May with Richmond Libraries

Reading al fresco

Enjoy fresh air and conversation as we read aloud an extract from a great book or a short story and a poem. There is no expectation for participants to read aloud or speak, it’s fine to just drop in and listen. Biscuits and cold drinks are provided. 

Reminiscence Café talk about Sir Richard Burton

Join Tharik Hussain, Outreach & Education Officer at Habitats & Heritage, for a compelling exploration of Sir Richard Burton’s journeys and his complex relationship with Islam.

The Reminiscence Café meets monthly to celebrate history and culture and is a great way to connect with local residents.

Know Your Place heritage festival 2026

Richmond borough local history salon

Interested in the history of your borough? Thinking of joining a local history society? Curious about new discoveries? Join our local history salon, where four local societies share their latest work, discuss new findings, and celebrate recent achievements.

Explore Richmond borough on foot

Hampton then and now with John Sheaf

Personal archives, memory and identity: Student art exhibition

A Level Art students from Richmond upon Thames College showcase bold, multimedia artworks on the theme of Personal Archives, Memory and Identity. Created in partnership with the Know Your Place Heritage Festival, Nutkhut, and York House Society, to celebrate the centenary of York House.

Researching the history of your house: a beginner's workshop

Have you ever wondered who lived in your house before you, or what your house originally looked like? Join our Local Studies team to find out in a workshop guiding you through the resources available in the Richmond upon Thames Local Studies Library and Archive.

Build a LEGO city 

Do you think Richmond should have a theme park? A zoo? A space shuttle?

This half term we are inviting all budding architects, archivists and, most importantly, fans of LEGO, to join us in re-imagining a Richmond for the future.

The gardens and people of Twickenham Park

Join Andrew George, author of The Gardens and People of Twickenham Park, for a fascinating walk through Twickenham and St Margaret’s, including hidden gardens and private spaces not normally open to the public. 

Drawing Richmond: An art workshop

Join author and illustrator, Charles Leon, in a sketching workshop, suitable for both beginners and more experienced artists. The creator of the Iseries will guide you on a two-hour exploration with tips on perspective and noticing the small. Paper, fine liners, and pencils will be provided. 

Researching your family history in Richmond upon Thames 

Using the example of the Etherington family, who have lived in the area for over 200 years, we demonstrate how you can use our resources to put the pieces of the jigsaw together.

Digital drop-ins tour

Chess and games afterschool club

Discover the exciting world of chess and other strategy games such as Connect Four, backgammon, Jenga, Chinese chequers, Othello, and more, under the guidance of friendly chess mentors. Children of all levels and abilities are welcome, and mentoring is available if desired. Suitable for children aged 6+, accompanied by an adult.

A festival of folktales in Barnes

The 2026 Fireside Folktales Barnes Fringe Festival comes to the borough 23–24 May 2026. This wonderful, community‑rooted festival is inspired by myths, folklore and classic literature, and brings together theatre, music, storytelling, workshops and more around Barnes.

Grow your skills and a greener Teddington

Get stuck in with our friendly gardening team! Learn new skills, boost your wellbeing, and help transform Teddington Library Community Garden into a thriving, pollinator friendly space. No experience needed - just curiosity. Tools provided, everyone welcome.