Free tour of The Morrab Library
2026-08-14 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-21 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-28 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-04 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-18 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-25 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-02 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) and 10 more dates
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.

An exploration of Christopher Marlowe’s Dr Faustus with Mary Cahill MA
2026-08-19 10:00 - 15:30 | Morrab Library
‘The stars move still, time runs, the clock will strike,
The devil will come, and Faustus must be damned.’
The day will include: an introduction to Marlowe’s tragically short life, the literary and social-political context of the play, its sources, and just why it is considered so influential. We will read and discuss key passages that illustrate some of the play’s main features and themes.
Fee: £40 for the day (+ refreshments). You will need to bring a copy of the play with you. We will be working primarily from the A Text, and I suggest you obtain a copy of the New Mermaids version, edited by Roma Gill.
Booking essential.
Contact: Mary Cahill at cahillm037@gmail.com

FULLY BOOKED: Ways Into Writing: a workshop with Annamaria Murphy
2026-08-22 10:30 - 14:30 | Morrab Library
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
Renowned writer and library member Annamaria Murphy is hosting a writing workshop, and all proceeds will be donated to the Morrab Library.
Annamaria will explore ways into writing with imagination fire starters, using the library and surrounds for inspiration.
Annamaria is a teacher and writer, and amongst others writes with Kneehigh Theatre and BBC Radio 4. She is also artistic director of the Writers Block, and collaborates with musicians Bagas Degol.
Booking

Places are very limited so booking is essential.
Contact library staff to reserve a place: enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk or call us on: 01736 364474
The cost for the workshop is £20 – payable in advance to the Morrab Library. Payment can be made in person at the library, or over the telephone by card by calling 01736 364474.

Relaxed Book Group at The Morrab Library
2026-08-25 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-29 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-27 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-11-24 14:00 - 15:00
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)

Carolyn Savidge - A Biscuit Tin of Memories workshop
2026-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrab Library
Join artist Carolyn Savidge as we delve into her Biscuit Tin of Memories, using objects to evoke emotions and senses from memories. This workshop is about expressing in words the things that are left unsaid, and using these collective fragments of text to create a paper quilt, which will be displayed in the library.
Our memories make us who we are. Often, little is required to summon them, a familiar sound, a smell. And sometimes we seek to keep them safer, setting aside mementos, fragments, tokens of our passage. The clues to what defines us are placed gently, perhaps, inside an old biscuit tin.
Carolyn investigates the connection between our memories and who we are now. What fragments of the past do we preserve? The hope, though this workshop, is that you will delve into your own Biscuit Tin of Memories and to consider how the past has shaped your own narrative.
Your words will be shared in a work where Carolyn will create a paper quilt, stitching together these fragments to form a collective tapestry of ideas and emotions.
Based in Newlyn, Carolyn is an artist, filmmaker, choreographer, writer, performer, and former lecturer and teacher, and has recently become a member of the Newlyn Society of Artists. Find out more about Carolyn through her website: www.Carolynsavidgeartist.co.uk or you can follow her on Instagram: @carolynsavidge.
Donations to the library are welcome on the day.
BOOKING: Please contact Carolyn directly at: carolynsavidge@aol.com or telephone 07980 540973 to reserve a space.
Here’s some feedback from Carolyn’s earlier workshops held on 27 th May 2026:
“Carolyn held space so beautifully for us to reflect on the wonderful range of prompts – visual, olfactory, audio, 3D and filmic – and for us to explore our own memories. A wonderful open welcoming and generous session.” Kate.
“We weren’t sure what to expect but I enjoyed the gentle atmosphere and all the books, buttons smelliness’s the films and beautiful flowers and grasses. Thank you for curating all the objects and sounds, so many memories, the biscuits were a bonus.” Elaine.
“So much texture a sensory delight. Happiness in the detail.” Janet
“What a wonderful workshop. Up lifting and unlocking so many emotions and memories. A gift I will treasure.” Jayney.
“Something unexpected – a great outlet for memories – bringing sad and happy times.” Elaine and Louise.
“What a wonderful workshop. I am going away with so many ideas for future work. I feel I need another life to be able to say everything in my heart! Thank you. Just thank you. Such generosity of spirit. Go to the next workshop and meet Carolyn if you can.” Abi
“It has been a pleasure to be among friends and share the solidity of memory.” Mary.
“Beautiful experience, thank you, it was amazing and emotional and heartfelt, thanks to all the lovely creative people I met this afternoon.” Sally

Collecting the piece: Exploring Bodmin Moor with Laura Miucci
2026-09-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Morrab Library
Fascinated by the sacred human landscape of Bodmin Moor?
How did humans shape the land on the Moors, and later the town?
Learn about the relationships between humans and nature of this special place, which has seen human activity since the Mesolithic period.This will be followed by an art or poetry activity of your choosing, under the guidance of award-winning published poet, Laura Kestrel. The first in a series of autumn/winter adult talk-workshops.
Laura Miucci is a qualified archaeologist and historian, specialising in finds, with a particular love of pottery, as well as the socio-political contexts in which they exist(ed).She graduated from University College Dublin, with a 1:1 Masters of Science degree, where her thesis focused on Trevisker Ware. More recently, she was a former F.L.O, and now works freelance, for her social enterprise, Lore & Piece; offering inter-disciplinary workshops, talks and tours.
She does various community roles, such as CAS, YAC and the Federation of OCS.
Book your ticket here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lorepiece/2294516

No tour of The Morrab Library
2026-11-20 14:00 - 15:00
There is no free tour of the Library today as we prepare for our Christmas Fair. We hope to see you there!

The John le Carré Memorial Lecture with Jonny Geller
2026-11-25 19:30 - 21:30 | The Acorn Theatre
Agent In The Field: Stories from John le Carre’s literary agent – Jonny Geller, CEO of Curtis Brown Group
7.30pm Wednesday 25 November at The Acorn Theatre, Penzance.
The 2026 John le Carré Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Jonny Geller, who was John le Carre’s literary agent. As CEO of Curtis Brown, one of the world’s leading literary agencies, Jonny is now one of the most influential figures in the world of books and publishing.
Over the course of his career, Jonny has represented some of our most celebrated authors and public figures (including Monica Ali, William Boyd, Nelson Mandela, Gordon Brown and Bono). He has previously been awarded Literary Agent of the Year and been listed in GQ’s 100 Most Connected Men in Britain and The Evening
Standard’s 1000 Most Influential People in London.
John le Carré (1931-2020) wrote novels that came to define our age. He was also a great supporter of The Morrab Library, serving as its President and Patron. B.ecause of his close relationship with John le Carre, Jonny will deliver a lecture that contains a very personal insight into the writer’s craft, whilst touching on the process of getting novels to print. He will also explain how the John le Carré Estate is working to ensure that the writer’s books continue to be read after his death, and find new and broader audiences through film, television and theatre adaptations.
This annual event is an important fundraiser for our Library, and will contribute greatly to maintaining our operations.
Tickets cost £25 and are available directly from The Acorn Theatre website and Box Office, or click here to buy them online.
We really hope you can join us for what will be a special evening.
