Lambeth Libraries and Archives events for September 2026

Lambeth Heritage Festival runs through the whole of September and there are over 80 events taking place across the borough, not just in Lambeth Libraries and Archives but in venues across the borough.

There are exhibitions, talks, walks and cycle rides, behind the scenes guided tours of Lambeth Archives and Archive detective fun for children.

To download the full programme of events, go to Lambeth Heritage Festival.The Heritage Festival launches with a Local History Fair at Brixton Library on Saturday 5 September, 10am to 4.30pm – there will be free talks and local history stalls. Come along and find out about the local history of where you live.

Library update

Come and visit the new Waterloo Library which opened on 3 August

at 30 Wootton Street, SE1 8AZ

It is open Monday to Friday and has a Wriggle and Rhyme time on Tuesday mornings for children. There is a lovely outside space to sit and read and there are meeting rooms that can be booked.

Adult Activities and Events

Henry Doulton’s ‘Lady Artists’ with Jane Jordan

Tuesday 8 September, 7pm

Carnegie Library SE24 0DG

Booking via Eventbrite

Join Dr Jane Jordan for an illustrated talk exploring Doulton’s Lambeth Art Pottery in Vauxhall and the experiences of its professional women artists.

Discover working conditions, career opportunities and why many women chose artistic careers over marriage. The talk also highlights local artists connected to Herne Hill and showcases beautiful pottery from the 1870s to the 1920s. Organised by the Friends of Carnegie Library.

Beyond Silence: A Suicide Prevention Theatre Performance

Thursday 10 September, 4pm to 7pm. Streatham Library, SW16 1PN

Book via Eventbrite

Beyond Silence is an interactive theatre and community event exploring Black men’s mental health, grief, suicide prevention, belonging and support. Through storytelling, participation and dialogue, attendees will examine stigma, isolation and barriers to seeking help, while sharing experiences and building understanding. The event encourages reflection, connection, hope and collective action to create more supportive communities.

Book Club Day 2026

National Book Club Day takes place on 11 September 2026, celebrating the joy and connection of shared reading.

In Lambeth Libraries we have book groups in all our libraries, and also support many groups meeting in homes, workplaces, cafes and clubs. Why not share the love of reading with friends – or meet new people – all over the love of a good book.

To find out more about our bookclubs – or how to set up your own, visit our Bookclub blog and get in touch. Happy reading!

People’s Emergency Briefing: Climate and Nature Crisis

Friday 11 September, 6.30pm

Streatham Library, SW16 1PN

Book via Eventbrite

If you care about air pollution, the cost of living and food prices responding to our changing climate. Join us for a free film screening and discussion with local local residents. For more information, National Emergency Briefing

Vertigo Film Screening

Saturday 12 September, 1.30pm

Streatham Library, SW16 1PN

No ticket required

Join Streatham Free Film Festival for a special screening of Hitchcock’s Vertigo, a timeless masterpiece of suspense, obsession and psychological intrigue.

Celebrate cinema with fellow film lovers.

Some Sacred Harbour with award winning poet Roger Robinson

Tuesday, 22 September, 6.30pm

Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ

Book via Eventbrite

Join award-winning poet Roger Robinson to discuss his latest collection, Some Sacred Harbour, and Creative Citizenship. Robinson explores creativity as a shared civic practice rather than an artistic talent, highlighting its power to foster connection, belonging and imagination. The conversation considers the role of creativity in addressing loneliness, disappearing community spaces and digital culture.

Arts & Crafts: A BeWell Celebration

Sunday, 27 September, 1.30pm to 4.00pm

Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ

Works of art, created during Creative Arts CIC’s Sunday Arts workshops, surround a Friends of Brixton Library banner: a true community work demonstrating the Library’s position in Brixton’s heritage . For more info Contact: Friends of Brixton

Wikipedia Meet Up

Monday 28 September, 6pm to 8pm

Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ

Book via Eventbrite

Join the monthly Wikimedia meetup and help expand local history knowledge through Wikipedia. If you want to create or improve articles about Lambeth’s heritage or contribute on a topic you care about, this friendly session offers a space to edit, learn, share ideas and discuss all things Wikipedia. More info: Meetup/Brixton/18

International Translation Day 2026: Translators, and…?

Wednesday 30 September, 7pm Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ

£20 (Standard)/£10 (Concession).

Book via English PEN Beacon

English PEN’s International Translation Day programme returns with an evening of conversations

between translators and their allies, in which translators speak to figures from bookselling, publishing, and online influence, asking what we need to support each other in the coming years.

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.

ESOL Classes

Friday and Saturdays 10.30am to 12.30pm. Minet Library, SE5 9QY

Free English classes for those looking to learn to speak, read and write in English.

Email [email protected] to register

Children and Young People’s Events

Inside Out 2 Film Screening

Saturday 12 September, 11am Streatham Library, SW16 1PN

No ticket required

Join Streatham Free Film Festival for a free screening of Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2. Follow Riley’s emotional journey as new feelings arrive at Headquarters in this funny, heartwarming family adventure.

Enjoy a welcoming community cinema experience with buggy parking, a tuck shop, and plenty of laughs, colour and memorable moments for all ages.

Lego Robotics Club

Kids can join our monthly Lego robotics workshops and explore coding and design in a fun team environment. Each month is a different adventure. For ages 7 to 12

Chatter Books Club

Join Lambeth Chatter Books Club at your local library, ages 7 to 12.

Every Wednesday, 4pm to 5pm. Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ

Last Monday, 4pm to 5pm.

Carnegie Library, SE24 0DG

Third Monday, 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Minet Library, SE5 9QY

Every Wednesday, 4pm to 5pm. West Norwood Library, SE27 9JU

Exhibitions

SketchPad Life Drawing

Showing until 19 September 2026

Carnegie Library, SE24 0DG

This is the 3rd exhibition of Life Drawings completed by artists at Sketchpad drawing classes. Sketchpad has been running for 20 years at the Prince Regent, Herne Hill, opposite the Brockwell Lido and this exhibition showcases the work of artists attending the classes.

Ghosts of the High Street

Showing 1 September to 3 October 2026. Lambeth Archives, SW2 1ET

David Western’s retrospective showcases 25 years of paintings, prints, maps and drawings documenting South London’s changing streets, buildings and hidden corners.

Since moving from Sussex in the 1980s, Western has captured places now demolished or transformed beyond recognition. The exhibition runs until 3 October, with no booking required. For more Heritage Festival events, visit the Lambeth Heritage Festival events page

Beasts of London: Paintings by Rachel Megawhat

Showing from 2 to 30 September 2026. Durning Library, SE11 4HF

Beasts of London showcases artwork inspired by animals and mythical creatures connected to London’s history and culture.

Featuring dragons, lions, bears, pelicans and more, the exhibition combines paintings, maps, architecture, statuary and photography, including works inspired by Parliament, London Zoo, local landmarks and the Durning Library itself. Further information: www.somethingtoseehere.com

Architecture in London: The Personal View of 31 Photographers

Showing 9 to 30 September 2026

Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ

Open Viewing: Tuesday 15 September, 5pm

Booking via Eventbrite

During 2025, thirty-one London Region RPS photographers travelled throughout London to photograph their own ideas of London Architecture.

Each photographer has prepared a panel of pictures setting out their project, from Brutalism to views of Redbridge, from Thamesmead to Arches, each panel illustrating a wide variety of views and concepts.

Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet

Showing 15 to 30 September

South Lambeth Library, SW8 1QP

Black dancers have been present in British ballet from at least the 1940s onwards but the presence and contribution of these pioneers has been largely forgotten. Into the Light: The Pioneers of Black British Ballet exhibition aims to change this by celebrating the lives of these trailblazers.