Richmond Reads events

Discover the events and activities taking place as part of Richmond Reads 2026.

Silent book group

Bring your own book, or choose one from the library, then settle in with a tea or coffee and enjoy an hour of quiet reading.

Your libraries are joining a global community of readers. With more than 2,000 silent book club chapters in 68 countries, this event celebrates the simple pleasure of reading together.

There’s no assigned reading, no preparation, and no pressure to chat. Just time to relax and enjoy a good book. No booking required.

Library	Date	Time
Richmond Lending	Wednesday 7 October	5.30 to 6.50pm
Castelnau	Wednesday 14 October	5.30 to 6.50pm
Twickenham	Wednesday 21 October	5.30 to 6.50pm
East Sheen	Wednesday 28 October	5.30 to 6.50pm
Teddington	Wednesday 4 November	5.30 to 6.50pm
Hampton	Wednesday 11 November	5.30 to 6.50pm
Whitton	Wednesday 18 November	5.30 to 6.50pm

Black British ballet

Discover the untold stories of Black British ballet from the 1940s to the present day with former professional dancer, now academic and researcher, Dr Sandie Bourne.

Drawing on her research, she reveals the lives of pioneering dancers who challenged discrimination, broke barriers, and transformed the art form. This fascinating talk explores an often-overlooked chapter of Britain's cultural history and celebrates the remarkable individuals who left a lasting mark on British ballet.

• Date: Tuesday 13 October
• Time: 6.30 to 7.30pm
• Location: Richmond Library
• Price: Free event. Booking required

Book tickets for Black British ballet

Little dancers, big fun!

A joyful, 45-minute introduction to ballet-inspired movement designed just for children aged 3 to 5 and their families. Through gentle stretches, playful steps, and imaginative movement, little dancers will build confidence, creativity, and self-expression – all in the warm, welcoming setting of your local library.

This special session is led by Dr Sandie Bourne, founder of the Black British Ballet Project.

• Date: Saturday 17 October
• Time: 2.30 to 3.15pm
• Location: Whitton Library
• Price: Free event. Booking required

Book tickets for Little dancers, big fun!

Publishing 101

Are you an aspiring author, or eager to know more about the publishing world? Join us for an insightful panel discussion with industry experts. Matt Casbourne (Head of Sales), Kasim Ali (commissioning editor and author), and Amandeep Singh (literary agent) will discuss finding representation, getting published, and reaching readers. The session will conclude with a Q&A chaired by S E Lynes, bestselling author, and experienced creative writing tutor.

• Date: Saturday 17 October
• Time: 1.30 to 2.45pm
• Location: Twickenham Library
• Price: Tickets are £7

Book tickets for Publishing 101

Alternative publishing

Discover the many ways writers are finding readers and building successful careers.

Ruth Tross (Executive Publisher), Chris Wold (Partnerships Director), and Jane Davis (self-published author) will discuss routes to publication, including digital-first, independent, and author-led publishing.

The session will conclude with a Q&A chaired by Emily Glenister, Director of DHH Literary Agency.

• Date: Saturday 17 October
• Time: 3.15 to 4.30pm
• Location: Twickenham Library
• Price: Tickets are £7

Book tickets for Alternative publishing

Meet BorrowBox

Discover how easy it is to use BorrowBox, the library’s free app for eBooks and eAudiobooks. Browse and borrow bestselling books and audiobooks, then enjoy them on your phone or tablet.

This friendly drop-in session will show you how to get started with BorrowBox and answer any questions you may have, whether you're new to the app or need a refresher.

• Date: Tuesday 20 October
• Time: 10am to 12noon
• Location: East Sheen Library
• Price: Free event. No booking required.

Lido Land

Tom Fort talks about his new book which takes a fascinating journey through Britain’s lidos, exploring their history, colourful characters, and enduring place in community life. From Welsh mining towns to famous seaside resorts, Tom uncovers how these outdoor pools have reflected social change, inspired local pride, and created cherished memories.

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

• Date: Tuesday 20 October
• Time: 7 to 8pm
• Location: Twickenham Library
• Price: Tickets are £7

Book tickets for Lido Land

Artificial Intelligence explained

Whether you've heard the buzz or are just wondering what artificial intelligence is all about, this session is for you.

What to expect:

• A simple, jargon-free explanation of what AI is and how it works
• Try different AI tools yourself in a fun, supportive environment
• Friendly guidance every step of the way—no pressure, no experience required

Part of Get Online Week.

• Date: Wednesday 21 October
• Time: 10.30 to 12noon
• Location: Old Town Hall
• Price: Free event. Booking required

Book tickets for Artificial Intelligence explained

On Thin Ice

Charlie Walker is an award-winning explorer, author and speaker who has travelled across some of the world's most challenging landscapes. On Thin Ice is his gripping true story of his trek across Siberia’s frozen rivers to meet indigenous communities and learn about life in one of the world’s most remote regions. But when Russia invaded Ukraine, his journey took a dramatic turn. A book signing follows this event, with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

• Date: Thursday 22 October
• Time: 7 to 8pm
• Location: Richmond Library
• Price: Tickets are £7

Book tickets for On Thin Ice

Online books for beginners

We'll guide you through the process step by step, explain how the apps work, and help you get started on your own device. Support will be available throughout, and no previous experience is needed.

Bring your library card and a phone, tablet, or e-reader if you have one. No device? No problem! Come along anyway and we'll be happy to help.

Part of Get Online Week.

• Date: Friday 23 October
• Time: 10.30 to 11.30am
• Location: Old Town Hall
• Price: Free event. Booking required

Book tickets for Online books for beginners

The Cazalet legacy

The Golden Hours is the new chapter in the beloved Cazalet Chronicles, created by Elizabeth Jane Howard and now continued by bestselling novelist and Howard's niece Louisa Young. Author Georgina Moore joins her for an unforgettable evening exploring family, legacy, and the enduring appeal of one of Britain's most treasured literary sagas. A book signing follows this event, with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

• Date: Tuesday 3 November
• Time: 7 to 8pm
• Location: Twickenham Library
• Price: Tickets £7

Book tickets for The Cazalet legacy

How to write a novel

Develop your novel-writing skills with author Alice Slater; from where to start and how to keep going, to reaching the end of your first draft. Explore inspiration, plot, structure, perspective, and tense, and pick up practical editing tips. You'll also discover ways to make time for writing alongside everyday life.

Whether you're just getting started or already on your writing journey, Alice is passionate about helping writers find their voice and turn ideas and aspirations into action.

• Date: Saturday 7 November
• Time: 10.30 to 12.30pm
• Location: Twickenham Library
• Price: Tickets are £10 including refreshment.

Book tickets for How to write a novel

Crazy comics with Thiago de Moraes

Join award-winning writer and illustrator Thiago de Moraes for a hilarious, hands-on cartooning adventure! Creator of The Dunnios and Age of Stone, as featured in The Phoenix comic, Thiago will help you dream up wacky characters, invent action-packed stories, and turn your ideas into amazing comic creations. Suitable for children aged 7 to 12, accompanied by an adult.

• Date: Saturday 7 November
• Time: 2 to 3.30pm
• Location: Richmond Library
• Price: Free event. Booking required.

Book tickets for Crazy comics with Thiago de Moraes

Recipes of Resilience

Acclaimed chef and bestselling author Olia Hercules and journalist and author Felicity Spector discuss Ukraine, resilience, and the role of food in preserving culture and connection. Chaired by broadcaster and journalist Bidisha Mamata, this thought-provoking event draws on their books Strong Roots and Bread & War to explore heritage, identity, community, and hope amid conflict.

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

• Date: Thursday 12 November
• Time: 7 to 8pm
• Location: Richmond Library
• Price: Tickets are £7

Book tickets for Recipes of Resilience

Scent and Sensibility

Describing an aroma can add instant atmosphere to your writing, but capturing scent in words is difficult.

Sarah McCartney spent fourteen years writing about scent before dedicating the next fifteen to making perfume. Join her sensory session exploring inspiring aromas and discover how smell can enrich your writing, spark creativity, and support brain health.

Perfect for aspiring, developing, and experienced writers alike.

• Date: Saturday 14 November
• Time: 10.30am to 12noon
• Location: Richmond Library Annexe
• Price: Tickets are £10

Book tickets for Scent and Sensibility

From page to screen

Join bestselling crime writers M.J. Arlidge, Ajay Chowdhury, and G.D. Wright for a fascinating discussion on what happens when gripping crime novels make the leap from page to screen. In conversation with acclaimed author Jane Casey, they'll explore the challenges of adapting thrillers for television and film and reveal just how much influence authors really have over the process. A book signing follows this event, with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

• Date: Saturday 14 November
• Time: 3 to 4pm
• Location: Richmond Library Annexe
• Price: Tickets are £7

Book tickets for From page to screen

Silk Road stories

Warm up on an autumn evening with enchanting tales from the ancient Silk Road. Journey through Eastern and Central Asia discovering stories shaped by centuries of travel, trade, and cultural exchange.

These timeless tales of love, greed, courage, and wisdom bring to life ogres, wolves, monsters, and clever tricksters; as travellers seek their fortunes, test friendships, and narrowly escape danger.

Suitable for visitors aged 11+.

• Date: Thursday 19 November
• Time: 6 to 7.15pm
• Location: Ham Library
• Price: Tickets are £8

Book tickets for Silk Road stories

Digital read-along

This Richmond Reads, discover three fantastic reads for all ages:

• Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory (adult)
• The Fox Hunt by Caitlin Breeze (young adult)
• Hari Kumar: The Race Day Disaster by Rashmi Sirdeshpande (children's)

Best of all, all three titles are available as eBooks and audiobooks with no waiting lists, so you can start reading or listening straight away.

Borrow the digital read-along titles