Barbican Library - City of London Libraries

26/08/2026

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

📚 Every child has a story to tell - BBC 500 words is BACK!!

BBC 500 Words is the UK’s largest story-writing competition for 5–11 year-olds. Entries open at 8am on Tuesday 29 September and close at 9pm on Friday 6 November 2026.

BBC 500 Words is open to children wherever they are and however they learn. Whether they’re in school, learning in hospital, or home educated, every child can have a go at writing their own story.

The competition is all about creativity, and spelling, punctuation and grammar aren’t marked so children can focus on their ideas and let their imaginations lead the way.

Find resources to help inspire children here and get involved at bbc.co.uk/500words.

25/08/2026

Did you know that we have memory bags that you can borrow for free from Barbican & Community Libraries?

These memory bags have been carefully put together to include a variety of multi sensory items such as books, CDs, DVDs, ephemera & more that are intended to trigger memories and guide conversations about the past.

Reminiscence is beneficial for everyone, as well as those at various stages of memory loss or those with communication difficulties. They can also be a great social, creative and learning tool for people and children of all ages.

There are bags available on lots of different themes such as WWII, 1950s, 1970s, pastimes, London and more.

Ask about them in one of our libraries or have a look at our webpage for more information https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/libraries/libraries-and-wellbeing/memory-bags



Shoe Lane Library - City of London Libraries Artizan Street Library and Community Centre - City of London Libraries

25/08/2026

Pop into Artizan Street Library tomorrow at 2pm and join storyteller Paul Rubinstein for some songs and stories suitable for kids of all ages. It’s gonna be fun! barbicanandcommunitylibraries

21/08/2026

Just a reminder that it's not too late to register to join us and our friends at Borrowbox for an exclusive free live online event with Matt Haig on the 7th of September at 10am! Don’t miss the internationally bestselling author of The Midnight Library and Reasons to Stay Alive, as he talks books, ideas and his latest novel The Midnight Train, followed by a live audience Q&A. Hosted by BorrowBox.
To register for the event go to https://tinyurl.com/borrowbox-matt-haig



Shoe Lane Library - City of London Libraries Artizan Street Library and Community Centre - City of London Libraries

15/08/2026

eAudiobook titles have been added to Borrowbox for August, here are a selection, but why not login to the Borrowbox app and have a browse.



Shoe Lane Library - City of London Libraries Artizan Street Library and Community Centre - City of London Libraries

15/08/2026

We've added lots of eBook and eAudiobook titles to Libby this month, and here is a taster, but why not login to the Libby app and have a look.



Shoe Lane Library - City of London Libraries Artizan Street Library and Community Centre - City of London Libraries

14/08/2026

Have you tried our August audiobook of the month on Libby yet? This month it is Seriously Silly an intimate portrait of Terry Jones - Python, actor, director, historian, reluctant national treasure and purveyor of sincere silliness. This audiobook edition is read by Eric Idle and is available with no waiting lists.



Shoe Lane Library - City of London Libraries Artizan Street Library and Community Centre - City of London Libraries