianova. You’ll be covering a broad range of techniques, materials and subjects: pencils, pastels, oil paints; portrait and still life.
Anna has been living, working, exhibiting and teaching in south-east London for the past 20 years. Through her career she has explored a wide range of styles and techniques, but her main focus remains on representing reality through visual art in ways that evoke emotion. She believes that art can help us understand ourselves more deeply and connect meaningfully with the world around us. A strong believer in the power of libraries as spaces for connection and creativity, Anna is excited to share her passion for art through these regular sessions.
Classes will be held on Monday evenings at Sydenham Library, 5-6pm, in term time only. Classes are free and all materials will be provided, but advance booking is required: see Ticket Tailor (https://www.tickettailor.com/events/calico/1826930) to reserve your place. If you have any questions, please email sydenham@calicolibraries.com.
Join Anita for songs and stories at our Rhyme Time Session for ages 5 & Under!
All at sea in the digital world? Tangled up in the world wide web? Broken down on the hard shoulder of the information superhighway?
Catbytes Digital Community are here to help! Every Saturday from 10 to 12, we’ll have a table set aside for a drop-in clinic with a friendly expert. Whether you’re trying to complete an online form or use your personal devices, struggling with a website or confused about app permissions, come on by and we’ll take a look.
No need to book a space, no charge – just turn up with your problem and any devices you might need help with. You can access the internet through the library computers if necessary.
Our book writing club encourages primary school age children to write and develop their storytelling, spelling and handwriting skills. We also design book covers and cards, and read out loud together to develop speech and confidence.
The book writing club is free to attend. Meetings are weekly during term-time only.
Please note: The book writing club is currently at capacity and is not accepting new members. However, if you are interested then you can leave a name and contact number with the library – we will contact you if places become available.
Sydenham Library’s book group meets on the first Tuesday of every month. We read one novel a month: we choose from a range of contemporary fiction across all genres and styles.
Recent titles include Mr Wilder & Me by Jonathan Coe and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
Our meetings are informal and welcoming, and we’re always happy to see new members. If you’re interested in joining, please pop into Sydenham Library and ask at the desk for more details, or just come along to a meeting.
“I learnt about aspects of writing that I’d never considered before – as someone who has taken a lot of writing courses, I didn’t expect so much that was new. It was just what I needed.” – Liz BarnesFour creative writing courses, each with 6 weekly 2-hour classes. Sessions feature author excerpts, 20–25 minute writing exercises, discussion, and time to share work. Writers with or without current projects will benefit. Weekly homework set. Suitable for prose writers and poets alike.Authors include Kei Miller, Tim Winton, Margaret Atwood, Jeanette Winterson, Andrea Levy, Helen MacDonald, Jo Shapcott, Tim O’Brien, Tracey Emin, and more.
Course 1: Creative Writing Essentials – fantasy, imagery, dialogue, theme & voice.Course 2: Character & Fiction – characterisation, backstory, structure, setting.Courses 3 & 4: Tailored Topics – chosen by the group, such as memoir, poetry, suspense, endings, and more.£135 per course. Some concessions available.Book here:https://beccaleathlean.co.uk/product/course-3/ (https://beccaleathlean.co.uk/product/course-3/)https://beccaleathlean.co.uk/
Join us on the first Tuesday of every month for Sydenham Library’s Board Game Night!
Come along and pick a game from our collection. We’ve got new classics like Catan, Ticket to Ride and Pandemic alongside old favourites like Scrabble and Risk. We’ve got quick games, long games, detective games, word games, trivia games, funny games, thoughtful games, two-player games, card games, jigsaws…
We’ve also got Hey, That’s My Fish. Everybody should play Hey, That’s My Fish.
Or you can bring your own games. And we don’t just mean board games. Tabletop RPG groups are very welcome, for anybody that’s ever wanted to play D&D in a library, and we can probably squeeze a game of Warhammer onto one of our bigger tables.
Children are welcome, although kids of primary school age will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Feel free to bring food, and we’ll have tea, coffee and possibly other drinks available for a small donation.
✨ Origami Class with – Fold, Create, Relax! ✨
Join a friendly, mixed-age group for a fun and peaceful origami session, held on the first working Wednesday of every month in the Community Room. You’ll learn the art of folding beautiful paper creations in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
📜 No experience needed—just bring your curiosity!
☕ Tea, coffee & biscuits provided—because creativity is best enjoyed with a treat! 🍪
Come unwind, connect, and discover the joy of origami! 🎨✨
Join Shereen in the Children's Library every THURSDAY afternoon for our New Baby Bounce sessions from 2pm till 3pm
