All I want for Christmas is….. free festive fun in my local library!
Posted on 29 Nov 2023
Libraries around Devon and Torbay are offering low-cost events, activities and even free gift inspiration this festive season.
Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs libraries around the county, is putting on a programme of fun family shows and events to bring people together in its warm welcoming spaces in the run-up to Christmas.
The charity is also encouraging customers to take up its completely free Christmas gift card offer and collect a library membership card in a specially-designed Christmas card to give to a loved one.
Alex Kittow, Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited said: “We’re inviting everyone to come and see what’s going on this Christmas at their local library. We know budgets are going to be very tight this year for many in Devon. We’re pleased we can offer many free and low-cost events to get everyone in to the festive spirit and also solve their Christmas gift dilemmas.”
“Our libraries staff will be offering a warm welcome with this special programme of Christmas-themed events. And while people are visiting their local library they can pick up a free Christmas gift idea – a library membership card in a specially designed Christmas card. We’ve got 5,000 of the cards to give away, and when the recipient activates their card they have year-round access to free books, eBooks and eAudiobooks, plus eMagazine and eNewspaper downloads, free WiFi and computer use, along with countless groups, activities and other facilities.”
Some of the events already scheduled in libraries include:
Thursday 7th December 7.30pm
Kingsbridge Library
What the Dickens!
Friends of Kingsbridge Library present a Charles Dickens-themed show of fun facts and memorabilia honouring the great Victorian writer of ‘A Christmas carol’.
Tickets £5 from the library or via Eventbrite
Thursday 7th December 8pm
Exeter Library
Madame Thespia’s Deliciously Diverse Christmas Carol Cabaret
Popular local immersive theatre company Four of Swords brings Madame Thespia and her compatriot Gustave LeGrump to Exeter Library with a Christmas Carol-themed cabaret. Age Guidance: 14+
Tickets £5, and £0 for carers from Eventbrite here
Saturday 9th – Saturday 23rd December
Dartmouth Library
Nearly new book sale during library opening hours.
Grab a low-cost Christmas present for the book-lover in your life.
Saturday 9th December 9.30am
Budleigh Salterton Library
Children’s Christmas Craft in the library. Free, no need to book.
Tuesday 12th December 10am
Paignton Library
A Victorian Christmas
Step back in time to a Victorian Christmas. Parlour games, crafts, and a gift for each child. Victorian themed fancy dress welcomed.
£2 per child. More info here
Call or come in to book 01803 714460. Booking open from 21st November.
Thursday 14th December 3pm
Brixham Library
Music at the Edge will be Caroling, Strumming and stamping along to some Christmas Music at Brixham Library! Free to attend, with refreshments available.
Saturday 16th December 10am
Tiverton Library
Christmas Cheer festive coffee morning
Annual Christmas coffee morning with something for the whole family. With entertainment from Take Note community choir, books and crafts for sale and fun children’s activities.
More info here
Saturday 16th December 9am – 4pm
Newton Abbot Library
Christmas Fayre
Stock up on presents from local crafters and enjoy Christmas music.
Saturday 18th December 2 – 4pm
Dawlish Library
Christmas Quiz
The correct answer is: Join us! A fun family Christmas quiz for all ages.
Tickets £1 for Adults, 50p for children.
Wednesday 20th December 10.30 – 11.30am
Churston Library
Stories around the tree
Bring the little ones to enjoy magical Christmas stories and crafts.
Tickets £1 – pre-book at the library