Regular activities
Jump to the relevant section:
- Cuppa and Company
- Online Author Events
- Knit and Natter
- book groups
- creative writing and poetry
- reminiscence
- adult colouring, board games and company and coffee, craft and chat, digital help, carers support
- advice sessions
- family and local history sessions
- one off activities and events
- Dorset libraries favourite fiction
- activities for wellbeing
- contact us
Shared Reading
Join our Shared Reading groups and enjoy stories and poetry in a completely new way.
Cuppa and Company
Drop in for a warm welcome and a free cuppa.
| Library | Activity | Frequency | Time |
| Beaminster | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 2:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Blandford | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 10am to midday |
| Bridport | Cuppa and Company | Every Friday | 10am to midday |
| Corfe Mullen | Cuppa and Company | Every Wednesday | 2:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Crossways | Cuppa and Company | Every Tuesday | 2:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Dorchester | Cuppa and Company | Every Wednesday | 10:30 am to 12:30pm |
| Ferndown | Cuppa and Company | Every Thursday | 2pm to 4pm |
| Gillingham | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 10:30am to 12:30pm |
| Littlemoor | Cuppa and Company | Every Thursday | 2:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Lyme Regis | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 2pm to 4pm |
| Lytchett Matravers | Cuppa and Company | Every Friday | 3pm to 5pm |
| Portland | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 10:30am to midday |
| Shaftesbury | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday and Thursday | 10:30am to 11:30am |
| Sherborne | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 2:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Sturminster Newton | Cuppa and Company | Every Friday | 2:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Swanage | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 10:30am to 12:30pm |
| Upton | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 2:45pm to 4:45pm |
| Verwood | Cuppa and Company | Every Tuesday | 2:15pm to 4:15pm |
| Wareham | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 2:30pm to 4:30pm |
| West Moors | Cuppa and Company | Every Thursday | 2:30pm to 4pm |
| Weymouth | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 2:30pm to 4pm |
| Wimborne | Cuppa and Company | Every Monday | 10:30am to 12:30pm |
| Wyke Regis | Cuppa and Company | Every Friday | 10:30am to 12:30pm |
Online Author Events
|
Library |
Activity |
Frequency |
Time |
Information |
| Online event | Join us in conversation with award winning author Fflur Dafydd | 2 March | 7pm to 8pm | Fflur is an award winning novelist. Her book, The Library Suicides is set in the National Library of Wales, and is an intensely memorable and provocative literary read. Booking via Eventbrite. |
| Online event | In conversation with award winning author Libby Page | 29 March | 7pm to 8pm | We will be hearing all about Libby and her latest book The Vintage Shop of Second Chances. Libby is the author of The Lido, The 24 Hour Cafe, and Island Home, Libby's latest book is The Vintage Shop of Second Chances. Booking via Eventbrite. |
| Online event | In conversation with award winning author Kate Hamer | 20 April | 7pm to 8pm | Join Sunday Times bestselling author Kate Hamer for an online in conversation event. Kate will be talking about her inspiration, her writing process and her new novel The Lost Girls. Booking via Eventbrite. |
| Online event | In conversation with author Carole Hailey | 18 May | 7pm to 8pm | An in conversation event with Carole Hailey, who will be talking about her stunning debut novel The Silence project. Booking via Eventbrite. |
| Online event | In conversation with author Alice Bell | 22 June | 7pm to 8pm | An in conversation event with author Alice Bell, who will be talking about her stunning debut novel Grave Expectations. Booking via Eventbrite. |
Knit and Natter/Crochet
|
Library |
Activity |
Frequency |
Time |
Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Knit and Natter |
Every Saturday |
2pm to 3pm |
Lively and friendly knit and natter group. Everyone is welcome and there are mixed abilities, a great environment to learn and develop your knitting skills, to pass them on to others or simply have a good natter. |
|
|
Knit and Natter |
Every Wednesday |
2pm to 4pm |
Any handicraft is welcome. If you would like to come for tea/chat and don't have any knitting on the go we have a variety of charity projects. |
|
| Dorchester | Crochet and company | Second Saturday of the month | 11am to midday | Whether you're a beginner or a veteran at crochet, join our volunteer-led crochet club where you can learn the basics, find exciting patterns, and share your skills with others. |
|
Knit and Natter |
Second Tuesday of the month |
10am to 11:30am |
Bring your knitting or your crochet and have a good natter! Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
|
Knit and Natter |
Every Thursday |
10am to midday |
Bring your knitting or your crochet and have a good natter! All ages and abilities welcome. Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
|
Knit and Natter |
Every Tuesday |
10am to midday |
||
| Sturminster Newton | Knit and Natter | First and third Wednesday of the month | 2pm to 3:30pm | Join the Friends of the library for a relaxed session of knitting and crocheting, suitable for all levels including beginners. Learning or practising, all are welcome for a chat over a cuppa. |
|
Crochet Creations |
Saturdays, but please enquire with staff member for specific dates |
N/A |
Learn to crochet or improve on your basic skills. Worksheets will be provided along with a range of crochet books to gain inspiration from. Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
| Verwood | Knit and Natter | The first and third Monday of the month | 2:15pm to 3:45pm | Bring your knitting or your crochet and have a good natter! For more information, please contact the library. |
|
Knit and Natter |
Every Monday |
2pm to 3:30pm |
||
|
Knit and Natter |
Every Tuesday |
10:30am to 12:30pm |
Join us every Tuesday morning for crafts and a chat. Every first Tuesday of the month will be hosted by the Friends of Weymouth Library. Booking essential via Eventbrite. |
|
| Wimborne | Knit and Natter | Every Friday | 2pm to 4pm | Bring your knitting or your crochet and have a good natter. |
|
Knit and Natter |
Second and fourth Monday of the month |
2:30pm to 4pm |
Bring your knitting, crochet, sewing or craft and enjoy a natter with friends. Booking essential, contact the library. |
Book groups
|
Library |
Activity |
Frequency |
Time |
Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Corfe Mullen Library Reading Group |
First Wednesday of the month |
2pm to 3pm |
Friendly Reading Group at Corfe Mullen library. Enjoy a different book every month, both fiction and non-fiction. Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
| Littlemoor | Shared Reading | Every Tuesday | 11am to 12:30pm | Come along and enjoy listening to short stories and poems, then discuss them in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Booking essential via Eventbrite. |
|
Shared Reading |
Every Wednesday |
2pm to 3:30pm |
All welcome. Come and listen to a short story or a poem. Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
|
Shared Reading |
Every Thursday |
10:30am to midday |
Shared Reading brings people together and books to life. Join us to enjoy poems and stories, and share in the conversations. Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
|
Shared Reading |
Every Thursday |
1:45pm to 3:15pm |
Do you enjoy a good story, and would you like to discover poetry without the need to read ahead? Join Shaftesbury library's Shared Reading Group. Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
|
Books and more |
Third Wednesday of the month |
10:30am to 11:30am |
Adult book group and discussion. Booking essential via Eventbrite. |
|
| Wareham | Wareham's 100 more novels reading group | Every third Tuesday of the month | 5pm to 6pm | Explore a wide range of literature with our friendly group of bookworms. Booking essential via Eventbrite. |
|
Book Chat |
Second Monday of every month |
10:30am to 11:30am |
Join us for friendly conversation over a cup of coffee and get inspiration for your next read! Booking essential via Eventbrite. |
|
| Wareham | Play-reading group | Third Saturday of the month | 2pm to 4pm | Join us for plays old and new. |
| Weymouth | Reading group - new members wanted! | First Thursday of every Month | 2:30pm to 4:30pm | The Thursday Reading Group are looking to welcome new members. The group meets every first Thursday of the month to have a friendly chat about their books. Contact library staff for further details. |
|
Online Event |
Live chat Reading Group |
Last Thursday of each month |
10am to 11am |
Do you like talking about books, and connecting with other people? Why not join our monthly virtual reading group. Each month we have a theme for our book choice. If you’d like to book your free place email DLSLibrarians@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk |
| Online Event | Shared Reading online | Mondays | 10am to 11:30am | Enjoy reading in a completely new way, as we read through literature together, creating a shared lived experience. Through thoughtful discussion we create a unique space for people to feel at ease. Booking via Eventbrite. |
| Online Event | Shared Reading online | Tuesdays | 2.30pm to 4pm | Enjoy reading in a completely new way, as we read through literature together, creating a shared lived experience. Through thoughtful discussion we create a unique space for people to feel at ease. Booking via Eventbrite. |
Creative writing and poetry
|
Library |
Activity |
Frequency |
Time |
Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridport | Poetry appreciation club | First Wednesday of the month from 1 March | 2:30pm to 3:30pm | A warm welcome to all poetry lovers to come and discuss a poem once a month. No booking required. |
|
Writing for fun |
Every Monday |
10am to midday |
We are a group of 10 regulars who write for fun and enjoy it. New people welcome. There's no pressure to create a masterpiece. Come and learn how to construct a short story or poem. Tel: Sheena Dearness 07875 842399. |
|
|
Creative writing group |
Second Thursday of the month |
2pm to 3:30pm |
Do you enjoy writing stories or poetry or do you dream of writing a novel. Join in and start to create a world of your own. All abilities welcome. Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
| Shaftesbury | Creative Writing group | Every Thursday | midday to 1pm | Bring your own materials and your imagination. |
|
The Scribes writing group |
Every Thursday (during term time) |
1pm to 3pm |
Come along to share your work, discuss how to improve, and receive writing inspiration and ideas from others. |
|
| Sherborne | Nature Writing for Fun | Every Monday (during term time) | 11am to 12:30pm | Join us and take part in fun creative writing exercises, using nature and the outdoors as inspiration. Sessions may include time spent outside and are suitable for adults of all abilities. |
| Sherborne | Poetry writing group | Every second and fourth Thursday of the month | 11am to midday | Come along to share your poetry, hear what others have been working on and have friendly discussions. |
|
Harbour Poets |
First Tuesday of the month |
2pm to 4pm |
If you enjoy writing, reading or discussing poetry come along and join our friendly group. |
|
| Weymouth |
Weymouth Writing Matters |
Last Friday of the month |
1pm to 3pm |
A small, friendly group of local writers providing help and support and a little writing practice in a relaxed atmosphere. We have a wealth of experience in writing, seeking publication and self-publishing between us, which we are happy to share. Everyone is very welcome to join us. Booking essential, contact the library. |
| Wimborne | Writing for fun | Thursdays fortnightly | 11am to 12:30pm | Join us and take part in fun creative writing exercises, using nature and the outdoors as inspiration. Sessions may include time spent outside and are suitable for adults of all abilities. |
| Wimborne | Exploring poetry | Every Tuesday | 11am to 12:30pm | Poetry is a valuable outlet to express the most complex emotions and ideas, many even use it to help explore their own emotions. Join our fun group to explore and discuss famous poems. Everyone welcome. Booking essential, contact the library. |
Reminiscence
|
Library |
Activity |
Frequency |
Time |
Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Reminiscence |
Fourth Tuesday of the month |
11am to midday |
Join our friendly, informal group and share recollections and fond memories on a new topic each month. No booking required. |
|
| Ferndown | Reminiscence | Third Tuesday of the month | 10am to 11:30am | Join our friendly informal group for a discussion on a variety of topics and fond memories. No need to book. |
| Portland | Reminiscence | Last Thursday of the month | 2pm to 3pm | Join us to recall times past and share memories, photos, stories and laughter over tea and biscuits. Booking Essential, contact the library. |
|
Reminiscence afternoon |
Monthly |
2:30pm to 3:30pm |
||
| Sturminster Newton | Reminiscence | Second Friday of the month | 2:30pm to 3:30pm | Join our friendly and informal group to share recollections and fond memories on a variety of topics. No need to book, just turn up ready for a cup of tea and a chat. No tickets - just drop in. |
| West Moors | Memories, tea and me | Every first Tuesday of the month | 2:30pm to 3:30pm | Want to get out of the house and meet new people over a cup of tea and friendly natter? Come along to West Moors Library and join us with Memories tea and me. |
| Wimborne | Times gone by, Reminiscence | Fourth Thursday of the month | 2pm to 3pm | Share your stories and memories within our friendly group. Pop along for a cup of tea and a chat, with a different topic each month at the Museum of East Dorset. |
Adult Colouring, Board Games, Company and Coffee, Craft and Chat, Digital Help and Carers Support
|
Library |
Activity |
Frequency |
Time |
Information |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Beat the Blues coffee and chat |
Every Monday |
10:30am to midday |
Beat those Monday morning blues with a coffee and chat here in the library. No booking required. |
||
| Blandford | Craft and chat | Every third Tuesday of the month. | 10:30am to midday | Do you like to knit, crochet, embroider or more? Come along to our friendly, informal craft session. Bring your own craft and enjoy a morning of craft and chat. | |
| Blandford | Solve your IT queries with a Digital Champion | Tuesday and Thursdays | 10am to midday | Need to get to grips with that iPad? Want to navigate your way through social media? The Digital Champion is here to help solve your IT queries. Booking essential, contact the library. | |
| Bridport | Solve your IT queries with a Digital Champion | Every Monday and Wednesday | 10am to midday and 2pm to 4pm | Need to get to grips with the iPad? Want to navigate your way though social media? The digital champion is here to help. Please ring the library to book a space on 01308 422778 or 01305 221048. | |
| Corfe Mullen | Board games in the library drop-in | Every Friday | 4pm to 6:30pm | We have a good selection of games aimed at all ages - from a chess set to snakes and ladders. Just ask at the front desk for our selection of games to enjoy in the library. Aimed at all ages. | |
|
Carers' Support Group |
Every second Friday of the month |
10am to midday |
Come along for a friendly chat, coffee and some support. Run in partnership with Corfe Mullen Dementia Friendly Community, who provide advice and guidance. Booking essential, contact the library. |
||
| Crossways | Get online with a Digital Champion | Every Monday morning | 10am to midday | Do you need help getting online? Need help with IT queries? Maybe you have a device you are not sure how to use? Pop in to see our Digital Champion who is ready to help you. No need to book. For more information contact Crossways Library on 01305 854080. | |
| Dorchester | Craft sessions | Second Saturday of the month | 11am to midday | Do you like to knit, crochet, embroider or more? Come along to our friendly, informal craft session. Bring your own craft and enjoy a morning of craft and chat. | |
| Ferndown | Coffee Morning for the visually impaired | First Tuesday of the month | 10am to 11:30am | Come along for coffee (or tea), cake and an informal chat on coping with visual impairment. From talking books to new technology. Booking essential, contact the library. | |
| Ferndown | Solve your IT queries with the Digital Champion | Every Tuesday and Wednesday | 9:30am to 12:30pm | Join us for a digital themed coffee morning. We will have a chat about a digital topic whilst having a cuppa. If you bring along your device and questions we will help. Booking essential, contact the library. | |
| Ferndown | Crafts and a cuppa | Every fourth Thursday of the month | 10am to 11:30am | Join us for a crafty morning with a nice cuppa, biscuits and chat. | |
| Gillingham | Coffee companions | Every Tuesday | 11am to midday | Coffee companions welcomes anyone who fancies a cuppa and a friendly chat. No bookings required, but please bring your own mugs. | |
| Gillingham | Craft and chat | Every Friday | 10am to midday | Craft and chat is a great place for some friendly conversation whilst also enjoying your creativity. Come along and try out a new hobby. | |
|
Craft and chat |
Every Friday |
2pm to 3:30pm |
Bring your knitting, crochet, sewing or craft and have a good chat. |
||
| Portland | Company and coffee | Every Monday |
10:30am to midday |
Join us at Portland library for a chat and a cuppa; the perfect place to find company, meet others and relax. Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
| Portland | Need digital help? | First and third Tuesday each month | 2pm to 4pm | Unsure how to operate your laptop/smartphone/tablet? Want to feel more confident using online services? Our Digital Champion is ready and waiting to help you at our free sessions. |
|
| Shaftesbury | Creative Writing group | Every Thursday |
12noon to 1pm | Bring your own writing materials and your imagination. Contact 01747 852256 or shaftesburylibrary@dorsetgov.uk to book. | |
| Shaftesbury | Colouring for wellbeing | Every Monday | 10:30am to 12:30pm | Colouring for wellbeing. Relax and chill. No booking or equipment required. | |
| Sherborne | Digital Champion 1 to 1 sessions | Every Thursday | 2pm, 3pm and 4pm | Book a free session with a volunteer Digital Champion for help and assistance with your computer, phone or tablet. Booking essential, contact the library. | |
| Sherborne | Digital Champion 1 to 1 sessions | Every Friday | 11am, midday and 1pm | Book a free session with a volunteer Digital Champion for help and assistance with your computer, phone or tablet. Booking essential, contact the library. | |
| Sturminster Newton | Coffee Morning | First Thursday of the month | 10am to midday | Pop in for a chat and relax with a nice cuppa. | |
| Swanage | Colour me happy | Every Monday | 4pm to 6pm | When life gets crazy, take a little time out to relax and take your mind away from your daily stresses. Colouring is so relaxing, helping to calm the mind and allowing you to be present in the moment. | |
| Swanage | Solve your IT queries with the Digital Champion | Every Monday | 2pm to 5pm | Need to get to grips with that iPad? Want to navigate your way through social media? The Digital Champion is here to help solve your IT queries. | |
| Upton | Company and coffee | First and third Wednesday of the month | 10am to 11:30am | Come and join the Friends 4 Upton Library for a cuppa and a chat. Small donation requested to cover the cost of the refreshments. |
|
| Wareham | Carers support | First Monday of the month | 10am to 2pm | Drop in session for carers. | |
| Wareham | Digital Champion | Every Thursday | 10am to 1pm | Would you like to improve your digital skills? Book a session with our digital champion who will patiently guide you through the basic skills using your own device or a library computer. Booking essential, contact the library. | |
|
Adult colouring |
Second and fourth Thursday of the month |
10:30am to midday |
Meet new people and stimulate the mind. Booking essential, contact the library. |
||
| West Moors | Digital Help | Every Friday | 10am to 12:15pm | Free digital help every Friday morning. 45-minute sessions for beginners and those wanting help and advice from Digital Champions. Book is essential, contact the library. | |
| Weymouth | Get online with Digital Champions |
Every Monday
Every Thursday |
10:30am to midday 2pm to 4pm |
Free one-to-one sessions. Get help with computer use, get online and so much more. Sessions tailored to meet your needs. Booking required, contact the library. | |
| Weymouth | Mindful colouring | Every Monday | 2pm to 3pm |
Relax and unwind the mind with some calming crafts and mindful colouring. Pens, pencils, and paper will be provided, and you are welcome to bring projects from home. Suitable for adults. Booking essential via Eventbrite. |
|
| Wimborne | Digital Champion 1:1 session | Every Tuesday | Need help with your phone, tablet or laptop? Book a 1:1 session with a digital champion to answer your questions, and provide guidance and support | ||
|
All ages chess and backgammon club |
Every Monday |
4:30pm to 6pm |
Come and enjoy a friendly game of chess or backgammon. All player levels welcome. Booking is essential, contact the library. |
||
| Wyke Regis | Scrabble and dominoes at the library | First Monday of each month | 2:30pm to 4pm | Test your wordiness at Scrabble or your dottiness at dominoes at our new club. All abilities welcome. Booking is essential, contact the library. |
Advice sessions
|
Library |
Activity |
Frequency |
Time |
Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridport | Citizens Advice at Bridport library | Every Tuesday | 10am to midday | Help to maximise your income. Advice on benefits, grants and discretionary help. Drop-in session no need to book. |
| Corfe Mullen | Councillor surgery with Mike Barron | Second Saturday of the month | 10:30am to 11am | Please book with the Councillor or contact the library for more information. |
| Gillingham | Community policing drop-in surgery | First Tuesday of each month | 11am to midday | Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) 5922 Whalley will be at Gillingham Library to offer Crime Prevention advice and leaflets and to hear any local concerns. |
|
Citizens Advice |
Two, one-hour weekly sessions |
2pm to 5pm |
Face-to-face advice sessions with Citizens Advice available at Portland library. Booking essential, contact the library. |
|
| Portland | Councillor Surgery | 25 February and 25 March | 10am to midday | Book an appointment with the library to discuss any problems, concerns and issues with Cllr Kimber. |
| Shaftesbury | Citizens Advice Bureau | Every Wednesday | 10am to 1pm |
Visit us at Shaftesbury library. Open for drop-ins and pre-booked appointments. |
| Shaftesbury | Community policing drop-in surgery | 23 February, 23 March | 10am to 11am | (PCSO) 5382 Leatt will be at Shaftesbury Library to offer Crime Prevention advice and leaflets and to hear any local concerns. |
| Upton | Councillor's Surgery | First Saturday of the month | 10am to 11am | Book an appointment or drop in to discuss any problems, concerns and issues with your local councillors. |
| Wareham | Councillor's Surgery | Second Friday of the month | 10:15am to midday | Local residents are invited to raise their concerns with one of our Councillors at the library drop-in. |
Family and local history sessions
|
Library |
Activity |
Frequency |
Time |
Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Family and local history sessions |
Second Tuesday of the month |
11am to 1pm |
Join members of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society to share your stories and get guidance to help with your own research. New to Family History? Come along and find out more. All welcome. |
|
| Wimborne | Family History | Every first and third Saturday of the month | 14:30pm to 15:30pm |
A free session to support you with learning how to research your family history on Ancestry. Basic computer skills required. Booking via the library. |
One off activities and events
|
Library |
Activity |
Date |
Time |
Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridport | The stringers' creative writing club | 18 March and 29 April | 11am to midday | Please join our friendly and inclusive group for some creative writing fun. Everyone welcome, no booking required. |
| Crossways | My journey with my guide dog | 23 February | 2pm to 4pm | Our February friends talk is by Jo-anna Spears who will share her personal story with her guide dog. £2.00 for Friends of Crossways Library members, £3.00 for non-members. Booking not required, tickets can be purchased at the door. |
| Dorchester | Questions and answers with award winning author Tess Burnett | 4 February | 11am to midday | Join us and find out more about the author behind the novel The Hanging of Hettie Gale, winner of the Hall and Woodhouse Dorchester Literary Festival West Country Writer's Prize 2022. Refreshments provided. Booking essential via Eventbrite. |
| Dorchester | Meet the author Jim Potts | 18 February | 11am to midday | Facing off the thought police. Dorset poet, song and story writer Jim Potts shares his experiences as a representative of Britain in countries both friendly and hostile and reads some of his poems. Booking essential via Eventbrite. |
| Gillingham | Wildlife friendly gardening | 14 March | 10:30am to 11:30am | Do you want your garden to be more wildlife friendly? Do you struggle to have ideas that might help you achieve this? If you are interested in learning about wildlife friendly gardening come and join. No booking required. |
| Shaftesbury | The sky at night | 4 February | 11am to midday | An introductory insight with Tony and Gareth from Cranborne Chase Astronomy Club. |
| Shaftesbury | Safer internet day | 7 February | 10am to midday | Come and meet Barclays Bank's digital support team to discuss your online banking and digital safety needs and queries. Drop in session, no booking required. |
| Shaftesbury | Willow bird feeder making workshop | 18 February | 11am to midday | Book a free session to make a willow bird feeder to take home. Enjoy the amazing craft of willow weaving with amazing samples on display. |
| Sherborne | Seining along Chesil. Author talk with Sarah Acton | 10 February | 2:30pm to 3:45pm | Hear about Sarah's recently published oral history book, which remembers and celebrates the traditions of seine fishing communities in Chesil, the people, landscape, ways of life and the lerrets (wooden fishing boats). See pictures and join in the discussion. Booking essential via Eventbrite. |
| Sherborne | The Gods Are All Here , a one-man performance by Phil Okwedy | 23 February | 7pm to 9pm | This storytelling performance weaves myth, song, folktales and legends of the African diaspora, and uncovers Phil’s experiences of growing up as a child of dual heritage in 1960 and 70’s Wales. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Booking essential via Eventbrite. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for under 18's. |
| Sherborne | Storytelling workshop with Phil Okwedy | 24 February | 11am to 1pm | Join Phil for a fun, light-hearted and interactive storytelling workshop designed to help you find and develop your skills. Unlock your ability to make stories your own and bring tales to life. Booking essential via Eventbrite, tickets £2. |
| Wareham | Meet the author Pamela Mann | 28 February | 2pm to 4:30pm | Do you love writing? Come to my author talk, hear how I approach writing and pick up a few hints if you would like to have a go. Booking available via Eventbrite. |
| West Moors | Quiz, tea and cakes | 14 February | 3pm to 4:30pm | Test your quizzing skills. Join us at West Moors Library for a quiz, tea and cakes. Booking essential, contact the library. |
| Weymouth | Kevin Patience on 'The Real African Queen'. Friends of Weymouth Library talk | 4 February | 10:30am to midday | Kevin Patience tells the story of the 1912 ship that carried mercenaries, missionaries, and more along the Nile, a story made into a film from the CS Forester novel. Tickets £2 Friends members, £3 non-members, cash or cheques only. Booking essential, please contact the library. |
| Weymouth | A life with trains with Paul Atterbury, Friends of Weymouth Library talk | 4 March | 10:30am to midday | From a childhood fascination to becoming an experienced rail traveller, Paul Atterbury of the Antiques Roadshow explores his life as a railway writer within the railway heritage movement. £2 for Friends of Weymouth Library members and £3 for non-members. Booking essential, please contact the library. |
| Wyke Regis | Love your library | 6 February | 10:30am to 12:30pm | Local author Sarah Acton talks about her new book, Seining along Chesil, voices from a Dorset fishing community. Booking essential, please contact the library. |
For more events see our Libraries as Cultural Hubs pages
Dorset Libraries Favourite Fiction
We asked you to nominate your 5 best loved books so that we could compile Dorset Libraries favourite fiction titles.
You accepted the challenge and nominated 349 individual titles by 348 different authors. The results are in, and the winner is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
The authors with the most nominations are Thomas Hardy and Charles Dickens with 5 titles each. Terry Pratchett, Jane Austen, JRR Tolkien, Elena Ferrante and Agatha Christie followed closely behind with 4 titles nominated.
How many have you read? How many will you try?
Activities for wellbeing
Winter online activity schedule
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Shared Reading online (am) |
| Tuesday |
Facebook Book Chat Shared Reading online (pm) |
| Wednesday | N/A |
| Thursday |
Shared Reading online (am) Live Reading Group (monthly) |
| Friday | N/A |
Throughout the week you’ll find library news and updates on Facebook and Twitter, plus ideas for reading, writing and getting creative.
We have the following regular online activities every week:
Monday
Start the week with Shared Reading
Brought to you on Zoom from Dorchester Library every Monday at 10am. Contact Dorchester Library.
Tuesday
Book chat for adults
Join us on Facebook for an informal chat about books that you've enjoyed with a different theme each week. Share your love of books with others, get ideas of what to try next, and let us know your favourite books.
Wednesday
Shared reading
Join Ferndown library on Zoom for Shared Reading online at 2pm Contact Ferndown library
Thursday
Monthly - Live chat reading group for adults (10am to 11am)
If you like to connect with others and chat about your book experiences, why not join our live chat Reading Group. For joining instructions, please email DLSLibrarians@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk