Lambeth Libraries and Archives events – see what’s on for August 2026
Lambeth Libraries and Archives have released details of their events and activities for July 2026. Scroll down to see what’s happening in the borough this month: Lambeth Libraries Summer Reading …
Black News 
Lambeth Libraries and Archives have released details of their events and activities for July 2026.
Scroll down to see what’s happening in the borough this month:
Lambeth Libraries Summer Reading Adventure 2026
Hundreds of Lambeth children have already joined the Lambeth Libraries Summer Reading Adventure, and are having so much fun in the holidays – and it’s not too late to join! Children aged 5 to 12 are invited to participate in our exciting Time Travel Summer Reading Adventure.
Sign up at your local library, collect your special Time Travel Logbook, and set off on a reading journey through the past, present, and future.
Your mission is simple: read 6 books or more to complete the challenge. Along the way, you’ll collect stickers, earn rewards, and unlock prizes as you progress through your adventure.
This year, Lambeth children will also have the chance to make history by helping create a Time Capsule filled with treasures from today’s young people. The Time capsule will be buried in Lambeth and will be opened by children in 50 years!
Children aged 4 and under can join the fun too with our Summer Nature Trail. Little adventurers can collect stickers and prizes as they share books and stories with their families.
And there’s more! Libraries across Lambeth will be hosting free weekly activities, crafts, workshops, and special events throughout the summer. Check out what’s happening at your local library and join the adventure.
Library update
We’re excited to announce that Waterloo Library will be opening its doors to the public at 30 Wootton Street, SE1 8AZ at the beginning of August.
The building work is finalised, the books have been transferred, and the computers are ready to welcome you to the library’s new location.
Adult Activities and Events
Clothes Swap
Saturday 8 August, 1pm to 3.30pm.
Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ
Booking via Eventbrite
The Friends of Brixton Library are hosting a free clothes swap this August. Bring some good quality items of clothes to swap, and go home with some new favourite pieces.
Look Up at Bedtime
Tuesday 11 August, 7pm
Carnegie Library, SE24 0DG
Booking via Eventbrite
Join Mark Westmoquette for a remarkable journey through 20 wondrous 5-minute stories and stargazing activities for parents, grandparents, teachers or librarians to connect children with the majesty of the cosmos.
Nubia Marketplace
Saturday 15 August, 11am to 5pm.
Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ
Booking via Eventbrite
Join Nubia Marketplace for a vibrant one-day cultural marketplace at Brixton Library, celebrating culture, creativity, wellness, and community in the heart of Brixton.
Nubia Marketplace is a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds can come together to discover unique products, support independent businesses, and connect through culture, creativity, and conscious living.
Minet Library Gardening Club
Saturdays 10am to 12pm.
Minet Library, SE5 9QY
Booking via Eventbrite
The Minet Garden is in need of a tidy up and we’d love your help! Whether you’re an experienced gardener or completely new to it, everyone is welcome. Come along, meet new people and help us bring the garden back to life. If you have any, please bring gardening tools and gloves.
Book at Breakfast
Thursdays 10.30am to 11.30am
Online
Join us for book at breakfast – a place to relax, a chance to make new friends and a new way to share reading. You don’t have to read anything. You can simply drop in and enjoy having a good story or poem read to you – and chat about whatever you like.
For further info and Online joining links contact Sophia on email: sneizerawuku@lambeth.gov.uk
Children and Young People’s Events
Summer Reading Adventure: Time Travel Events
Get ready to travel through time with Lambeth Libraries this summer!
All library branches will be hosting activities for children during the holidays. Below are some highlights. Please register at the library desk unless otherwise stated.
Chatter Books Club
Every Wednesday, 4pm to 5pm. Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ
Do you like meeting new friends, love sharing ideas and talking about books or activities? Join our Chatter Books Club.
Ages 7 to 12 years
Kingdom Crafts – Ancient Africa
Monday 3 August, 2.30pm to 4pm. Streatham Library, SW16 1PN
Friday 7 August, 2.30pm to 4pm. South Lambeth Library, SW8 1QP
Using paper, learn how to make: traditional African Jewellery, colourful Kente cloth weaving and African Drums.
Ages 4 to 12 years
Lego Robotics Workshop
Tuesday 11 August, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Upper Norwood Library, SE19 1TQ
Wednesday 19 August, 2.30pm to 4pm. Minet Library, SE5 9QY
Build a moving LEGO time machine and discover where your creation will travel. Ages 7 to 12 years.
The Old Vic’s Family Storytelling Workshop
Friday 14 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Waterloo Library, SE1 7QP
Step into a world of imagination this summer with the Old Vic Theatre. Explore exciting tales, theatre games and creative storytelling. Ages 4 to 7 years
Write your Name in Hieroglyphics
Thursday 20 August, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Carnegie Library, SE24 0DG
Travel to an ancient civilisation and write your name in hieroglyphics.
Ages 7 to 12 years
Crafts with South London Botanical Institute
Thursday 20 August, 2.30pm to 4pm. West Norwood Library, SE27 9JU
Discover the wonderful world of plants through art and hands-on activities with the South London Botanical Institute. Ages 4 to 12 years
Futuristic Slime Masterclass
Tuesday 25 August 2.30pm to 4pm. Clapham Library, SW4 7DB
Mix, stretch and create your own out of this world slime inspired by the future. Ages 4 to 12 years
Design a Gadget for the Future
Wednesday 26 August, 2pm to 3pm. Durning Library, SE11 4H
Let your imagination soar as you invent and design an amazing gadget from the future. What will your invention do? Ages 4 to 12 years
Finishing Exams? Your Next Steps.
Tuesday 18 August 11am to 4pm.
West Norwood Library, SE27 9JU
Join us for a one-day event for young people.
The day will be packed with practical advice, exciting opportunities, and expert guidance to help you take your next step with confidence. Get advice on apprenticeships, money and budgeting, university life, career opportunities and well-being support. Organisations attending will include CBRE, building and construction, Transport for London, University of Greenwich, Change Grow Live and Kooth (well-being), Streatham Job Centre, education providers and many more.
Exhibitions
Margin Art & Media: Art & Politics – Part III Internationalism – Art as an Expression
Showing 6 August to 6 September
Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ
Through visual storytelling, symbolic representation, and experimental media, the exhibition highlights how art transcends borders—serving as a universal language that connects people, challenges perspectives, and inspires dialogue.
Works by: Bruce Atherton, Dave McGinty, Fiaza Youssef Saeed Al Rabi, Alex Cragg, Shaihala Winklaar, Roberta De Caro and Ima Amu.
Local Street Art by Kathryn
Showing 4 August to 29 August
Lambeth Archives, SW2 1ET
Features photography by Kathryn, long-term Brixton resident and careful observer of her local streets. Her work captures the colourful and often short-lived ‘street art’ that has sprung up around the borough over the last twenty years.
Lending Solid Ground by Ottilie Winfield Wilenski
Showing until 25 August
Durning Library, SE11 4HF
‘Lending solid ground’ sees Ottilie use the library as a site to gather from and around. Combining print, photography and sculpture,the exhibition investigates Durning and Brixton Libraries, fragmenting them as an invitation for viewers to inhabit the spaces in more poetic ways.
