Are you a writer, or would you like to be one? Join us at Sydenham Library from 5-7pm on the fourth Friday of each month for a free creative writing workshop for ages 14-18. In each session, we will look at a few short examples to guide us, and then dive into our own work.
Topic Schedule:
September: Autofiction & Writing the Self
October: Halloween
November: Imagined Worlds
December: Multisensory Writing
January: Inventive & Experimental Forms
February: Non-romantic & Non-traditional Love Poetry
March: Writing Place
April: Structured Poetic Forms
May: Writing in Performance
We welcome writing in any form and genre, and all experience levels are welcome. No prior reading or knowledge required. You are welcome to join us for all sessions, or just a few. Please book each session separately. You can reserve your free spot at buytickets.at/calico/1823349 (https://buytickets.at/calico/1823349)
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/
Do you dream of seeing your novel on the shelves of a bookshop, but aren’t sure how to get there? This interactive one-day masterclass from 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday, 25th October at Sydenham Library will guide you through the entire journey of publishing a novel, from shaping a compelling idea to finding a publishers.
Taught by novelist Salma Ibrahim, the debut author of Salutation Road (Pan Macmillan, 2025), this full-day masterclass is for aspiring writers who want to learn how to prepare their manuscript for traditional publishing.
You will learn how to:
Find and shape a compelling story idea
Develop an elevator pitch, tagline and synopsis for your book
Draft and edit your manuscript with confidence
Understand the UK publishing landscape: agents, query letters and publishers
Salma Ibrahim is a London-based novelist and the author of Salutation Road (Pan Macmillan, 2025). While still in development, the novel won the London Writers Award (2020) and was runner-up for the Future Worlds Prize (2021). Salma also ran Literary Natives, hosting regular meet-ups for writers of colour in London, subsequently winning the London Book Fair Trailblazer Award in 2019.
This masterclass is suitable for ages 16+. Booking is essential. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-publish-a-novel-one-day-masterclass-tickets-1688060346939)
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
📚✨ Spark a Love for Reading with Storytime & Creativity! 🎨🖍️
Our goal is to ignite a passion for books and early literacy while supporting children’s language development in a fun, engaging environment.
Join Ms. Carry each month as she brings a beautifully illustrated storybook to life! 📖🌟 Little ones will explore the pages, immerse themselves in the story, and develop listening and comprehension skills.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! 🎉 After the story, children can unleash their creativity with a hands-on arts and crafts session 🎨✂️, using crayons, colourful paper, glue sticks, and pens to bring their own imaginative ideas to life.
A perfect blend of storytelling, learning, and creative play—come along and let the magic of books inspire young minds! 🌈✨
Every Saturday at Sydenham Library, the Knit & Natter circle comes together to knit (or crochet, sew, stitch, embroider…) and also, and much more importantly, to natter.
Led by Wendy, this is a friendly group of like-minded crafty souls, and a fixture in the library’s week. Bring your own projects along and get some advance, admire other people’s handiwork, and swap tips and stories.
Knit & Natter is free and there is no need to book. However spaces at the library are extremely limited at the moment, so it may be worth calling ahead on 020 8778 1753.
Knit & Natter run a second weekly session at Ignition Brewery from 2-4pm on a Thursday, which currently has more spaces available.
Knit & Natter runs every Saturday except when the library is closed – please do check around holiday times, etc.
From the author of Mr Magenta, The Purple Shadow, and others comes The Colour of Memory – Christopher Bowden’s eighth novel. Join Christopher from 2:00-3:00pm on Saturday 25th October at Manor House Library for a reading of his newest novel, followed by a Q&A and book signing.
Local author Christopher Bowden has published eight novels, each with a colour theme, praised variously by Andrew Marr, Julian Fellowes, Sir Derek Jacobi, and Shena Mackay. His latest book is The Colour of Memory, an art-world literary mystery set partly in south London and described by Philip Hook as “A compelling novel about art, creativity, and the human heart.”In 2022, Christopher was selected as one of BBC Radio London’s 100 Londoners to mark the BBC’s centenary.
Tickets are free. Reserve yours at www.tickettailor.com/events/calico/1859341 (https://www.tickettailor.com/events/calico/1859341)
🎤 Calling all wordsmiths, poets, and dreamers! 📜
Step into the spotlight and let your voice be heard at our Poetry Open Mic Night! 🌟
Join us for an session of lyrical magic, where every verse becomes a symphony of emotions. Whether you're a seasoned poet or a newcomer to the stage, this is your chance to share your innermost thoughts, dreams, and musings with a supportive and welcoming community.
Bring your poems, sonnets, haikus, or spoken word pieces – no theme is off-limits! Express yourself freely and let your creativity soar in an atmosphere buzzing with inspiration.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect, inspire, and be inspired. Mark your calendars and join us for a night of unforgettable poetry and camaraderie at our Poetry Open Mic. See you there!
Takes place on the last Sunday of every month.
Get in touch with carminamasoliver@gmail.com to reserve your spot or for any questions
