The Library Presents has lots of feel-good events to keep you entertained from 16 May until 25 July. Tickets are available to book now.
Chosen by over 500 local residents, this season has a line-up of 29 different events. There is a mix of live music, theatre, comedy and puppetry and workshops in art, craft, dance and writing. Hosted in 24 towns and villages around the county, there will be something on your doorstep to enjoy.
Come along to laugh, relax, meet new people, express yourself or support your wellbeing. Your favourite shows Graffiti Classics and, The Zoo That Comes To You are returning. Also back, the popular Rhythms of Africa Percussion Workshop and Sea Shanties Workshop.
Fancy something new? Dig into the secrets of human existence and deepen your connection to the place you live. Once Upon a Time in Fenland is a fantastical, funny and thought-provoking show mixing fact and fiction. And it features genuine artefacts over 2,000 years old! (March Library, 22 May).
Explore nature and science through stunning immersive films and nature-based video games. Secrets of Soil and Water Portals takes you on a journey to discover the beautiful, invisible life-forms that keep our planet healthy. “I never knew how many amazing shapes there are in nature” (Cherry Hinton Library, 19 June).
Bring your everyday worries and trade them for NaanE’s hilarious, heartwarming advice! Ask Granny is a show with wisdom, mischief and unbeatable life hacks from a comedy Granny! (Huntingdon Library, 27 June). For more giggles with the family head over to Sawston or Burwell libraries for Peachy and Me. Comedy, magic and a story about a budding magician and her mischievous on-screen companion (6 June / 18 July).
In the refurbished Cambourne library meet the creator of the first children’s library! Miss Moore Thought Otherwise is an interactive musical theatre adventure (18 July).
Express yourself at workshops this season
Celebrate queer identity and self-expression at LGBTQIA+ Zine-Making session at Cherry Hinton Library. LGBTQIA+ people and allies both welcome.
Enjoy creative mindfulness as you design and make a decorative garland inspired by folk art at foil embossing workshop.
Celebrate the friends in your life with award winning writer Lewis Buxton. Writing For Friends is a lively workshop open to all – nervous newbies and eloquently experienced. Men and boys are particularly welcome (women and girls, you can still come too).
Escape into nature with poet Leanne Moden in her Nature Writing Workshop. Fun and friendly, for all abilities and filled with ideas to kick-start your creativity.
Embrace the joy of moving with dance for over 55's. A fun, accessible dance class, where you explore emotions and storytelling. For all abilities (movements change to accommodate individual’s mobility).
There’s a first time for everyone
Many people come to The Library Presents for the first time each season. It might even be their first time in a library or at a performance.
We welcome everyone and want people to feel they can come as they are. 100% of people who gave feedback said they felt they could be themselves at The Library Presents events. If you’re feeling nervous, send us a message and we will answer your questions.
The Library Presents is making the arts accessible to everyone. This season there is range of assistance at events: relaxed events, safe spaces for neurodiverse or autistic audience members, hearing loops, a Makaton signed performance and captioned performances. We also provide adjustable height tables, and aids for more comfortable seating and standing-up.
Go All In this season
We know audiences come to The Library Presents whether they love books or hate them! This year audiences can choose to ramp-up the fun and read into an event that they’re into.
As part of the National Year of Reading, we’re creating some fun-filled book lists based around the events in the programme. For example: look through the graphic novel for Romeo and Juliet, listen to an audio book on women's historical figures, or pick-up a book inspired by the themes of a show. Go on… Go All In and discover something new through The Library Presents website.
Councillor Alison Whelan, chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council said: “We’re committed to ensuring fairness and opportunity wherever we can, and the Library Presents bringing high quality, accessible events to our residents doorsteps at subsidised prices is one of the ways we do that.
“Do take a look at the wonderful new spring and summer event programme to see which fantastic events are coming to a library near you.”
Funded by Arts Council England
Cambridgeshire is one of a small number of library authorities able to bring high-quality arts programmes to local communities, thanks to the continued funding from Arts Council England.
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “The Library Presents shows how creativity flourishes when it’s woven into everyday community spaces.
"This season’s resident‑led programme brings high‑quality arts experiences to people of all ages, with a real commitment to inclusion and wellbeing.
"And in this National Year of Reading, it’s fantastic to see libraries transformed into places where everyone feels welcome to explore, connect and be inspired.”
Tickets on sale now!
As always, demand is expected to be high, and it is anticipated that many events will sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased online, by scanning the QR code in the programme brochure, by phone, in-person at participating libraries, or on the door (subject to availability).
Find more information at: www.library.live/the-library-presents
