November with Richmond Libraries

The debut that's got everyone talking

Rising Irish voice Colin Walsh joins us to discuss his debut novel Kala, looking at how the disappearance of a teenage girl hangs over a tightknit community in a seaside town.

Colin is an award-winning short story writer and 2019 Hennessy New Irish Writer of the Year. Kala was short-listed for Waterstones’ Debut Fiction Prize.

Get started writing a novel

Have an idea that you’d love to turn into a novel? Or love writing but don’t know how to develop your ideas for longer form writing?

Join this writing workshop with award winning historical mystery writer Louise Hare. Learn tips and techniques for finding inspiration, as well as how to develop compelling storylines and believable characters.

At home with Jane and William Morris

In this illustrated talk, historian Dr Suzanne Fagence Cooper explores the lives and legacies of Jane and William Morris.

How We Might Live is the first joint biography of William Morris – poet, designer, campaigner, hero of the Arts & Crafts movement – and his wife Jane; finally giving Jane’s own work the attention it deserves. Dr Fagence Cooper will take us inside two lives of unparalleled creative artistry.

Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Sunday Times bestselling author Laura Shepherd-Robinson discusses her third novel, The Square of Sevens – a dazzlingly intricate crime mystery set in Georgian high society. Laura will be in conversation with Anna Mazzola, an award-winning bestselling author of four Gothic historical novels. The Square of Sevens has been chosen as one of this year's BBC Between the Covers Book Club Picks for 2023.

Vet at the End of the Earth: Adventures with Animals in the South Atlantic

Vet Jonathan Hollins hasn’t looked back after swapping life in the UK for the South Atlantic, especially since his move abroad helped save the life of a 191-year-old celebrity tortoise, also called Jonathan!

Human Jonathan joins writer James Fair in conversation for tales of island vetting, which are not only full of wonderful creatures, but steeped in unique local history, cultures, and people, far removed from the hustle of modern life.

An Evening with Janice Hallett

Author of The Appeal – Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year 2021 – Janice Hallett talks to Emma Curtis author of acclaimed psychological suspense thrillers, about her remarkable success.

Following her novels, The Twyford Code and The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, she’ll introduce The Christmas Appeal; a delightful novella that sees the return of familiar characters for a festive murder mystery.

The Great Stink of London

Discover the murky past of London’s great river Thames with Stephen Fielding from Habitats & Heritage. Find out how the revolutionary Victorian engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette masterminded London’s modern sewer system during 'The Great Stink’ of 1858.

This talk is part of the Reminiscence Café series of events.  A free event - no booking required.

Murderously Good Conversation

Richmond Reads brings you a dastardly wicked treat this November: four bestselling authors chatting about all things criminal.

Delve into the murderous, nefarious, and subversive, as the panel discusses their motivation, inspiration, and techniques. Take a peek into the minds of those who fascinate us with their intricately woven webs of human interactions, while keeping us all guessing.

Family secrets: Sylvia, me and the BBC

The journalist and former BBC News technology correspondent, Rory Cellan-Jones knew he was the child of a love affair between two BBC employees. However, until his mother died and he found a file labelled ‘For Rory’, he knew little of its beginning or ending. Ruskin Park is the compelling account of what Rory uncovered in the papers.

Rory talks to Anne Sebba, historian, journalist and author of several biographies.

Storytelling for Grown-ups

Featured in Time Out’s definitive “50 Best Nights Out in London,” Vanessa Woolf has performed to sold out audiences for over a decade. Don’t miss your opportunity to see her this autumn.

Discover hidden corners of Richmond in tales brought to life through live performance. Ghosts haunt the corridors at Hampton Court and a highwayman terrorises the roads in stories that will leave you with goosebumps.

Dead Funny

Chuckle along with authors Alice Bell and Maz Evans as they discuss the funny side of death, ghosts, and crime writing. With their recent novels lauded for their dark humour, we’ll find out how they strike a balance between comedy and noir.

Georgina Moore and Fran Littlewood in conversation

New York Times bestselling author Fran Littlewood and Sunday Times bestselling author Georgina Moore chat about writing stories full of feeling. Critics praised these books for their emotional punch and page-turning plots. Find out what inspired them and how they did it.

Richmond Reads Reading Challenge

With the Richmond Reads season upon us, we have launched a brand new reading challenge!

Read a minimum of 3 books by Monday 20 November and you'll be entered into a raffle with a chance to win 2 FREE tickets to our Vanessa Woolf's spooky and mystical storytelling event on Friday 24 November. 

Micro Greens at the Little Seedlings Club

Did you know that you can grow yummy green salads at home all winter? In this session we will be planting delicious micro basil and chard, as well as some more unusual greens including mizuna and daikon. Plus, make and decorate a sprouting egghead!

Free event, no booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult to ensure their safe enjoyment of this event.

Shop Safely Online

Shopping online is quick and convenient, it can be done from the comfort of your own home, or even when you're out and about. This session demonstrates the basics of internet shopping and aims to increase your confidence to buy online. Find great bargains all in time for Christmas!

Free event - booking is required