Fun Palaces at The Morrab Library
2024-10-05 10:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Morrab Library
On Saturday 5th October, The Morrab Library will, for the first time, join hundreds of Fun Palaces nationally and internationally to be filled with free and fun activities for all ages.
Pop down to The Morrab Library between 10am-3pm for a day of stories, writing, workshops and much more. Emma Farley will be running creative wellbeing workshops for all ages, including creative journaling, scratch art, watercolour, and more. There will be a notebook and pen for all attendees as long as stocks last.
And that’s not all! Our very own James Parnham-Kenny, who runs Multivax on the days when he’s not one of our Library Assistants, will be telling stories in the reading room, along with story making activities and a mini trail.
Fun Palaces is an ongoing national and international campaign, nurturing and supporting the potential and positivity of sharing people’s enthusiasms, passions and skills with their own local community. Fun Palaces has an annual weekend of events each October, although Fun Palaces can also happen at any time of year. Find out all the info about other Fun Palaces in Cornwall and across the country here.
All of the Fun Palace activities are FREE, for all and drop-in between 10am and 3pm

Fun Palace | Emma Farley
2024-10-05 10:00 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
Emma Farley will be running creative wellbeing workshops for all ages, including creative journaling, scratch art, watercolour, and more. There will be a notebook and pen for all attendees as long as stocks last.
Find out more about the Fun Palace events here: https://morrablibrary.org.uk/event/fun-palaces-at-the-morrab-library/
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

Rare Books Open Day at The Morrab Library | Thursday 10th October
2024-10-10 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 stored securely, available to view by appointment, but rarely seen.
On Thursday 10th October, 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 Aristotle, Plutarch, Kipling and Elizabeth Stanhope Forbes, as well as important and rare Cornish volumes by William Borlase, Arthur Quiller-Couch and Humphry Davy.
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.

Autumn printing workshop with Emma Farley
2024-10-11 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
We’ll be welcoming the new season with a printing session. Various paints and seasonal items will be provided but you’ll need to bring your own gelli plate and anything specific you’d like to print.
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

Free tour of The Morrab Library
2024-10-11 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-18 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-25 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-01 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-08 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-22 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-29 14:00 - 15:30 | 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.

EMBROIDER A BEE | Learn about and help our wild bees
2024-10-17 00:00
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.

The Joy of Drawing with local artist Claire Lucas
2024-10-17 10:15 - 12:45, 2024-10-31 10:15 - 12:45, 2024-11-14 10:15 - 12:45, 2024-11-28 10:15 - 12:45 | Morrab Library
Local artist Claire Lucas is returning to Morrab Library in September to run an 8 session term of art classes.
The Joy of Drawing will run fortnightly, starting Sept 5th, 10.15am-12.45pm, £175 for the term.
Using slideshows, demonstrations and a wide range of drawing activities, Claire will help you to develop your drawing skills, find subject matter that inspires you and media that suits your style and temperament.
You will learn how to use line, tone, and composition to create drawings that you are proud of and thoroughly enjoy creating.
All levels of experience are welcome, including absolute beginners.
Maximum class size of 8. Booking is essential. Call Claire on 07532174802, or contact via her website, www.clairelucasart.com
“ Claire is a gifted teacher whose broad knowledge of art media and techniques is taught with kindness & encouragement. Her classes are relaxed but dynamic and she helps you find what works for you with such positivity and enthusiasm! “ CB ‘24
“My confidence and ability (and mental health) have improved significantly due to Claire’s gentle, positive approach” CW ‘24

Library Talks | A Ramble Around Wilkie Collins with Jak Stringer
2024-10-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
After discovering that Wilkie Collins had toured Cornwall in 1850 and written a travel journal, Jak Stringer felt inspired to follow in his footsteps.
She wanted answers to questions; why did the people of Looe eat rats, the women of Saltash clean boots and the folk on Scilly never open windows?
It wasn’t long before Jak’s family started questioning whether ‘the Wilkie thing’ had become an obsession and maybe an intervention was needed!
This 60-minute, light-hearted, multi-media performance delves into Collins’ formative years and his rambles around Cornwall – What larks!
“Jak Stringer is a one-woman Wilkie wonder” – The Wilkie Collins Society
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 14th 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.

Creative Journaling with Emma Farley
2024-10-25 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-11-22 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
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.
Bring your own notebook. Refreshments provided. £10 – Optional £5 starter pack for newbies featuring a notebook, pen, and roll of washi tape.
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

Embroider a bee and learn about and help our wild bee
2024-10-29 10:00 - 12:00

2024-10-29 10:00 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
The Morrab Library doesn’t have a ghost, but what if it did?
In this creative writing workshop, we will use the wonderful old house, The Morrab Library, and some of the treasures within, as the starting point for writing our very own ghost stories.
Bridget Crowley is the author of five children’s books, three of which feature ghosts. In this workshop for 12-16 year olds, Bridget will share some tips for writing a story that thrills and chills, builds suspense and draws from real places and history to create the setting and character for a compelling plot.
Bridget’s latest book ‘Wake Up Mr Kean’ is set in The Old Theatre in Penzance and her ghost is famous actor Edmund Kean who really performed there in the early 19th Century. Bridget will be reading from her book at The Old Theatre in The Union (Chapel Street, Penzance), on Friday 1st November (6.30pm) and attendees of this workshop will be invited to read their stories alongside her at that event.
The workshop will take place in the Reading Room. Booking is essential. All materials and refreshments will be provided. Entry is free but donations are welcome to support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).
Booking is essential – email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call 01736 364474 to book a place.

Library Talks | Cornish Ghost Stories
2024-10-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
This Halloween, writers including Annamaria Murphy, Pauline Sheppard, Marie Macneill and Joanne Ella Parsons will be reading extracts from their new anthology ’13 Cornish Ghost Stories’ – dubbed a ‘Top Ten Independent Fiction Bestseller’. They’ll also chat about how they created their ghostly stories.
The Edge of the World Bookshop will be selling copies of the book at the event.
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 21st 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.

Intro to modern calligraphy with Emma Farley
2024-11-08 13:30 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
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

Embroider a Bee and learn about and help wild bees
2024-11-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library

The Morrab Library Christmas Fair
2024-11-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Morrab Library
Saturday 16th November, 10.00am – 2.00pm

Our Christmas Craft Fair will feature lots of stalls from West Cornwall’s local makers – a perfect opportunity to start 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 home-made treats.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 all welcome – please spread the word!
Poster illustration by Harriet-Jade Harrow @harrietjadeharrow

Creative Journaling
2024-11-22 10:30 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
10:30-12:30pm. £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

Festive decoupage with Emma Farley
2024-11-22 10:30 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
We will be decoupaging festive maches. All equipment plus refreshments provided.
£10 sponsored. This session is sponsored by Decopatch.
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.

Creative Journaling
2024-11-22 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

Embroider a bee and learn and help our wild bees
2024-11-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library

Musings at The Morrab - Merry, Mad & Maudlin
2024-12-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Morrab Library
Not sure how you feel about Christmas? From Causley to Crowley, Fanthorpe to Fairs, via Dickens and Dylan (ah, but which one?) and other improbable combinations, writers have had their differences too. Join Bridget Crowley and Nigel Fairs for a pillow-case full of festive readings to celebrate – or to perhaps take a closer look at – Christmas!
If you like your little stocking-fillers tasty, sweet-smelling and cuddly or curious and challenging – or you’re with Scrooge and prefer just a bag of humbugs, you’ll find something to entertain you and look back on when the real event is getting too much. We’re getting in early before you’ve given up on the whole thing and wish you A Happy Christmas!
Bridget Crowley is one of our amazing team of volunteers. She has had a long career in the arts – dancing, teaching, running a leading theatre school, audio-description and writing children’s books.
Nigel Fairs is an actor and writer who has worked in film, tv, radio & on stage, including the National Theatre, the West End and off Broadway.
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 November. 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
