Free tour of The Morrab Library
2025-10-17 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-24 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-31 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-07 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-14 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-28 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-05 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-12 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) and 1 more date | Morrab Library
All are welcome to join a free guided tour of The Morrab Library every Friday at 2pm. This is an opportunity to learn more about our beautiful independent Library and the collections within.
The tour begins at 2pm, it is drop-in and there is no need to book. If you plan to bring a large group (6+ people) please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate you.
For accessibility information, please click here.
We also welcome visitors to the Library at any time during our opening hours (10am – 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday) when you are welcome to pick up a map of the Library at the front desk and explore the library

Artist in residence – Claire Lucas “In My Element” | 14th – 18th October
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00
Our latest artist-in-residence Claire Lucas has been hard at work since August, working on her project entitled “In My Element”.
Her residency culminates (or possibly starts its next phase!) in the week of 14th-18th October, when Claire will exhibit her work in the Elizabeth Treffry Room and deliver a talk about her time with us. Over the last few months, she has been drawing small pencil portraits of members, volunteers and staff, as well as capturing their thoughts about the library, which will be on display. Over the course of next week, Claire will be working on more portraits, and asking anyone who’d like to, to help her create a collaborative piece of integrated art and writing, that celebrates the theme of ‘in my element’ in the library community.
Claire will be in situ in the Elizabeth Treffry Room all day Tuesday, Thursday afternoon, all day Friday and on Saturday morning, so please drop in to see her work and say hello, and take part if you would like to. The exhibition will be open to see all week.
Claire will also be giving a talk on Saturday the 18th at 2pm about her residency, and the process of using creativity to find your way home to yourself, and how place, space, surroundings and shared experiences can be the ‘element’ in which this process comes alive. Get in touch with the library to join the ballot.
You can read more about Claire, her work and her residency on this blog: https://morrablibrary.org.uk/clairelucas/

In My Element - a talk by Claire Lucas
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Our next Library talk will be with Claire Lucas presenting, “In My Element” – Stories and Images From the Library. This will take place in the Reading Room from 2pm-3pm on Saturday 18th October.
Claire will reflect on her time as Artist in Residence at The Morrab Library. She will talk about her project “In My Element”, where she spent time with her sketchbook and journal, collecting stories and images from members, visitors, staff and volunteers.
Claire sought insight into what the library means to them, how it provides a safe haven to those seeking to deepen their connection to their creative self, and finding their way back home to themselves through books, memories, community and creative pursuits. Claire will share stories and images from the people she met throughout her residency, highlighting what makes our library such a special place.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closes on Wednesday 8th October.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).
Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Library Talks l Dr Russell Blacker - Musical archeology: the reconstruction of eleven works from the Eton Choirbook.
2025-10-22 14:00 - 15:00
The Eton Choirbook is one of only three manuscripts of English polyphonic music to have survived from the pre-Reformation world. Although a third of the manuscript has been lost over time enough remains of eleven incomplete works to be able to reconstruct and perform them. This is what musicologist Dr Russell Blacker and professional choir Selene under the direction of Dan Gilchrist have been able to achieve. In many cases the music that emerges is the only surviving work of talented composers who would otherwise remain completely unknown.
This will be an illustrated talk showing the music before and after reconstruction and including clips from the two CDs in which these works are being heard for the first time in over 500 years.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system.
Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closes on 13th October.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).
Copies of CDs and scores will be available to purchase at the event.
Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Relaxed Relaxed Book Group at The Morrab Library
2025-10-28 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
About the group:
A friendly group for anyone who loves books but doesn’t want the pressure of a traditional book club.
Rather than reading a specific book, we share what’s on our bookshelf or simply come for tea, biscuits and company in the beautiful book-filled atmosphere of The Morrab library.
No library membership is required and there’s no compulsory reading list.
Audiobook listeners are just as welcome as traditional readers.
We explore all types of books, swap books and share recommendations. Our discussions focus on what we’re looking for in a book and whether and when, we’ve found it.
When: The last Tuesday of the month, from 2pm-3pm. The first session will take place on Tuesday 25th March
Where: The Morrab Library, Morrab Gardens, Penzance, TR18 4DA
How to book: To join the group contact Jo Buckingham by email jo.buckingham.palace@gmail.com
Suggested donation £3.
About the group leader:
Joanna Buckingham started her first relaxed book group with friends in 2019 and got the idea of starting one at Morrab Library when working as a social prescriber as a way of creating supportive communities.
She loves the camaraderie and support of doing things in groups and the immersive experience of reading. She loves reading widely across many genres.
She’s organised group events and experiences in such diverse locations as tall ships and tin mines.
Joanna has set up and supported numerous groups whilst working in the museum and adventurous activity industry and as a social prescriber.
She is a level 3 trained counsellor and knows the importance of both being a good listener and having a good book to fall back on in times of need (Cold Comfort farm by Stella Gibbons always works for her)

Library Talks l “Three Nicholson Women” (Edie and daughters Anne and Liza) with Tim Newman
2025-11-12 14:00 - 15:00
Our next Library talk will be with Tim Newman, as he discusses “Three Nicholson Women (Edie and daughters Anne and Liza)”. This will take place in the Reading Room from 2pm-3pm on Wednesday 12th November.
Focusing particularly on Anne (Stuart-Wortley) and her artwork, this talk aims to bring out from the sidelines three less well known members of the extended Nicholson family. It is based on Tim’s fortuitous meeting with Liza in the summer of 1975, and their friendship and adventures from then on which led to his friendship with Anne until her death in 2005.
This very personal and anecdotal presentation weaves together Tim’s friendships with both daughters, each of whom had connections to the far west of Cornwall. Anne attended several painting holidays with Charles Breaker, whilst Liza made regular visits to stay with Tim in and around Penzance.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system.
Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closes on Monday 3rd November.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).

John le Carre Memorial Lecture | "Living with My Father and Writing into his World" with With Nick Harkaway
2025-11-16 18:30 - 20:30 | The Acorn Theatre
Nick Harkaway, author of the Sunday Times Bestseller ‘Karla’s Choice’ and son of John le Carré, will give the second John le Carré Memorial Lecture at The Acorn Theatre in Penzance.
Nick’s novel ‘Karla’s Choice’ is written into the world of George Smiley’s Circus and fits in between Le Carré’s ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ and ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’.
Nick has published eight other novels including ‘The Price You Pay’ which is currently being televised as “Kill Jackie”. He is working on a sequel to ‘Karla’s Choice’ and in this lecture will speak to us about his life with his parents, the place that Cornwall holds in his heart, and writing into his father’s world.
John le Carré was a great supporter of the library, serving as its President and Patron. The lecture is organised by The Morrab Library in association with The West Cornwall Arts Society and the Edge of the World bookshop.
Tickets available from The Acorn Theatre website and Box Office: https://www.theacornpenzance.com/events/john-le-carre-memorial-lecture/

NO LIBRARY TOUR THIS WEEK
2025-11-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library

The Morrab Library Christmas Fair 2025
2025-11-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Morrab Library
Yes, it’s that time already!
We hope you can join us for the annual Morrab Library Christmas Fair on Saturday 22nd November, 10.00am – 2.00pm.
The Fair will feature lots of stalls from West Cornwall’s local makers – a perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping and support your library at the same time. There will be second-hand books and historic photographs for sale, and our wonderful refreshments room with delicious homemade treats. And try your luck with our raffle, which will feature some wonderful prizes.
Some stalls will only be able to accept cash so please bring some along with you. Members and non-members alike are welcome, so please spread the word!
We look forward to seeing you there.

Library Talks I Medieval wall paintings of Cornwall with Laura Miucci
2025-11-26 14:00 - 15:00
Come on a journey around Cornwall, exploring all of the currently known Medieval wall paintings in its parish churches. We will explore their saintly connections, historical context, associated features, and some more recent news! The talk will conclude with a case study, delving into the Victorian restoration work of St Just in Penwith parish church.
Laura is a qualified archaeologist, teacher and spoken word artist. From St Just in Penwith, she spent many days and nights in Penzance growing up, and is delighted to return to give you an archaeological talk.
With a particular interest in ceramics, including the conservation of wall paintings, we will discover some of Cornwall’s secrets of the saints, as we journey through Cornish wall paintings.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system.
Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closes on Monday 17th November.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).
Laura is raising money for her CIC, Lore & Piece, after her talk – any donations will be gratefully recieved.
Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Morrab Library Members Christmas Party 2025
2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:30
We are delighted to invite our members to the Morrab Library Members Christmas Party on Saturday 6th December from 1:00pm – 3:30pm for some festive fun!
There will be a donations bar (cash or card accepted). And there’ll be some excellent prizes in our raffle.
This year, as our membership continues to grow, and we face increasing operational costs to maintain the library, we are asking members to bring a plate of food with them to share – savoury or sweet, any contribution would be welcome.*
At 2.00pm, our friends from the Mousehole Male Voice Choir will return to perform some festive carols and shanties.
Please join us to celebrate another happy year at The Morrab Library.

FULLY BOOKED Library Talks | Mrs Dalloway, The Centenary Year: ‘Art, Modernism & War’
2025-12-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
PLEASE NOTE: This talk is fully booked.
Our next Library talk comes from returning speaker, Sarah Latham-Phillips, MA. On Wednesday 10th December (2pm-3pm) she will be speaking about Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway in the centenary year of the novel.
Sarah’s illustrated talk will place Virginia Woolf in the context of Modernism and the contemporary art and literature scene, explaining briefly the key changes from Victorian to Modernist literature.
She will then highlight these new modernist ideas in Woolf’s writing of Mrs Dalloway: stream of consciousness, rhythm, time, multiple viewpoints, fragmentation, perspective, psychology and light and reflection. She will also consider the subjects of war, shell shock and London.
Illustrating her talk, Sarah will use the ideas of Roger Fry, Clive Bell and the Post Impressionist Exhibitions in London of 1910 and 1912, the influences particularly of Picasso, Matisse and Cezanne and will add some stunning First World War paintings by CRW Nevinson and Paul Nash, amongst others.
Sarah Latham Phillips, MA is a member of the executive council of the Virginia Woolf Society of Great Britain, a freelance lecturer in Art History and English Literature, and has published on Virginia Woolf as a Cubist Writer.
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot for a ticket. The ballot closed on Monday 18th August. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Free tour of The Morrab Library
2026-01-09 14:00 - 15:00
