The Morrab Library

Super Storytime | Egg by Alex T. Smith with Jan Pearson
2024-04-11 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | Morrab Library
This Easter holiday Jan Pearson will be leading a ‘Super Storytime’ session at the library. She will be reading Alex T. Smith’s story ‘Egg’. When Foxy DuBois invites egg in for a bite to eat, she is in for a big surprise! There will be storytelling and craft activities inspired by the book too.
Super Storytime is a journey for 4 to 8-year-olds but there will be refreshments for the grown-ups they bring along! Booking is essential so please let us know if you would like to come along so we can make sure we have enough cake! All children will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Contact us at enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or telephone 01736 364474 to book a place.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).

The Morrab Library Spring Fair | Saturday 6th April 2024
2024-04-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Morrab Library
The Morrab Library Spring Fair will be taking place on Saturday 6th April 2024 from 10am until 2pm.
There will be stalls throughout the Library with lots of local makers showcasing their crafts, as well as plants, second hand books and historic photos for sale and a raffle. The much-loved refreshments room will return with delicious homemade cakes. Some of the stalls will be cash only, so please bring some along with you to help support your library.
The fair will take place in The Morrab Library, at the heart of Morrab Gardens in Penzance, and if the weather stays bright there will be stalls outside in the sunshine too. Members and non-members alike are all welcome, so please bring friends and family along too!

A Magical Mystery Tour of the English miniature from the Tudors to The Victorians | with Mark Cottle
2024-04-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Our next talk at The Morrab Library will be from Mark Cottle who will be returning to the Reading Room on Wednesday 3rd April at 2pm. His talk will be “A Magical Mystery Tour” of the English miniature from the Tudors to The Victorians.
From Holbein to the arrival of photography, the English have always kept a special place in their affections for the miniature. No other country has supported such an unbroken succession of miniature painting for so long. More closely bound up with people’s lives than any other art form, these portraits provide, in Sir Roy Strong’s happy image, a keyhole into the lives of Tudors, Stuarts, Georgians and Victorians.
The aim of Mark Cottle’s lecture is to provide a tour through three centuries of wonderful portraiture and the changing ages they represent: a tapestry of English history seen through the eyes of its miniaturists.
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 25th March. 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.

Uppercase brush script
2024-03-23 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
Saturday 23 March, 1:30-3:30pm. £10/person. All equipment plus refreshments provided
This workshop is for people who have already attended an introduction to modern calligraphy workshop. The session will feature uppercase brush script plus a brief introduction to other ways you can use brush pens.
Booking is essential for all workshops. Email e.farley27@gmail.com.
Emma is a life-long stationery addict, encouraging others to explore the joys of creative journaling and modern calligraphy, whilst improving their wellbeing. She has a PGCE, plus Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She’s also a Mental Health First Aider and Health and Wellbeing Coach.
Find out more: www.instagram.com/acornishgeekletters

Creative Journaling
2024-03-22 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-02-23 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-01-26 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
1:30-3:30pm. £10/person. Bring your own notebook. Refreshments provided. Optional £5 starter pack for newbies featuring a notebook, pen, and roll of washi tape

This monthly workshop is an opportunity for people to get together and journal in a safe space with plenty of goodies to play with. There is a loose structure, with templates, tips, and tricks, ensuring attendees get what they need from the session rather than following a strict plan.

Booking is essential for all workshops. Email e.farley27@gmail.com.

Emma is a life-long stationery addict, encouraging others to explore the joys of creative journaling and modern calligraphy, whilst improving their wellbeing. She has a PGCE, plus Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She’s also a Mental Health First Aider and Health and Wellbeing Coach.

Find out more: www.instagram.com/acornishgeekletters

Creative Journaling
2024-03-22 10:30 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
10:30-12:30pm. £10/person. Refreshments provided.

This workshop, sponsored by LSW, will run differently from the usual monthly sessions. Each attendee will receive a copy of Mind Notes, Morning Notes, and Habit Notes (worth over £60) to aid their journaling.

Attendees are also welcome to book on to the traditional afternoon workshop.

Booking is essential for all workshops. Email e.farley27@gmail.com.

Emma is a life-long stationery addict, encouraging others to explore the joys of creative journaling and modern calligraphy, whilst improving their wellbeing. She has a PGCE, plus Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She’s also a Mental Health First Aider and Health and Wellbeing Coach.

Find out more: www.instagram.com/acornishgeekletters

Solving Murder: Myth versus Method | With Tim Grattan-Kane
2024-03-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Join retired Metropolitan Police officer Tim Grattan-Kane for a fascinating insight into the most serious of crimes – murder. Based on his extensive experience over 32 years Tim will discuss the difference between the fictional, misfit detective and the authentic methodical approach.
He will also explore the definition of murder and linked crimes, the changes in investigation techniques and approaches, and developments in homicide investigation over recent years. During his career, Tim was commended 14 times and appeared on BBC Crimewatch twice, but as he points out, no one picked him out!
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 Thursday 7th March.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Journey into the Unconscious: Meditations on Dreams and Archetypes [workshop]
2024-03-14 10:30 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
Embark on a transformative exploration of the mind’s hidden realms in our immersive workshop. Led by Darren Harper, this is a unique opportunity to delve into the profound teachings of Carl Jung and the rich tapestry of the collective unconscious. This workshop is perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the unconscious mind, dream symbolism, and the transformative power of meditation. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, join us for an enriching experience that combines knowledge, self-reflection, and inner exploration.
£10.50 [or pay what you can afford]
Either use the link to eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/839920503837?aff=oddtdtcreator or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com

Charlotte Perkins Gilman: The Radical Vision of Feminist Utopia
2024-03-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
Embark on a captivating exploration of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s radical feminist vision in this half-day course. Delve into the challenges faced by women in the late 19th century and uncover Gilman’s utopian ideals through engaging discussions and activities. Discover the profound relevance of her ideas in today’s context, pondering how her vision of gender equality and societal transformation continues to resonate. Join us for an enlightening journey into the thought of a trailblazing feminist whose vision transcends time.
£14 [or pay what you can afford]
Either use the link to eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/839914215027?aff=oddtdtcreator or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com

An Introduction to Islamic Philosophy: Sufism and Mystical Wisdom
2024-03-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
Ever wondered about the mystical dimensions of Islam? In this half-day course we will explore the poetry of Rumi and dive into the enigmatic realm of spiritual experience, love, and unity with the divine. How does Sufism challenge our conventional understanding of Islam, and in what ways can these mystical teachings contribute to personal growth? Join us for a transformative journey of contemplation and connection on this illuminating exploration.
£14 [or pay as you feel]
Either use the link to Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/839918016397?aff=oddtdtcreator or email darrenharper.esq@gmail.com

Creative wellbeing workshop: Victorian puzzle purses
2024-03-08 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
Friday 8 March, 1:30-3:30pm
£15/person. All equipment provided, plus refreshments

Make a Victorian puzzle purse as a gift for a loved one or a self-care reminder for yourself. You will be given a folded template to decorate yourself, with a selection of stationery and prompts to explore.

Booking is essential for all workshops. Email e.farley27@gmail.com.

Emma is a life-long stationery addict, encouraging others to explore the joys of creative journaling and modern calligraphy, whilst improving their wellbeing. She has a PGCE, plus Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She’s also a Mental Health First Aider and Health and Wellbeing Coach.

Find out more: www.instagram.com/acornishgeekletters

Cornish language in West Penwith during the 19th Century with Kensa Broadhurst | Library Talks
2024-03-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Kensa Broadhurst will be giving a talk about the Cornish language in West Penwith during the 19th Century at The Morrab Library on Wednesday 6th March at 2pm.
Several items in the Morrab Library collection offer us insights into how Cornish was being spoken, used, and regarded during the nineteenth century in West Penwith. The Reverend Wladislaw Lach-Szyrma of Newlyn carried out investigations into the use of Cornish during the 1870s and worked to promote the language. He instigated an essay prize, the entries for which are held in the Morrab’s archives. At the same time, Cornish was featuring in regional newspapers and novels. What do these sources tell us about how Cornish was being used during the nineteenth century and what this means for the wider history and status of the language?
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 26th February.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

EMBROIDER A BEE: And learn about and help our wild bees
2024-03-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
This is a project to create a huge art quilt. The project aims to raise awareness of the loss of biodiversity, explore the nearly 300 kinds of bees we have in this country and help people develop their embroidery skills.
It is a long term project and it is hoped that the final artwork will be exhibited to raise donations for wildlife projects.
Please bring a small hoop and a needle, and any embroidery threads and/or cream or white fabric that you have. Old linen napkins and tablecloths are great. This is an unfunded project but I do have a few materials. If you have any embroidery threads , a needle and scissors that would be very helpful – otherwise just book and turn up
More detail about the project is contained in two videos

is a lovely introduction https://vimeo.com/724988781/f27d4ca421
is a how to video https://vimeo.com/766141264/365f9de6db

Complete beginners are very welcome.
This is an unfunded workshop to produce bees to add to the project. Please pay what you can – we suggest £3 to £5.
Places are limited – book this workshop by email Vickyvicks@btinternet.com or text 07834287562. Vicks x

Mark Cottle talk at The Acorn | Studies in Leadership: Elizabeth I & Churchill
2024-02-29 19:30 - 21:30 | The Acorn Theatre
Mark Cottle returns to the ACORN Theatre in Penzance for an evening of illustrated talks.
The event focuses on two leaders in very different times and places – Elizabeth I and Winston Churchill. Both were to face invasion and defeat. Both succeeded against the odds. The illustrated talks focus on the life, times and leadership qualities of Elizabeth I and Churchill in turn. Both leaders were unique, but points of comparison and contrast arise to give insights into leadership qualities we may see as timeless.
Mark Cottle is a freelance lecturer with many years’ experience in lecturing at home and abroad. He lives in Devon and is a frequent visitor to Penzance – giving illustrated talks at Morrab Library and institutions around the world.
Tickets are £10 per Adult and £8 for under 16s and are available to book from The Acorn Theatre Box Office (www.theacornpenzance.com or by calling the Box Office on 01736 363545).

The History of the Children’s Novelty Book With Dr Ian Alcock
2024-02-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
Alongside conventional children’s books, where pictures and stories entertain and educate, there are novelty formats, where pictures transform themselves, come to life on the page, pop up off the page, break into sound or invite interactive participation through an array of gimmicks. Tens of millions of children have lifted flaps to solve the Where’s Spot? conundrum, or peeped through the page holes in The Very Hungry Caterpillar. They can seem like the latest thing, but children have had novelty books for as long as they have had books.
Dr Ian Alcock has published articles on the early history of novelty books. His illustrated talk will plot their development from the 18th century and is appropriate for children aged 9-99.
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 12th February. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support Morrab Library (suggested £5).Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Super Storytime | ‘Hugh Shampoo’ by Karen George with Storyteller Jan Pearson
2024-02-15 10:30 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
Do you hate having your hair washed? Do you wish your parents would just leave you and your hair alone? If that’s how you feel you’ll love this story about Hugh Shampoo a boy who will NOT wash his hair!
Jan will be reading Karen George’s story ‘Hugh Shampoo’. Join our storytelling session with Jan and enjoy some craft activities too.
Super Storytime is a journey for 4 to 8-year-olds but there will be refreshments for the grown-ups they bring along! Booking is essential so please let us know if you would like to come along so we can make sure we have enough cake! All children will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Contact us at enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or telephone 01736 364474 to book a place.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).

The Holy Wells of Cornwall
2024-02-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
One of our brilliant volunteers, Guy English, will be giving a talk entitled ‘The Holy Wells of Cornwall’ at Morrab Library on Wednesday 14th February (2pm).
This is a story of searching for Cornwall’s Holy Wells, first in chance encounters, then by turns curiously, obsessively, finally doggedly. For five years Guy English and his late wife Catharine scoured the county, following the previous authors, but also checking maps, streams, apparently pointless footpaths, and in the process found more than twenty wells not previously recorded.
Their hope is the book will encourage others to seek these wells. Some are special for beauty, for remoteness, for the spiritual sense that many recognise, or for the stories which have accreted over time. At the very least, there are some good walks, and the discovery of parts of Cornwall not to be missed.
But this is also a story of their partnership, and something of a memorial, being one part of the huge legacy of art and poetry left by Guy’s wife of fifty 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 Monday 5th February. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Writing About William Morris: A Talk by James Lee
2024-02-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
James Lee will be giving a talk about his latest novel at Morrab Library on Saturday 10th February.
Topsy & Co. is centred on the life of one of the most iconic figures of the 19th century – William Morris. It shines a light on the network of writers and artists connected to him (e.g. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Lizzie Siddal, Jane Morris, Edward Burne-Jones, Algernon Swinburne) and chronicles William Morris’s epic journey from naïve romantic to political activist and acclaimed designer, poet, and novelist.
James lives in Cornwall, and Topsy & Co. is his third novel.
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 29th January.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Introduction to modern calligraphy
2024-02-10 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
Saturday 10 February
1:30-3:30pm, £10/person. All equipment provided, plus refreshments.

Learn the basic strokes of brush lettering and how these come together to form letters and words. The session will feature lowercase brush script plus a brief introduction to other ways you can use brush pens.

Booking is essential for all workshops. Email e.farley27@gmail.com.

Emma is a life-long stationery addict, encouraging others to explore the joys of creative journaling and modern calligraphy, whilst improving their wellbeing. She has a PGCE, plus Level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. She’s also a Mental Health First Aider and Health and Wellbeing Coach.

Find out more: www.instagram.com/acornishgeekletters

Walking in West Cornwall with my Great Aunt Hilde, Murdered in Auschwitz. Some Poems.
2024-01-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Ben Barkow will be reading some poems that he has written about his family’s experiences during the Holocaust, especially his great aunt Hilde and her siblings, who included his grandfather. He will introduce the poems with a description of the background and how he came to write them.
Ben Barkow was born in Berlin but grew up and was educated in London. He worked for 30 years at the Wiener Holocaust Library, 20 of them as its Director. The Wiener Holocaust Library is the oldest collection of books and archives on the Holocaust in the world and the UK’s largest. He retired from there in 2019.
Today he chairs the Academic Advisory Board of the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, which is establishing the UK’s national Holocaust Memorial next to the Houses of Parliament.
He is a Trustee of the Holocaust Centre North, a survivor organisation based in Leeds and Huddersfield, as well as the Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation. In 2022 he was awarded the CBE for services to Holocaust commemoration and education. He has published a number of books.
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 22nd January. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Join us for Christmas Super Storytime
2023-12-21 10:30 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth
Percy the park keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives. But one cold winter’s night Percy discovers that his little friends need more than food and he must find a way to help them.
Join us at Morrab Library for a snowtastic ‘Super Winter Storytime’. Wear something white and we’ll conjure up the magic of a snowy day with a story and activity.
Storytime will be led by Jak Stringer, former librarian of Heamoor CP School, who believes in the creative superpower of a good story and activity.
This is a journey for 4 to 8-year-olds but there will also be refreshments provided for the grown-ups that they bring along.
Booking is essential, so please let us know if you would like to come along so we can make sure we have enough cake! All children will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support the Library (suggested £5). Contact us at enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or telephone 01736 364474 to book a place.

Drop in session to meet the new Artists in Residence
2023-12-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
You are warmly invited to a ‘drop-in’ session to meet our new Artists in Residence. It will be held in the Reading Room on the 15th December from 10 – 12. Pop in to see their work and chat to them more about their creative practice.
Here is a blog post where you can read all about their residency.

EMBROIDER A BEE: And learn about and help our wild bees
2023-12-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
NEW DATE ADDED: Tuesday 12th December, 10-12
This is a project to create a huge art quilt. The project aims to raise awareness of the loss of biodiversity, explore the nearly 300 kinds of bees we have in this country and help people develop their embroidery skills.
It is a long term project and it is hoped that the final artwork will be exhibited to raise donations for wildlife projects.
Please bring a small hoop and a needle, and any embroidery threads and/or cream or white fabric that you have. Old linen napkins and tablecloths are great. This is an unfunded project but I do have a few materials. If you have any embroidery threads , a needle and scissors that would be very helpful – otherwise just book and turn up
More detail about the project is contained in two videos

is a lovely introduction https://vimeo.com/724988781/f27d4ca421
is a how to video https://vimeo.com/766141264/365f9de6db

Complete beginners are very welcome.
This is an unfunded workshop to produce bees to add to the project. Please pay what you can – we suggest £3 to £5.
Places are limited – book this workshop by email Vickyvicks@btinternet.com or text 07834287562. Vicks x

Morrab Library Members' Christmas Party
2023-12-09 13:00 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
Join us on Saturday 9th December from 1pm for some festive fun at the Morrab Library Christmas party!
There will be a free drink on arrival, a cash bar by donation, seasonal nibbles and a raffle too.
And back by popular demand, the Mousehole Male Voice Choir will once again be performing some wonderful seasonal songs.
We look forward to seeing you there for a mince pie and good cheer!
The Trustees and staff of the Morrab Library.

The life and good works of John Passmore Edwards | A talk from Morrab Library Trustee, Paul Phillips
2023-12-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
We’re delighted that our next talk at the library will be given by Paul Phillips, one of the Trustees at Morrab Library. On Wednesday 6th December at 2pm in the Reading Room, Paul will be talking about the life of the remarkable John Passmore Edwards.
Passmore Edwards was born at Blackwater, near Redruth in 1823, the son of a carpenter. Through his good works which were not without many a setback over the years, he became Cornwall’s most generous philanthropist, donating a mixture of schools, hospitals, convalescent homes, reading rooms, galleries and more. Passmore Edwards met with adversity throughout his lifetime of giving to the Nation, from Newlyn to Clacton out on the East coast.
Paul Phillips was born in Leedstown in 1937, from there he attended Helston Grammar school, travelling on the Helston Branch line. Paul joined the Metropolitan Police Cadet Force which led to him joining the Adult Police Force. He returned to his native Cornwall in 1967 on the day that the Torrey Canyon hit the rocks off Lands End. Since those early days Paul’s journey has taken many turns and diversions including being Barded for his exceptional work in preserving and recording Cornwall’s rich dialect in 2019.
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 27th November. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.

Rare Books Open Day at the Morrab Library
2023-11-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
The Morrab Library holds a vast array of rare, historic and important books in its collections. The most special of all are locked away, available to view by appointment, but rarely seen.

On Thursday 30th November, the library will host an Open Day, where some of the finest examples of published works from our collections will be on display. Included will be works by Dickens, Aristotle, Chaucer, Pliny the Elder, Spenser, Dante, Clemo, Milton as well as important and rare Cornish volumes.
These collections have been donated and collected over the last 200 years and this is an opportunity to get to know about some of the important and special items we care for.
A number of our titles are in need of conservation, so if you are inspired to make a donation towards the care of these incredible collections, we would be very grateful.
You don’t need to book, just drop in on the day. We look forward to seeing you on the 30th.

The SAD Detective: Expert advice on writing a novel, and how to ignore it | with Colin Stringer
2023-11-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
The next talk at Morrab Library will be taking place on Wednesday 29th November at 2pm.
Before writing his novel, ‘The SAD Detective’, Colin Stringer sought advice from the Open University and the internet. He has compiled a top ten of the suggestions that he discovered, which is almost as funny as the book he ended up writing.
His talk will be a humorous account of the novel writing process, punctuated with songs, poems and anecdotes. Colin will share his findings with the audience, to provide an afternoon’s entertainment and to give himself a day off from teaching tennis!
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 20th November. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support Morrab Library (suggested £5). Refreshments will be provided after the talk.
