Richmond Reads

We are pleased to present Richmond Reads 2025. It's your annual season of events and activities that highlight the joys and benefits of reading.

The programme of live events includes storytellers, authors, and workshops. You will also find lots of activity on the libraries’ social media channels to keep the celebrations going and help you discover reading communities online.

Stories in the dark

Richmond Libraries join forces with storytelling powerhouse The Crick Crack Club to step out of time and into a moment of wild uncertainty.

Come with us into the unmapped terrain of stories told in absolute darkness, shot through with enchantment, transformation, things lost, things found, grown-up fairytale, and weird myth. Your ears will be your guide, and anything you see will be in the cinema of your imagination.

This performance takes place entirely in the dark and is suitable for over 18s. Latecomers cannot enter the space because that would let the light in and disrupt the show. If you need to exit, staff will assist you. You’ll receive an LED tea-light on entry: switching this on during the show signals a staff member to guide you out. Re-entry is not permitted.

There are two performances. The 4.15pm performance will feature Ben Haggarty, Sarah Liisa Wilkinson and music by Sheema Mukherjee. The 6.45pm performance will feature Steph Brittain, Sarah Liisa Wilkinson, and music by Sheema Mukherjee

Date: Saturday 11 October 2025
Time: 4.15 to 5.30pm and 6.45 to 8pm
Location: Richmond Library
Price: £4.50

How to book

Select your chosen performance:

Accessibility

This event is open to all, including those who are severely sight impaired or sight impaired. Guide dogs are welcome, though they must remain in complete darkness during the performance.

No safer kind of hatred: A story of survival and spirit

Join author Frank Thabani Sayi for a compelling conversation about his intricately woven memoir.

Growing up in 1970s colonial Rhodesia under white minority rule, his story blends moments of joy, humour, and beauty with the stark realities of war, identity, and resilience. After moving to England, he worked first as nurse and then a police officer, serving 25 years in Child Exploitation, Black-on-Black Violence, and Modern Slavery units. He is also a lecturer at the Open University.

Date: Monday 13 October 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Online event
Price: Free, but booking required

Book No safer kind of hatred: A story of survival and spirit

From page to stage: Go behind the scenes with Christie & YAT

Ahead of their thrilling new production at Hampton Hill Theatre, join Youth Action Theatre (YAT) directors Sarah Dowd and Lizzie Lattimore for an exclusive behind-the-scenes dive into Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.

Discover how 1930s-inspired staging brings Soldier Island to life, and how they adapted the book for the stage—including the challenge of choosing between two endings. The cast will perform spoiler-free scenes, offering a glimpse into the suspense of Christie’s darkest tale.

Date: Tuesday 14 October 2025
Time: 6.30 to 7.30pm
Location: Teddington Library
Price: £4.50

Book From page to stage: Go behind the scenes with Christie & YAT

Expert Witness Panel: Real jobs. Imaginary crimes. Killer stories.

Crime fiction authors Nicola Williams, Gareth Bartlett, and Imran Mahmood bring gripping authenticity to their storytelling, shaped by real-life careers in the courtroom, on the beat, and at the bar.

They’ll discuss how their legal and policing backgrounds influence narratives, blurring the line between truth and imagination. Expect lively conversation and a fresh perspective on the world of crime fiction.

A book signing follows this event, in partnership with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Nicola Williams is a part-time Crown Court judge, former criminal barrister, and award-winning author of legal thrillers

Graham Bartlett is a former Chief Superintendent turned bestselling crime author and police advisor to writers and TV producers.

Imran Mahmood is a practising criminal barrister and award-winning novelist. Imran is currently under commission to write original content for TV and is working on his next novel.

Date: Saturday 18 October 2025
Time: 4 to 5pm
Location: Twickenham Library
Price: £4.50

Book Expert Witness Panel: Real jobs. Imaginary crimes. Killer stories.

Get Online Week

Join us for the Good Things Foundation’s annual digital inclusion campaign. We’re hosting a series of free events to help you build confidence and skills in the digital world. Learn how to stay safe from online scams, explore the power of AI, and discover everything our eLibrary has to offer.

Find out more about Get Online Week.

An evening with Mark Billingham: In conversation with Abir Mukherjee

Get ready for a thrilling evening of crime fiction as Mark Billingham presents What the Night Brings, the latest explosive instalment in his bestselling Tom Thorne series. With trademark wit and gripping insight, Billingham reveals the story behind the novel.

He’s joined by Abir Mukherjee, winner of the 2025 Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year, for a dynamic conversation on character and craft.

A book signing follows, in partnership with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Thursday 23 October 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Old Town Hall
Price: £4.50

Book An evening with Mark Billingham: In conversation with Abir Mukherjee

Love, Laughter & Laurie Gilmore

Join Laurie Gilmore, author of the TikTok sensation and Sunday Times bestseller The Pumpkin Spice Café, as she returns with the latest heart warming instalment in her Dream Harbour series – The Gingerbread Bakery.

Laurie will share insights into her writing process, discuss the enduring appeal of swoon-worthy romance, and revisit the characters that have captured readers’ hearts.

Expect warmth, laughter, and a generous sprinkle of seasonal charm – just like sipping a pumpkin spiced latte.

Date: Monday 3 November
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Online event
Price: Free but booking required

Book Love, Laughter & Laurie Gilmore

Unbridled spirit: A saddle, a dream, and the wild beyond

Join author Louis D. Hall in conversation with Hannah Knowles as he shares the extraordinary journey behind his debut book, In Green.

Inspired by Don Quixote, Louis left city life behind and set out on horseback across Europe. From the snowy Apennines to Galicia’s windswept coast, his journey is one of adventure, solitude, and unexpected connection.

A book signing follows in partnership with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Tuesday 4 November 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Teddington Library
Price: £4.50

Book Unbridled spirit: A saddle, a dream, and the wild beyond

Writing funny fiction: A creative workshop with author Kate Davies

Learn how to write fiction that makes people laugh out loud. Led by award winning novelist Kate Davies, whose debut, In at the Deep End, was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for comic fiction.

You'll explore why humour matters in fiction, how writers use comedy in their work, the technical aspects of writing jokes, and take part in hands-on exercises to craft your own comic scenes.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to explore a new style, this is a great place to begin.

Date: Saturday 8 November 2025
Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Richmond Library Annexe
Price: £8.00

Book Writing funny fiction: A creative workshop with author Kate Davies

Controlling Women: The untold story of Britain’s first female police force

Uncover the gripping true story of the pioneering women who defied convention and established their own police force. Sandra Hempel brings to life the remarkable figures behind the movement. Described as “riveting and written with such clarity” by historian Dr Helen Fry, Hempel’s latest book shines a long-overdue spotlight on these courageous trailblazers.

A book signing follows this event, in partnership with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Richmond Library
Price: £4.50

Book Controlling Women: The untold story of Britain’s first female police force

To Journey’s End; The Life of RC Sherriff: From Hampton Wick to Hollywood

Explore the extraordinary life of Robert Cedric Sherriff, a shy insurance clerk who became one of Britain’s most influential writers. His WWI play Journey’s End, based on his own experiences in the trenches, transformed modern theatre and was named one of the 100 most important plays of the 20th century. He later found success in Hollywood, writing screenplays for iconic films including The Dam Busters and Goodbye, Mr.Chips.

Discover how this quiet man’s words left a lasting mark on stage and screen.

Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
Time: 2 to 3pm
Location: Hampton Library
Price: £4.50

Book To Journey’s End; The Life of RC Sherriff: From Hampton Wick to Hollywood

Kate Sawyer and Harriet Evans: A Celebration of Modern Fiction

Spend an inspiring afternoon with two bestselling authors as they delve into the heart of family, memory, and place in their powerful new novels.

Kate Sawyer shares Getting Away, a poignant tale of transformation and belonging. Harriet Evans unveils The Treasures, a sweeping epic of secrets and emotional depth. Together, they explore the magic of storytelling in contemporary fiction.

A book signing will follow, with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Saturday 15 November 2025
Time: 2 to 3pm
Location: Twickenham Library
Price: £4.50

Book Kate Sawyer and Harriet Evans: A Celebration of Modern Fiction

Escape from Kabul: A true story of sisterhood and defiance

Discover the powerful true story of Afghan women judges who risked everything to stand up for justice—and the incredible global network of women who helped them escape the Taliban. It’s a moving story of bravery, friendship, and the strength of women supporting each other across borders.

Join writer and journalist Karen Bartlett as she talks with broadcaster Bidisha Mamata about her book Escape from Kabul.

A book signing follows this event, in partnership with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Tuesday 18 November 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Richmond Library
Price: £4.50

Book Escape from Kabul: A true story of sisterhood and defiance

Agatha, Poirot and me: Crime, Clues, and Christie with Sophie Hannah

Explore the dazzling world of crime fiction with international bestselling author Sophie Hannah. Uncover the secrets behind her gripping new thrillers including The Last Death of the Year, a brand-new Hercule Poirot mystery created with the blessing of Agatha Christie’s estate. From mind-bending twists to crafting tales for the world’s most iconic detective, this is a must-attend event for crime fiction lovers.

A book signing follows, in partnership with Hewson Books and The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Friday 21 November 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Richmond Library
Price: £4.50

Book Agatha, Poirot and me: Crime, Clues, and Christie with Sophie Hanna

Richmond Reads Reading Challenge

Celebrate Richmond Reads this Autumn by taking part in our exciting reading challenge, starting Tuesday 1 October. All you need to do is read three books or more, and you’ll be entered into our raffle for a chance to win a prize!

Please note that you must be a library member to participate in this challenge.

Let’s get reading!

Digital Read-along

We’re excited to launch our Digital Read-Along, a new way to enjoy books together as a community.

Stay tuned for more details and get ready to read with us, wherever you are!

Stay informed

To find out more, sign up to our newsletter or ask in our libraries.

Up to: What's on in Richmond libraries

Updated: 12 September 2025

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