Lambeth Libraries and Archives events for May 2026 – and the Readers and Writers Festival

The month of May sees the start of the Lambeth Libraries Readers and Writers Festival where they delight in contemporary literature while celebrating some great classics.

It’s a month of all things literary with discussions, talks and participatory events – join us for a bumper month of good writing.

Elections: Thursday 7 May

Lambeth goes to the polls on Thursday 7 May. A number of our libraries will be closed as they act as polling stations:

Closed: South Lambeth, Waterloo, Minet, and Clapham Libraries.

Partially Closed: Brixton Library.

Festival Highlights for May

The Lambeth Libraries Readers and Writers Festival exceptional programme includes:

Crime Fiction: Remi Kone discussing her Leah Hutch crime series.

Literary Fiction: Marcia Hutchinson and Lisa Smith on the Women’s Prize longlisted Mercy Step.

Local Panels: A local writer’s panel featuring Celia Silvani, Marni Appleton, and Rupert Dastur.

History & Ideas: Stephen Cushion on Slavery in the British Empire; Sue Hubbard on painter Gwen John; and Lambros Fatsis discussing Black music and criminal injustice.

Workshops & Film: Screen writing with Nathaniel Price and a screening of Author: The JT Leroy Story.

For full listings, check out the Brochure or visit the Lambeth Libraries Eventbrite Page.

Adult Activities and Support

English Classes

Mondays: 11 May to 6 July, 10am to 1pm Streatham Library, SW16 1PN

Build confidence in speaking, reading, and writing. Contact: 020 7926 6768 | [email protected]

Umbilical – Born Black! Borne Silent!

Thursday 21 May, 4.30pm to 7pm Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ

A powerful theatre performance exploring Black motherhood and maternal health inequality. Book on Eventbrite.

London Football Book Market

Saturday 30 May, 11.30am to 4.30pm Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ

A market celebrating independent football books, fanzines, kits, and art. Free entry. Book on Eventbrite.

Jobs, Skills and Support Open Day

Monday 1 June, 10am to 1pm Minet Library, SE5 9QY Guidance on jobs, training, benefits, and housing support.

Children’s Events

Change, Grow, Live: Young People’s Advice

Free, confidential health and social care support for ages 11 to 25.

Locations: Brixton, Clapham, South Lambeth, West Norwood, and Streatham Libraries.

Meet the Kooth Team

Thursday 7 May, 4pm

Streatham Library, SW16 1PN

ree, anonymous counselling and mental health support for young people.

Creative Writing Workshops with Laura Baggaley

Monday 11 May (Ages 10-12) & Monday 18 May (Ages 13+)

Clapham Library, SW4 7DB

Storytelling and Crafts with Alice Alderman

Tuesday 26 May, 10.30am

Upper Norwood Library, SE19 1TQ

Positivity and nature-themed affirmations for ages 2 to 6. Book on Eventbrite.

Exhibitions

Unity Without Uniformity

Streatham Library, SW16 1PN

Young artists aged 9-18 express perspectives on conflict through creative arts.

School workshops: Contact [email protected]

“From one to another” Exhibition

Showing until Friday 29 May

Durning Library, SE11 4HF

Workshops: 8 May & 16 May (12pm to 3pm). Book on Eventbrite.

Jan Enkelmann Photography: The Triangle

Showing until Friday 29 May

Lambeth Archives, SW2 1ET

Curator Talk: Thursday 21 May, 6.30pm. Book on Eventbrite.

The Body as Narrative: Emi Wilcox

Showing until 30 June

Clapham Library, SW4 7DB

Playful collages of hybrid beings.

Library Services

Hire Space: Use the Venue Bookings System for real-time room availability across 25 locations.

Join Online: Become a member at www.lambeth.gov.uk/jointhelibrary or call 020 7926 1058.

Support: Visit Lambeth Libraries online for access and support services.