Ipswich Institute

01/06/2026

The Ipswich Tourist Guides Association are out again tomorrow exploring the 'Northern Highlights' of our town, before discovering the 'Brewers of Ipswich' on Thursday.

Both walks leave from Admiral's House on Tower Street at 2pm. Tickets can be booked in advance via our website, or on the day from the library.

Our next guided walk is Tues 2nd June - Northern Highlights. See 2 magnificent churches and a Tudor gatehouse. Hear about engineer Robert Ransome and the Withipoll, Fonnereau & Cobbold families. Starts 2pm at Admiral's House, 13 Tower St, IP1 3BE. Tickets £6 from ipswichinstitute.org.uk/ipswichtourist or purchase 10 mins before start of walk.

29/05/2026

Next Friday (5 June), we are pleased to welcome author and historian Robert Pearson to lead our second day talk of the term, 'Norwegian Gold'; a fascinating insight into the "greatest gold sn**ch of the war", which occurred as Germany invaded neutral Norway in 1940.

For any of members who are keen to do some preparation or homework, Robert's book 'Gold Run' is also available to borrow from the library!

Places are still available - book in person at the library, or online via our website: https://tinyurl.com/DayTalks

28/05/2026

Every day this combination of our beautiful old calendar and our thriving prayer plant brings us joy💕...and how well the colours complement the library decor! What a peaceful place to pass the time.

26/05/2026

It may be half term this week but don't be fooled, we are still open!

The library and both our cafés - The Chart Room in Admiral's House and Page's in the library - are open from 9am from today, so you can still pop in for a cuppa, browse the papers and borrow books, even though there aren't any courses taking place.

There are also a few places available for 'Forgotten Female Philosophers', our first day talk of the summer term, which is taking place on Wednesday (tomorrow) in Admiral's House - book in the library or online via our website.

23/05/2026

Please note, the Institute will be closed on Monday 25th May for the Spring Bank Holiday.

Both the library and Admiral's House will reopen as usual at 9am on Tuesday 26th May.

21/05/2026

Members are invited to join the Lottery Club's celebrations for the inaugural draw, which is taking place from 12-12:45pm tomorrow (Friday 22nd May), in the Orwell Room in Admiral's House.

Subsequent draws will take place on the last Friday of each month - tickets are still on sale for later draws; simply pick up an application form and return to the library when completed.

20/05/2026

Our summer day talks kick off on Wednesday next week (27th May) with Forgotten Female Philosophers, during which Carol Bolyna will look at women who have played an active part in shaping human thought throughout the ancient world.

This term we are hosting four two-hour talks from May to July covering a whole range of topics, which are open to all - members and non-members alike.

Ask in the library to book in person, or visit our website to book online: https://tinyurl.com/DayTalks

18/05/2026

We often get asked whether we take donations of books at the Institute - we do!

Sometimes we receive books that are of interest for our shelves, or alternatively we sell in the library or online to raise funds.

If you have books you no longer want, please feel free to place them in the box at the entry to the library, or speak to the library manager if you have a larger donation to discuss.

15/05/2026

We often post photos of our beautiful library, but let's not forget The Admiral’s House, close by in Tower Street, which was once occupied by Admiral Benjamin Page and visited by the Duke of Wellington.

Acquired in 2001, this Grade II listed building is now the base for the majority of our day and evening courses, as well as The Chart Room café, and it has many interesting corners and features of its own.

We particularly love the light and airy entrance hall with it's central wooden staircase, which leads up to the art centre and a number of other classroom spaces.

12/05/2026

Keen to improve your chess? Why not join us next month for a Saturday mini-series led by International Chess Master Dagne Ciuksyte and do just that!

Over the course of four Saturdays, from 6th June to 4th July, Dagne will guide a small group (maximum 10 people) through various tactical and planning skills, helping you learn how to be more in control and improve your chances of winning.

All are welcome - this course is open to members and non-members alike. Pop into the library to book in person, or visit our website to book online: https://tinyurl.com/chess-mini-series