Leicester Libraries and Community Centres

05/06/2026

What a brilliant event we had last night at Central Library!

Hosted by the wonderful Merisha Stevenson - the fantastic award-winning author Marcia Hutchinson discussed the story behind the story of The Mercy Step, her writing process (whilst walking the dog) and the 53 rejections(!) she had for this now Women's Prize shortlisted book.

If you would like to read the book for yourself, search our catalogue to borrow or reserve: https://tinyurl.com/3jjmvf6j

05/06/2026

Author’s on Tour 2026

Children’s author and illustrator Bethan Woollvin is joining Leicester Libraries to support the National Year of Reading 2026.

“Pick up a book and start an adventure of your own”

Whatever you’re into, read into it.

If you would like to borrow one of Bethan’s books, search our catalogue.

Thanks to Bethan and our friends at Whatever it Takes.

04/06/2026

Delivered by the

Keep It Clean, a comedy club just like any other - the only difference? This one's for everyone - so everything is a bit more silly, and it's all 100% clean material. Expect chaos, embarrassed dads, and truly laugh out loud moments for all the family!

Saturday 20 June
Pork Pie Library - 12noon - 1pm
The Brite Centre - 2 - 3pm

Sunday 21 June
Westcotes Library - 12noon -1pm
Belgrave Library - 2 -3pm

These are free events but booking is required via the relevant library or online: https://tinyurl.com/4w6jbcy3

04/06/2026

Belgrave Library will be closed from Monday 22nd June and will reopen on Monday 20th July.

During this time, a new carpet will be fitted in the library, and a library self-access system installed, ahead of new library opening times, which will be introduced in the Autumn.

Apologies for any incovenience.

Find out more: https://libraries.leicester.gov.uk/-/belgrave-library-improvements

03/06/2026

In partnership with Whatever it Takes, we are so excited to announce the results of Our Best Book 2026!

Congratulations to the authors of this year's top 3 books!

1st place: Dadbot by Jack Noel
2nd place: Shadowhall Academy: The Whispering Walls by Phil Hickes
3rd place: The Boy at the Window by Lucy Strange

Thank you to all the pupils and teachers who took part this year, we really hope you enjoyed it!

And a big thank you to all the wonderful authors, both on the longlist and the shortlist, for sharing their books with us!

If you would like to borrow any of the winning titles, search our catalogue for availability: https://libraries.leicester.gov.uk

See you next year!

Creative Learning Services

03/06/2026

Author’s on Tour 2026

Children’s author Rashmi Sirdeshpande is joining Leicester Libraries to support the National Year of Reading 2026.

“Whatever you are into there is a book out there waiting for you.”

If you live it, read it.

If you would like to borrow one of Rashmi’s books, search our catalogue for availability.

Thanks to Rashmi and our friends at Whatever it Takes.

03/06/2026

Unfortunately, due to essential maintenance the public computers, Wi-Fi and printing will be unavailable on:

📆Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June

Apologies for any inconvenience.

02/06/2026

Our BookBus will be there with lots of activities and storytelling. Find us at De Montfort University in the Story Corner. Come and say hi 👋

One week today until Leicester Riverside Festival. Check out our festival map with details of what we've got planned and follow us Leicester Festivals & Events for the latest updates.

01/06/2026

It's

Why not sign up to volunteer in your library this summer as part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat

A fantastic opportunity to:
🎸 support children reading
🎸 gain valuable work experience
🎸 have fun and make new friends

Find out more 👉 http://tiny.cc/LCCReadtotheBeat



Go All In 2026 The Reading Agency

01/06/2026

Authors on Tour 2026

Author Gareth P Jones is currently on tour with in Leicester schools. He is also joining Leicester Libraries to support the National Year of Reading 2026.

"I’m delighted to be joining Leicester Libraries to support the National Year of Reading 2026. Over the years Whatever It Takes has brought authors, poets & illustrators into schools, increasing engagement with books and encouraging creativity.

It is always wonderful to be involved with these brilliant people, who are working to make our world better, richer and more hopeful."

If you would like to borrow one of Gareth's books, search our catalogue for availability.

Thanks to Gareth and our friends at Whatever It Takes for sharing.