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/
📚 Dive into the world of literature with our vibrant Library Book Group! 📚
Are you passionate about exploring new stories, characters, and ideas? Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through the pages of diverse books! Our Library Book Group offers a welcoming space where book lovers of all backgrounds can come together to discuss, dissect, and delve deep into the literary treasures waiting to be discovered.
From timeless classics to contemporary bestsellers, our selection is as diverse as our community. Each month, we carefully curate a thought-provoking book that promises to ignite lively discussions and inspire new perspectives. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting your literary adventure, our book group provides a supportive environment where everyone's voice is valued and heard.
Expand your horizons, connect with fellow book enthusiasts, and let the magic of storytelling unite us all. Join our Library Book Group last Thursday of the month and embark on an unforgettable literary
Experience Fritz Lang's visionary masterpiece like never before
Join us for an extraordinary evening as we present a rare cut of the legendary 1927 sci-fi epic Metropolis, accompanied by a mesmerizing live musical score performed by Audio Obscura.
Nearly a century after its release, Metropolis remains cinema's most ambitious vision of the future. Fritz Lang's groundbreaking silent epic depicts a dystopian city where the wealthy elite live in luxury towers while workers toil in underground factories. When the privileged Freder discovers the harsh reality below, he becomes entangled in a revolutionary plot involving a mysterious woman named Maria and a sinister robot double.
This special presentation features a rare cut of the film, as explained by James Fennell;
"This version of Metropolis differs significantly from the modern restorations of the film. It runs at a brisk 60 minutes and features some footage not found in any other version of the film... During the production of Metropolis, as was common practice with many silent films of the era, multiple original camera negatives were assembled. These were not simply duplicate prints, but rather parallel negatives made using different takes and occasionally different camera angles. In the case of Metropolis, three master negatives were created: two intended for European distribution and one for the United States. This process minimised generation loss, as repeated copying from a single negative could significantly degrade image quality.
The modern restored version of Metropolis, widely circulated today, is based primarily on material from the surviving U.S. distribution negative. In contrast, the version presented here, was derived from one of the now long-lost European negatives. As a result, there are some notable differences in performance and shot composition. It is, in a very real sense, a different version of the film. While it may feel rough around the edges, with dirt and scratches from 90 years of projection, these are part of the object’s history. This print has likely passed through countless hands, projected in living rooms across decades, and now finds a new audience in digital form."
Audio Obscura will provide a haunting, contemporary score that breathes new life into this timeless tale. Known for their innovative approach to cinematic sound, Audio Obscura creates atmospheric soundscapes that perfectly complement the film's themes of technology, humanity, and social upheaval.
Neil Stringfellow has been creating music as Audio Obscura for around 10 years, creating a varied sound palate of ambient, electronic soundscapes which cover the wide spectrums of electro-acoustic music, musique concrète, idm & post-classical minimal leanings. Neil's soundscapes often using extensive field recordings as a reflection on the environment and ones place in the world what it means to be alive at the time on environmental collapse. As Audio Obscura Neil has released albums on many UK and Intertional record labels, includung Subexotic Records, Navair Records, Cloudchamber Recordsings and Mortality Tables
Post-Screening Q&A
Following the film, join us for an exclusive Q&A session with James Fennell, collector and owner of this rare print, alongside Audio Obscura. Fennell, a passionate collector of rare and vintage films, will share insights into the provenance of this particular cut and the world of film collecting, while Audio Obscura will discuss their approach to creating live scores for silent cinema.
Find out more about James' collection at Old Films and Stuff - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@oldfilmsandstuff4679) and Audio Obscura https://audioobscura.bandcamp.com/ (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/audioobscura.bandcamp.com/__;!!CVb4j_0G!WZz-rPdMwEooH2NOsXoS8RPW6HZ6jwDT2_VVTgJ6KDW0r7nscD6BEBRRNm2Rg-DnGyxR3a_ZK97CG28gbmK2odg9YHH1TnIwqTvHsw$)
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.
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
Dandelions is run by volunteers from Ichthus Forest Hill Church. Their aim is to create a safe and loving environment for parents and young children in our community to have lots of fun with songs, stories and toys
Fridays 10:15am-11:30am. Term Time only
Singing rhymes with babies helps with language development and bonding between parent or carer and child.
Join us most Friday's at 10:30am for a 30 minute Baby Bounce and Story, a singing and rhyming session for under 2’s designed to engage little ones and develop language and motor skills.
The event is free and spaces are limited so please book your place in advance Ticket Tailor:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/calico/1547627
Only one adult per child please, and if at all possible leave large buggies at home and bring a sling.
If you want to help out and volunteer to run these amazing sessions please get in touch with us at reception or through our email address: contact@croftonparklibrary.co.uk
Delicious news, dear friends. As of February 8, 2025, The TriniTea and Cakes will now be resident in Sydenham Library on every single Saturday!
There will be tea. There will be cakes, of course. There may also be cookies, biscuits, pastries, patties, pholourie, channa, sausage rolls, coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks and more, more, more… all fresh, all delightful, all reasonably priced.
The TriniTea and Cakes will be here every Saturday, 10am until 3pm, except when the library is closed – please do check around holiday times, etc.
@thetriniteaandcakes
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.
The TriniTea and Cakes offers a delightful selection of cakes, pastries, buns, and traybakes, each made with care and passion. From classic flavours to unique creations, every treat is crafted to bring joy with every bite.
The TriniTea and Cakes serves a variety of hot and cold beverages, providing the perfect complement to any sweet indulgence. Whether it’s a comforting cup of tea or a refreshing iced drink, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
With a focus on high-quality ingredients, community connections, and delicious flavours, The TriniTea and Cakes is more than just a bakery—it’s a place where great food and friendly service come together. Whether stopping by for a quick treat or selecting a variety of favourites, every visit promises something special.
Visit the link on our website to find out more:
https://calicolibraries.com/trinitea-and-cakes/
Family Fun & Cultural Discovery! 🎨🖌️
Join us for an engaging and creative family activity that explores the beauty of Chinese culture and language—perfect for ages 2.5 to 99! Led by the wonderful Ms. Carry Hornby in collaboration with Chinese Class, this event brings language and culture to life through storytelling, creativity, and hands-on experience.
✨ What to Expect:
📖 The Story of Chinese Words – Discover the fascinating origins of Chinese characters.
🖌️ Chinese Calligraphy – A mindful and relaxing practice of traditional brush art.
🌍 Cultural Connection – Embrace diversity and creativity through language.
📅 Book Your Spot Today!
Let’s explore, create, and celebrate the art of Chinese language together! ❤️
Click the link below to book your tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chinese-calligraphy-art-school-forest-hill-library-a-mindful-retreat-tickets-539420229427