The Morrab Library

Free tour of The Morrab Library
2025-08-01 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-25 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-18 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-27 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-13 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-06 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-30 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

CANCELLED - Super Storytime with Jan Pearson - 'On The Way Home' by Jill Murphy
2025-07-31 10:30 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE CANCELLED THIS EVENT – APOLOGIES
Join Jan and Lisa at The Morrab Library to read ‘On the way home’ by Jill Murphy and find out the amazing stories of what happened to Claire’s knee on the way
home.
This will take place in the Reading Room on Thursday 31st July from 10.30am – 12pm. The story will be followed by activities inspired by the book.
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).

Bringing Your Writing To Life | Creative Writing Workshop
2025-07-26 10:00 - 12:15 | Morrab Library
Think of a favourite book and how it made you feel as you were reading it. The best stories sweep readers into a literary world, forcing you to experience the struggles and dreams of characters you’ve never met. In this workshop – whether you’re a regular writer or complete beginner – you’ll explore how to do just this by:

Using vivid descriptions
Engaging the senses
Evoking emotions
Choosing words that keep your writing fresh
Developing the details of your setting.
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 better understanding of how to make your work linger in the mind of readers long after they’ve read it.
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
2025-07-22 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-07-08 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-06-24 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.

GAIA IN EXTREMIS: book launch with writer/artist Timothy Neat
2025-07-19 13:30 - 15:00
On Saturday 19th July we will welcome Cornish/Scots filmmaker Timothy Neat – to present his twelfth major publication – GAIA IN EXTREMIS.
This highly original exploration of the contemporary world crisis (ecological and political) is a large-format hard back designed by Nick Harpley of Penzance and published in St Ives. It presents four hundred paintings and poems by Neat – plus essays by professor Denis Brotto, George Gunn and the great John Berger.
Join us for an afternoon of readings, pictorial pleasure and Q&As. Books available for £25 (retail £40).
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 9th July.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).

Do you remember the SS Torrey Canyon disaster of 1967?
2025-07-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
To commemorate the forthcoming 60th anniversary of the SS Torrey Canyon disaster in 2027, Mor Media Charity is inviting people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to share their memories, stories, and reflections. The library is delighted to support this important project.
The devastating oil spill in 1967 shocked the world, but it also united communities and sparked a new awareness of environmental protection. Mor Media would love to to hear from those who witnessed the events, helped in the clean-up, or felt the impact in any way. Your voice can help shape a vital record of this moment in history.
The Library will host an Open Morning in the Reading Room on Saturday 19th July from 10.00am – 12.00pm. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the Mor Media team, find out more about the project, and tell your story. The library will also host a small exhibition of material from our collections, including photographs from the Photo Archive and articles from our historic newspapers.
It would be lovely to see you here in person, but if you can’t make it, you can contact the Mor Media team directly via their website.
Black Tide : The SS Torrey Canyon Oil Spill is a two year project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and others. Read more at https://www.mormediacharity.org/thesstorreycanyon

Joy of Art (Summer Term) - with Claire Lucas
2025-07-17 10:15 - 12:30, 2025-07-03 10:15 - 12:30, 2025-06-19 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!

Relaxed Relaxed Book Group at The Morrab Library
2025-07-15 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)

Dialogue | Creative Writing Workshop
2025-07-12 10:00 - 12:15 | Morrab Library
Writing good dialogue can be hard. It’s extremely important to keep readers immersed in your story and sometimes, unbelievable dialogue can pull them out of it. Ensure readers continue turning those pages by mastering this essential skill and start having fun with the way your characters talk to each other.
In this workshop, whether a seasoned writer or complete beginner, you’ll learn how to write more believable dialogue – dialogue that serves a purpose in your story by exploring:

What makes believable dialogue
How characters in conflict converse
How to inject subtext into your dialogue
How dialogue can inform character
Revealing story through dialogue

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 better understanding of how important good dialogue is and how to write it.
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.

Library Talks | Frankenstein and its legacies
2025-07-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley is a novel that never goes away; an early reviewer described it as ‘harassing the heart’. It’s a work of science fiction, of Gothic, of environmental and philosophical concerns, and is endlessly adaptable and used as a metaphor
Why does it have such enduring power? And what does it mean to us in the 21st century? This talk from Dr Serena Trowbridge will look at the novel and its legacies and explore why a novel written by a teenager over 200 years ago still matters today.
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 23rd June.
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 CLOSED | MAZEY DAY
2025-06-28 10:00 - 16:00
The Library will be closed for Mazey Day and will reopen, as usual, on Tuesday 1st July.

Library Talks | Sorry For the Inconvenience, But This Is An Emergency: The Nonviolent Struggle For Our Planet’s Future with Dr Lynne Jones OBE
2025-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Our next Library Talk comes from Dr Lynne Jones OBE who will be speaking about her book Sorry For the Inconvenience, But This Is An Emergency: The Nonviolent Struggle For Our Planet’s Future. The talk will take place in the Reading Room on Wednesday 25th June from 2pm-3pm.
Lynne Jones’ book, ‘Sorry for the Inconvenience But This is an Emergency’, was published last year and is a personal and historical exploration of the use of nonviolent protest from the eighties to the present moment.
As authoritarian regimes rise while conflict and the climate and ecological emergencies continue to devastate lives around the world, an exploration of how nonviolence has enhanced democracy in the past, and can continue to do so in the present has never been more relevant.
“The end of our world is arriving so gently that it has become a tragic sideshow in our lives. What most don’t yet realise is that we are already fighting for our lives, and we must win. This isn’t a manual, it isn’t a guide. It’s a brutally honest testimonial that inspires real hope when we need it most.” — Chris Packham, author, broadcaster and conservationist
Tickets are allocated by a ballot system. Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to be entered into the ballot and specify the number of tickets you would like (up to 2). The ballot closes on Monday 16th June. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5)

Relaxed Book Group at The Morrab Library
2025-06-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library

The Morrab Library Summer Fair
2025-06-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Morrab Library
Save the date and join us at the library for this year’s Summer Fair, to be held on Saturday 21st June from 10.00am. There’ll be a variety of craft stalls featuring local makers, as well as our second book and photo archive stalls, and of course, our wonderful refreshments room featuring a myriad of delicious home-made treats. There’ll also be some great raffle prizes on offer too, including an original print by Cornish artist Eleanor Russell-Hsieh.
As an extra treat this year, local choir Folk Tree, led by Kelsey Michael, will perform outside from around 11.30 – and you’ll be welcome to join in and sing along!
We have joined forces again this year with our neighbours, the Friends of Morrab Gardens, who will be hosting a plant sale on the same morning, so you can enjoy double the shopping fun, and help support two Penzance treasures.
A few stalls (and plant sales) will be cash only, so please bring some along with you to help support your library and the gardens.
Members and non-members alike are all welcome, so please bring friends and family along too!
We look forward to seeing you there.

Library Talks | Acqua Di San Giovanni: An Italian Midsummer Ritual with Amy Gulick
2025-06-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
On Saint John’s Eve, Italian women practice a fascinating ritual known as Acqua di San Giovanni, or Saint John’s Water. This infusion of plants and flowers, selected for their curative properties and symbolic associations, is left out overnight on June 23 to selenare—to bask in the light of the moon and absorb its energies—and then used the following morning for bathing. Practiced predominantly by women, l’acqua is a highly personal ritual in which bodily-centred concerns such as healing, invigorating, and beautifying the self converge at a point in the yearly cycle traditionally marked for match-making, courting, and mating. Many women enjoy the sensory element of preparing l’acqua and do so for its extraordinary scent and its tactile and visual appeal.
This talk will contextualiSe the Acqua di San Giovanni ritual within a discussion of ancient and contemporary Italian Midsummer observances and greater European (including Cornish) folkloristic traditions around Saint John’s Eve: bonfires and fire-smoke purification, divination rituals, bonding rites, and worship of the Baptist. It will include numerous images of l’acqua and note the plants and flowers most commonly used in its preparation
Amy Gulick is a writer and writing professor based in Tuscany, where she has been researching Italian Midsummer traditions for over a decade. She writes about Italian festivity, folkways, and feast days at WriteousFolk.com (Instagram: @writeousfolk) and manages a Facebook page dedicated to Acqua di San Giovanni.
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 9th June.
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 | GAIA IN EXTREMIS book launch with Timothy Neat
2025-06-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
On Saturday 19th July (from 2pm-3pm) we will welcome Cornish/Scots filmmaker Timothy Neat – to present his twelfth major publication – GAIA IN EXTREMIS.
This highly original exploration of the contemporary world crisis (ecological and political) is a large-format hard back designed by Nick Harpley of Penzance and published in St Ives. It presents four hundred paintings and poems by Neat – plus essays by professor Denis Brotto, George Gunn and the great John Berger.
Join us for an afternoon of readings, pictorial pleasure and Q&As. Books available for £25 (retail £40).
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 9th July.
Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).

Plot & Structure | Creative Writing Workshop
2025-06-14 10:00 - 12:15 | Morrab Library
Keep readers glued to your pages and avoid the dreaded ‘story-wandering’ by mastering the essential elements of plot and structure. In this workshop you’ll learn how to write compelling prose and poetry that keeps readers on an exciting journey of discovery by exploring:
What plot and structure are
Brainstorming of new ideas
Shape/structure of a story
Storyboarding and storytelling
How to plot using story arcs and diagrams.
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 better understanding of how important it is to plot and structure either a novel, short story or poem so that readers keep reading.
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
2025-06-10 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.
Embroider a bee and learn about our wild bees

Joy of Art (Summer Term) - with Artist Claire Lucas
2025-06-05 10:15 - 12:30 | Morrab Library

Crafting Compelling Characters | Creative Writing Workshop
2025-05-31 10:00 - 12:15 | Morrab Library
Make your characters leap off the page and resonate with readers. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or complete beginner, this fun, productive workshop for adults will help you create believable protagonists, antagonists and all other characters that make up your stories.
We will explore how to:
Know what characters you need in your story
Create 3D characters
Draw readers deeper into your protagonist’s psyche
Make readers relate to and care about your characters
Strengthen reader interest in your story.
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 either a number of new characters in development or a clearer understanding of characters you have already been working on.
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.
