The Morrab Library

The Scillies and the Sea: A History with Mark Cottle
2025-03-19 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | Morrab Library
“Always the sea rules us. We are born to its sound, and its voice is forever in our hearts.”
Mark Cottle will be returning to the Reading Room at The Morrab Library to give an illustrated talk on the history of the Isles of Scilly in relationship to the sea.
Mark is a former teacher but now a freelance lecturer with many years’ experience in lecturing. He lives in Devon, but he was born and bred on the Isles of Scilly, spending his childhood on both St Marys and Tresco. Mark is a frequent visitor to Penzance – giving illustrated talks at The Morrab Library and institutions around the world.
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 10th March.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).

Free tour of The Morrab Library
2025-03-21 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-28 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-04 14:00 - 15:00 | 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.

Penzance Orchestral Society Concert at St John's Hall (with refreshments from The Morrab Library)
2025-03-22 18:00 - 19:30 | St John’s Hall, Alverton Street, Penzance, TR18 2QR
Performed by Penzance Orchestral Society
Tim Boulton (Conductor)
Emma Stansfield (Leader)
Reuben Hesser (Percussionist)
Synaesthesia – Hearing Colours
A concert of music by composers who heard and hear music in colour!
Programme includes:
Mozart: ‘Paris Symphony’ K297
Amy Beach: Bal Masque
Ben Comeau: Neon Numbers with percussion soloist Reuben Hesser
Sibelius: Symphony No 5
Tickets: £15/£10
Age 26 and under free
Running time 90mins (inc. interval)
Wheelchair accessible
Parking available at St Johns Hall and local car parks
Book your ticket here: https://www.minack.com/whats-on/synaesthesia-hearing-colours
Refreshments to support The Morrab Library

Hand stitch – fun experimental embroidery with Vicks Harrison
2025-03-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
Hand stitch – fun experimental embroidery with Vicks Harrison at The Morrab Library.
Tuesday 25th March – Experimental and fun embroidery into paper and card . You will be weaving some paper, making lots of holes and learning some surface embroidery stitches – its loads of fun
These workshops are £15. Check times on each workshop (on the poster below).
Workshops are suitable for people who have some basic embroidery skills. For all workshops you need to bring a small hoop and a firm piece of fabric to stick in it. Dressmaking weight scissors and if you have them needles and threads.
Please email vickyvicks@btinternet.com to book a place and for further information.

Relaxed Book Group at The Morrab Library
2025-03-25 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)

Art Club | Art and Soul sessions with Faye Dobinson
2025-03-26 10:30 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
Join artist Faye Dobinson for these weekly sessions centring creative play, experimentation and discovery. Fuelled by humour, enthusiasm, curiosity and love, and taking place in the magical Morrab Library,
Sessions last 2 hours from 10.30am-12.30pm, cost £15 with ALL materials included and all levels are welcome.
Booking link here.

Archives Open Day
2025-03-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Come and explore our Library’s Archives
Thursday 27th March from 10am – 3pm
Join us as we once again delve into The Morrab Library’s archive collection to bring you some more of its treasures. The Archive Open Day will be held in the Reading Room between 10am-3pm on Thursday 27th March.
At this Open Day, you’ll be able to see a variety of fascinating items from our extensive paper archive collections. These include a section of a 14th century Papal Decree, beautiful bookplates designed by E.W. Oldham, an old Penzance train timetable, a 19th century map of the mining districts of West Cornwall, and much, much more.
These collections have been donated and collected over the last 200 years and this is an opportunity to get to know about the some of the important and special items we care for.
You don’t need to book, just drop in, and if you are inspired to make a donation towards the care of these incredible collections on the day, we would be very grateful.

Joy of Art (Spring term) - with artist Claire Lucas
2025-03-27 10:15 - 12:30, 2025-04-10 10:15 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
Fortnightly art class for all levels of ability. Claire will provide inspiration and guidance for participants to explore subject matter and media best suited to their skills and character; helping them to discover (or deepen) their relationship with the artist within!
£125 for 6 sessions or £25/class if dropping in occasionally (priority is given to those who commit to coming for 6 classes)
Call Claire on 07532174802 or email clairelucasartist@yahoo.com
Claire is a practicing artist (Falmouth School of Art graduate), with over 30 years experience of teaching art in community venues and further education colleges. She specialises in providing an encouraging and safe space in which even the most fearful or lacking in confidence student can discover their joy for art, and create artworks that they are proud of!

Creative Journaling with Emma Farley
2025-03-28 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
Join us for a creative journaling session focused on enhancing your wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, boost creativity, or increase self-awareness, journaling offers powerful benefits. In a safe, supportive space, connect with like-minded individuals and explore mindfulness, self reflection, and planning through guided prompts and templates. This session is open to all abilities, offering a chance for self expression and personal growth at your own pace.
Bring your own notebook. All other equipment is provided, including pens, washi tape, stencils, stickers, glue, scissors, and more. Tickets are £10/person. Booking is essential. 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

Getting Started With Your Story | Creative Writing with Peter McAllister
2025-03-29 10:00 - 12:15 | Morrab Library
A fun, productive workshop for adults that will help you get going with writing the story you’ve always wanted to.
Whether you’re starting from scratch, picking a project back up that you began some time ago or just interested in writing in general, this is an event for you in which we will explore how to:
Get going on a new writing project or continue an existing one
Come up with ideas for what to write
Build up your writing confidence and portfolio
Leverage new techniques and specialised skills
Discover and perfect your writer’s voice
Know what to look for when editing/redrafting your work.
You’ll write lots on this workshop and read anything aloud that you’d like to (no pressure if you’d rather not). Should you wish, you’ll receive positive, constructive feedback on your writing and will leave with a clearer understanding of the direction your work should take – be that something you’ve already been working on, or something you develop during this workshop
Click here to book a place at this workshop.
Click here to read more about the full writing course and future workshops. Click here to read more about Peter McAllister, The Morrab Library Writer in Residence.

About Your Tutor: Peter McAllister
Peter is a writer, educator and publisher of prose fiction. He studied English Literature at The University of Cambridge, was awarded a Distinction for his MA in Creative Writing and now lectures at the University of Hull. He is the editor and co-founder of Inkfish Magazine and a committee member for the Penzance Literary Festival.
Peter’s writing builds layers of narrative through linked pieces that result in profound moments of self-realisation or dramatic action. He has been shortlisted and highly commended in several International Literary Prizes for his short-form fiction and poetry. His work been published online, in print journals and numerous anthologies.

Embroider a bee and learn about our wild bees
2025-04-01 10:00 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
Vicks Harrison started the Embroidered Bees Project in 2019 to raise awareness of the loss of biodiversity. The project will create a huge art quilt to help people develop their embroidery skills and learn more about the nearly 300 kinds of bees we have in this country and. It is a long term project and it is hoped that the final artwork will be exhibited to raise donations for wildlife projects. This workshop will be an opportunity to produce embroidered bees to be added to the project. Complete beginners are very welcome. More detail about the project is contained in two videos 1) is a lovely introduction https://vimeo.com/724988781/f27d4ca421 2) is a how to video https://vimeo.com/766141264/365f9de6db 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 Vicks does have a few materials. If you have any embroidery thread, a needle and scissors that would be very helpful – otherwise just book and turn up Please pay what you can – we suggest £3 to £5. Places are limited and booking is essential so please email Vickyvicks@btinternet.com or text 07834287562 to book a place.

Art Club | The Art and Soul Sessions with Faye Dobinson
2025-04-02 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-04-09 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-04-16 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-04-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Morrab Library

Library Talks | Rapture Bound (Unbound) with Janet Levy
2025-04-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
On Wednesday 2nd April (2pm) we will be welcoming Janet Levy, an American-Swiss sculptor and curator currently based in Los Angeles, to The Morrab Library to give a talk about her work.
Janet will share her influences and reference materials from Cornwall, including her previous exhibition, Rapture Bound, at Anchor Studio in Newlyn, which will be presented in her upcoming book Rapture Bound (Unbound).
Janet’s work draws from a range of influences including Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures, Ithell Colquhoun’s writings, Ian Cooke’s Mermaid to Merrymaid: Journey to the Stones and Newlyn Harbour. In this talk at the Library she’ll illuminate the connection and inspiration between her work and local stones, books, people and places.
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 24th 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.

Spring gelli printing with Emma Farley
2025-04-04 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
Suitable for beginners and experienced gelli printers, this session is dedicated to spring themed prints. Bring your own gelli plate/s. Everything else is supplied, including a selection of dried and fresh flowers.
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

Hand stitch – fun experimental embroidery with Vicks Harrison
2025-04-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
Hand stitch – fun experimental embroidery with Vicks Harrison at The Morrab Library.
Tuesday 8th April – making fabric and knotted cords. Please bring small scraps of lightweight fabrcs, beads etc if you want to use them but otherwise everything is provided.
These workshops are £15. Check times on each workshop (on the poster below).
Workshops are suitable for people who have some basic embroidery skills. For all workshops you need to bring a small hoop and a firm piece of fabric to stick in it. Dressmaking weight scissors and if you have them needles and threads.
Please email vickyvicks@btinternet.com to book a place and for further information.

Library Talks | 'The Arts Trail Killer' with Emylia Hall
2025-04-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
We’re thrilled that Emylia Hall is returning to The Morrab Library to introduce The Arts Trail Killer, the fifth novel in her bestselling Shell House Detectives mystery series. She will be giving a talk in the Reading Room on Wednesday 9th April from 2pm-3pm.
It’s springtime on the Cornish coast and Porthpella’s artistic community are throwing open their doors, welcoming visitors to the annual Arts Trail. But after a murder at the opening-night party, the light atmosphere soon darkens …
Emylia’s gorgeously escapist Cosy Crime series has drawn praise from the likes of Elly Griffiths and Sarah Winman – and was described by one reader as ‘Agatha Christie meets Coronation Street’ (!).

With The Arts Trail Killer hot off the press, learn how the author keeps coming up with her twisty plots, how the landscape directly inspires her, and what’s next for her super sleuths, Ally and Jayden.
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 31st March. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).

www.emyliahall.com
@emyliahall_author

Super Storytime | 'Jenny Peckles lays eggs with speckles' by Rachel Emily with Jak Stringer
2025-04-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
‘Hang on a minute…Down on Old Worrall’s Farm, the hens are laying their eggs … and FAKING spots, stripes, sparkles and speckles. Why? Because they all want to BE IN THIS BOOK! But it turns out spots, speckles and talking eggs aren’t what makes these chickens special. For thisbunch of intrepid chickens, real life is FAR more exciting …’
Join Jak and Lisa at The Morrab Library to hear this rather wonderful story and enjoy some ‘Egg-citing’ Easter activities! This will take place in the Reading Room on Thursday 10th April from 10.30am – 12pm.
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 join us so we can make sure we have enough cake!
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).

No Free Library Tour this week
2025-04-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
No Library Tour this Friday
There will be no library tour this Friday 11th April, or any tables available to work at after 1pm, as we prepare for our Spring Fair.

The Morrab Library Spring Fair
2025-04-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Morrab Library
The Morrab Library Spring Fair will be taking place on Saturday 12th April 2025 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 change 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!
We hope to see you there!
Illustrated by Harriet-Jade Harrow

SOLD OUT - Nature Poetry workshop with Jodie Hollander
2025-04-16 10:00 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
SOLD OUT please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk to be added to the waiting list.
Drawing inspiration from the gorgeous Morrab Gardens, this workshop offers participants an opportunity to take in nature and turn their observations into powerful and vivid poems. In this course, we’ll study examples of celebrated poems that effectively capture the wonder and beauty of nature. We’ll also discuss techniques such as metaphor, imagery, repetition, and sound as well as cover effective use of line breaks. No experience necessary.

Library Talks | Jodie Hollander Poetry Reading
2025-04-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
We’re delighted to be welcoming Arizona-based poet, Jodie Hollander, back to The Morrab Library to be our Poet in Residence for one month. Her Residency is kindly sponsored by The Myner Trust.
Jodie Hollander’s work has appeared in journals such as The Poetry Review, Poetry Magazine and PN Review to name just a few. She is also the recipient of a MacDowell fellowship and a Fulbright fellowship in South Africa. She is also the originator of ‘Poetry in the Parks,’ in conjunction with several National Parks and Monuments in the US.
Jodie visited our library in 2023 as part of her national book tour, presenting a reading to members, as well as hosting a poetry workshop. In 2024, she judged the Sonnet category of the Patricia Eschen Prize for Poetry.
At this event to open her Residency at the Library, Jodie Hollander will read from her first two collections, ‘My Dark Horses’ (Pavilion Poetry 2017) and ‘Nocturne’ (Pavilion Poetry 2023) as well as new work from her collection in progress.
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 7th April. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).

Library closed over Easter weekend
2025-04-18 10:00 - 2025-04-21 16:00 | Morrab Library
Library is closed over the Easter weekend
The Library will close for Easter on 18th and 19th April, reopening at 10am on Tuesday 22nd April.
Wishing you a very Happy Easter!

No free Library tour this week
2025-04-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
No Tour this Friday as the Library is closed over the Easter weekend
The Library will close for Easter on 18th and 19th April, reopening at 10am on Tuesday 22nd April.
Wishing you a very Happy Easter!

SOLD OUT - Ekphrastic Poetry with Jodie Hollander
2025-04-23 13:00 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
SOLD OUT please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk to be added to the waiting list.
Experience art at a new level and use it to inspire your writing. Poet Jodie Hollander teaches this workshop, in which participants respond poetically to art around the Morrab Library. Students will study examples of celebrated poems that respond to or were inspired by art. Then students will be led through a variety of writing activities inspired by art, ultimately leading to a draft of an original poem. Students will discuss poetic techniques such as the use of vivid imagery, the importance of sonics, how to shape a poetic line as well as techniques for drafting and revision. Open to all levels.
