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Summer Reading Challenge 2026 |  |
Starts Saturday 4 July
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Read to the Beat! This exciting new theme encourages children aged 4-11 to explore the link between stories and songs, showing how reading and music can spark imagination and creativity!
For every library book read or challenge completed, participants earn a sticker. When they have six stickers in total, children will receive a medal and certificate at the library. |
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This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Read to the Beat! This exciting new theme encourages children aged 4-11 to explore the link between stories and songs, showing how reading and music can spark imagination and creativity!
For every library book read or challenge completed, participants earn a sticker. When they have six stickers in total, children will receive a medal and certificate at the library. |
| Find out more
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Summer of suspense |  |
Join bestselling authors Ellery Lloyd and M.J. Arlidge, together with Claire Parkin, for an evening of thrilling new fiction. Expect high-stakes twists, unforgettable characters, and masterful storytelling from four exceptional writers.
Book signing in partnership with Parade’s End Books.
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Digital drop-ins tour |  |
If you’d like quickfire assistance using your tablet or mobile phone, bring it along to one of our roving drop-in sessions. Our friendly staff will be on hand to give you tips so that you can get the most out of your device. Please be aware that when we're busy, advice may be limited to 10 minutes per person to make sure everyone gets support. |
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If you’d like quickfire assistance using your tablet or mobile phone, bring it along to one of our roving drop-in sessions. Our friendly staff will be on hand to give you tips so that you can get the most out of your device. Please be aware that when we're busy, advice may be limited to 10 minutes per person to make sure everyone gets support.
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Fantastical theatre at Teddington Library! |  |
When a young reader has his book snatched away by a mean librarian, he decides to make up his own ending, with a little help from a magical dragon. But how can they get to Happily Ever After if all the characters want a new story?! Most suitable for ages 4-11, but all are welcome to attend this 30-minute performance. |
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Saturday 18 July
11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.00pm
Sunday 19 July
1.30pm, 2.45pm and 4.00pm
Teddington Library
Free event - booking required |
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Libraries take Centre Stage! |  |
We are delighted to host the wonderful Orange Tree Theatre in our libraries over the Centre Stage weekend on 18–19 July. As part of this vibrant festival, they will bring live theatre into the heart of Richmond’s library spaces with three spectacular plays.
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We are delighted to host the wonderful Orange Tree Theatre in our libraries over the Centre Stage weekend on 18–19 July. As part of this vibrant festival, they will bring live theatre into the heart of Richmond’s library spaces with three spectacular plays.
Highlights include: Songbird (inspired by the myth of Arion) – Richmond Library
Gonna Be Gold (inspired by King Midas and the golden touch) – Richmond Library
Odyssey UA (inspired by The Odyssey) – Old Town Hall
Due to venue capacity limits, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Highlights include:
Songbird (inspired by the myth of Arion) Richmond Library
Gonna Be Gold (inspired by King Midas and the golden touch) Richmond Library
Odyssey UA (inspired by The Odyssey) Old Town Hall
Due to venue capacity limits, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. |
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Summer holiday Lego club |  |
Adventures begin at your library this summer, where you can design, build, and bring your creativity to life. We will provide the Lego; all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and imagination! For children, adult supervision required. |
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Weekly from Saturday 18 July - Saturday 29 August
10.30am – 11.30am Hampton Library
Free event - no booking required |
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Victorian Britain: day by day |  |
Drawing on his book, historian Nicholas Travers takes you on a vivid journey through Britain from 1837 to 1901, exploring the upheavals of the Victorian age. From landmark events to curious innovations and strange lesser-known stories, discover a transformative era that continues to shape modern British life today.
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Accessible reads for children, teens and young adults |  |
Did you know that each of our libraries offers a special collection of books chosen with accessibility in mind? Publishers such as Barrington Stoke, Every Cherry, and others create fantastic stories designed to be easier and more enjoyable for a wide range of young readers.
These books are thoughtfully adapted for children with dyslexia, Irlen syndrome, shorter attention spans, hyperactivity, lower self-esteem, or those learning English as an additional language (EAL). Features may include specially designed fonts, cream, or off-white paper to reduce visual stress, and shorter chapters, making reading less daunting and much more inviting.
Each library has its own unique selection, but the best part is that you can reserve titles from across the borough so there’s always something new to discover! |
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Did you know that each of our libraries offers a special collection of books chosen with accessibility in mind? Publishers such as Barrington Stoke, Every Cherry, and others create fantastic stories designed to be easier and more enjoyable for a wide range of young readers.
These books are thoughtfully adapted for children with dyslexia, Irlen syndrome, shorter attention spans, hyperactivity, lower self-esteem, or those learning English as an additional language (EAL). Features may include specially designed fonts, cream, or off-white paper to reduce visual stress, and shorter chapters, making reading less daunting and much more inviting.
Each library has its own unique selection, but the best part is that you can reserve titles from across the borough so there’s always something new to discover!
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| See the collection
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Recording: Hampton, then & now |  |
Covering 100 years of Hampton history: step back in time and rediscover Hampton with local historian John Sheaf.
Blending modern photos with rare images taken over a century ago, John leads you on a vivid visual journey through Hampton’s key streets, showing how familiar landmarks have transformed. |
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This talk was recorded live at Hampton Library during this year's Know Your Place heritage festival.
Online access to the talk - £3 |
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Lego Club with Read to the Beat |  |
Everyone loves making things with Lego! Design and build amazing creations and take part in fun Lego challenges.
This free event is for children, accompanied by an adult.
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Design and build amazing creations and take part in fun Lego challenges.
Free events for children, accompanied by an adult.
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Ukulele concerts with Read to the Beat |  |
The Patch Players and Teddington Ukulele Players bring their heart-warming music to libraries this Summer. Sing, dance, bring family and friends to enjoy! |
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Conversation groups
| Our libraries host a variety of language groups so whether you want to chat in Spanish, Italian or French we have the group for you! |  |
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Teddington co-working space |
Teddington Library co-working space is suitable for business customers or entrepreneurs who do not have an office or usually work from home or coffee shops.
This newly refurbished workspace is located on the first floor and is accessible by stairs only.
Available Monday to Sunday, 7.00pm – 11.00pm |  |
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