May with Richmond Libraries

An evening with John Connolly

Get ready for an electrifying event as John Connolly, the international best-selling author, takes the floor to celebrate the release of his latest masterpiece, The Children of Eve. With a staggering array of Sunday Times bestsellers and over 8 million copies sold, Connolly's storytelling prowess is unmatched. Discover the secrets behind his success as he reveals his writing process, the inspiration for his characters, and the magic of his plot development. 

Books will be available to buy on the day supplied by The Kew Bookshop.

Victory Day - 80 years on

Join us as we commemorate 80 years since Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 1945. This talk with historian Dr Stephen Goss, dives into the military campaigns, high-stakes diplomacy, and intense political manoeuvres that led to the end of World War II in Europe.

Digital Drop-ins Tour

If you’d like 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.

Cloud storage for beginners

Cloud storage is a safe and useful way to manage all your digital files and photos. In this friendly, jargon free session, you’ll discover:
•    What cloud storage is
•    How to use it
•    Best practices
•    Cloud storage options for you

Know Your Place heritage festival 2025

The Tidal Thames – Folklore and Traditions

Myth, magic, and mystery await in the murky waters of the tidal Thames. Explore the rich folklore surrounding London’s iconic river, from pagan gods and haunted taverns to hidden tunnels and restless ghosts. This Reminiscence Café talk will explore forgotten ceremonies, frozen frost fairs, and thrilling tales of smuggling and piracy - legends that have shaped the soul of the Thames for centuries.

Richmond, Konstanz & Fontainebleau

The borough of Richmond has proudly maintained its twin-town relationships with Fontainebleau in France since 1977, and Konstanz in Germany since 1983. Join us for an enlightening talk where you'll discover the vibrant sporting, cultural, and educational exchanges that have flourished between these three European communities and their surrounding areas.

A Tale of Two Parishes

Join us for an engaging talk by David Deaton that delves into the rich history of Mortlake and Barnes. When the system of tithes was reformed, these two parishes were surveyed in great detail, resulting in invaluable historical resources. This talk will explore the fascinating stories told by the restored tithe maps of Barnes and Mortlake.

Researching Your House – A beginner’s workshop

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

Thames wherries in Richmond

Thames watermen in their wherries acted as ferrymen where Richmond Bridge now stands, linking communities along the River Thames from the Middle Ages to the early Nineteenth Century. This illustrated talk will outline the role of wherries in both transport and racing at Richmond’s regattas throughout history. It will also offer an insight into the construction of a new wherry, "Rose" in 2024.

Richmond and the Thames

Explore the history of Richmond's waterside right where it happened. At this exhibition, hosted by Richmond's boatbuilding craftsmen, you'll uncover the rich, centuries-old connection between Richmond and the Thames. Delve into the diverse history and numerous uses of boats and wherries that have defined life along the riverside through the ages.

This exhibition will be accompanied by a talk on wherries and a family workshop at the Old Town Hall, promising a weekend filled with riverside celebrations.

Travelling down the Thames

Delve into the history of the River Thames at this arts and crafts family workshop.

This drop-in event is suitable for children aged 5-10 years old. Glimpse into the history of our local area while taking part in a colourful, creative session of bridge building and origami boats making next to the riverside!

Indian encampments at Hampton Court 

A forgotten story of sacrifice and contribution. Throughout the early 20th century, up to 1800 colonial troops from India camped at Hampton Court for British coronations and World Peace Day. This Reminiscence Café talk explores their daily lives and impact on British society. Through rare and striking images, experience a unique chapter of history when Hampton Court Palace was central to grand Coronation celebrations.