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/
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 Louise Lambert Yoga for a community beginners yoga class starting on Thursday 3rd April. This is a pay what you can afford session, suggested donation £5.
Please bring a yoga mat.
Join Shereen in the Children's Library every THURSDAY afternoon for our New Baby Bounce sessions from 2pm till 3pm
Our lovely volunteer Sheelagh will read from new and classic books for children 4 to 7 years (all ages welcome). Readings will be in the children’s library. Come along and discover some great stories! Every Thursday at 3.30pm
This November, watch a specially curated selection of films in celebration of Lewisham Libraries' Imagined Worlds events season.
Deptford Library Cinema Club:
ScreeningsWatch a selection of films every Thursday 6:00 - 8:00pm, programmed to a new theme every month, voted for by newsletter subscribers.Discussion GroupThe discussion group takes place every last Thursday of the month 6:00-7:00pm. Come and discuss the movies in a relaxed and informal setting, with biscuits and fellow film fans!The screenings and discussion group are free to attend and open to all – no need to book, and please do bring along a friend if you’d like.To see the full film schedule, as well as the chance to vote on next month's film program, you can sign up to our monthly newsletter here (https://forms.office.com/e/j2VMf5ynjw). Full film schedules are also advertised within the library.
All events are wheelchair accessible and all films will have subtitles where possible. Accessible toilets are also available throughout the screenings. If you have any other accessiblity needs or questions about the event please do let us know by calling 020 8314 7299 or emailing us at deptfordlibrary@lewisham.gov.uk (mailto:deptfordlibrary@lewisham.gov.uk)
Lucie's focus as a teacher is on the holistic nature of yoga and on community in her weekly SE13 class. The classes are less about flexibility and acrobatics - something that has become the norm in Western culture - and more about the true origin of yoga; ‘Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self’ (Bhagavad Gita), a lifelong journey within. Whilst yoga asanas (poses) are a crucial part of yoga, they are not the whole part - breath work and meditation amongst other elements are just as important. Her classes aim to reflect the ancient and ‘true’ meaning of yoga and as a result help you come back to yourself - in mind, in body, in breath.
To book your space Please click the link below:
https://www.yogawithlucie.com/book-yoga
