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In 2025, Nottingham Central Library was buzzing with activity! From photography workshops to live orchestra performances, there was something for everyone. Across the year, around 10,000 people attended events at the library between January and December.
Two big highlights were:
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Nottingham Light Night – Almost 4,000 visitors came through the doors over two evenings.
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Nottingham Zine Fest – More than 1,000 people joined in to celebrate creativity and independent publishing.
It was a fantastic year for community events at the library!
Over the summer holidays in 2025, we ran 85 activities across our libraries as part of the Summer Reading Challenge. From crafts and games to storytelling and creative workshops, there was plenty to enjoy!
We were thrilled to welcome 1,172 children and families to these sessions. A huge thank you to everyone who joined in and made it such a fantastic summer!
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Take a look at our new stock, fresh in for this month!
 The Protest, Rob Rinder | The Sun Blessed Prince, Lindsey Byrd | The Dacre Dilemma, Rebecca Tope | Tyrant, Conn Iggulden | What Does It Feel Like?, Sophie Kinsella | Wolf Hour, Jo Nesbo | Model Home, Rivers Solomon | A Death on Location, The Reverend Richard Coles | These Mortal Bodies, Elspeth Wilson | The Best of Everything, Kit de Waal
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With Kate MacAlister, in partnership with Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature
Nottingham City Libraries are excited to welcome the third and final creator in our Creators in Residence programme: Kate MacAlister, working with Nottingham City of Literature. This project is supported by Arts Council England and the University of Nottingham.
Kate will run three creative workshops exploring themes of women and folklore, followed by a special event to celebrate the end of her residency.
Workshop details are listed below – come and join us!
“Spells are poems; poetry is spelling. Spell-poems are vehicles of change that can take us beyond the borders of the rational into a place where the right words can influence the universe.”  – So Mayer
WORKSHOP DATES:
'Wise Women, Witches and Hags: Magical Writing' | Saturday 17 January | 11am to 2pm (SOLD OUT)
'Spells for Change: Poems for Witches' | Saturday 31 January | 11am to 2pm
'WitchCRAFT: Collage Poems & Conjurings' | Saturday 21 February | 11am to 2pm
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Nottingham Central Library Atrium | Friday 19 December to Friday 16 January | Free entry
 Pop down to our Coder Dojo Exhibition and check out the games and digital creations made by the talented young minds who’ve been learning to code at the library.
From fun animations to fully crafted games, these young coders have been busy – and now it’s time to show off their skills!
This winter’s theme is Winter and New Year, and our Dojo group have really run with it. Expect magical worlds, quirky characters, and loads of imagination – all brought to life through code.
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Why not give these books a go this January?
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Nottingham Central Library | Wednesday 28 January | 11am to 12pm | Booking required
This reading group is run in partnership with Work’N’Diversity who are an organisation that support neurodiverse adults and is a gentle, community-based book club. It is geared towards late-identified and older neurodivergent adults who are looking for a space to connect with others.Â
For our January session, we’ll keep things light with a “Book Zero” meeting – meaning there’s no required reading this time. Just come along, meet the group, and enjoy a relaxed chat.
 Each month, the group explores a chapter, a book, or a theme linked to identity, neurodivergence, difference, and personal growth. There’s no pressure to read the whole book – you’re welcome to simply come along and take part.
There’s no formal referral needed. You can self-identify, self-refer, or be signposted by a professional.
Sessions are friendly and sensory-aware. Movement is welcome, and we provide crafts, stim toys, and quiet breaks to make the space comfortable for everyone.
 12 workshops. Endless ideas. Your story starts here.
Creative Writing at Your Library from January to June 2026
Join inclusive, monthly writing workshops at Nottingham Central Library and community libraries. Celebrate big moments like National Storytelling Week and LGBTQ+ History Month, plus explore genres for every writer—beginner or pro.
January Highlights
Your Story Matters: Writing from Life
Turn real experiences into powerful stories in a friendly, low-pressure space.
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Hyson Green Library – Sat 24 Jan, 10am to 1pm
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Nottingham Central Library – Wed 28 Jan, 6pm to 9pm
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Are you considering an apprenticeship or looking to kickstart your career?
Join us for a dynamic and informative event, jointly hosted by BIPC Nottinghamshire and DWP, as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026!
 Nottingham Central Library | Tuesday 10 February | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Free entry, booking required
This fair will bring together a fantastic range of stallholders, offering insights into a variety of apprenticeship opportunities and career paths. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a new direction, this event is the perfect chance to explore what’s available.
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An illustrated talk by Martin Gorman
 Nottingham Central Library, Floor 1 | Saturday 24 January | 10.30am to 12pm | Free entry, booking required
Join Martin Gorman to discover the fascinating history of Victoria Baths in Sneinton, and its vital role in the lives of the local community.
The Marsh Forum is a heritage partnership between Nottingham Local Studies Library, Nottinghamshire Local History Association, Nottingham Women’s History Group, Nottingham Civic Society and The Thoroton Society which will run a regular programme of Nottingham related talks throughout the year.
Nottingham Central Library, Floor 1 Exhibition Space | Until May 2026 | Free entry
 Hosted in the first-floor exhibition area, this captivating display explores the rich and diverse history of football in Nottingham – from grassroots beginnings to the city’s celebrated professional teams. Drawing on the extensive Local Studies collection, the exhibition features a vibrant mix of historic photographs, flyers, and articles, offering a unique lens into how football has shaped local identity and community life.
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Rounding Out the Year: Libby’s Top Reads of 2025
As we wrap up 2025, we’ve taken a look at the stats from our online magazine provider, Libby. Here are the top 5 most borrowed titles by Nottingham City Libraries readers:
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New Scientist: International Edition – 2,400 checkouts
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Radio Times – 2,372 checkouts
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The Week UK – 1,323 checkouts
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HELLO! Magazine – 1,158 checkouts
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The New Yorker – 1,157 checkouts
 Thank you to everyone who borrowed and read with us last year! If you haven’t tried Libby yet, why not make it your New Year’s resolution? Download the app and start exploring thousands of magazines and eBooks for free with your library card.
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Libraries Advancing the Digital Inclusion Action Plan
 Libraries Connected has received £310,400 from the Government’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to help vulnerable communities keep up with rapid digital change.
Working with Good Things Foundation and WSA Community, the project will create a new guide for public libraries focused on digital confidence, AI awareness, and tackling online misinformation.
Nottingham City Libraries is proud to be one of four pilot services involved in this national programme.
We’re thrilled to announce that Nottingham City Libraries has received £12,000 from the LibraryOn grants programme to improve our website and bring the Library Companion app to all libraries.
These changes will make it easier to browse the catalogue, reserve books, check events, and manage your account - both online and in-library.
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Thank you to everyone who visited the Sherwood Mobile Library in December.
 Due to ongoing weather warnings across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, the mobile library will NOT visit Woodthorpe Grange on Saturday 10 January 2026.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
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đź“š Get ready to 'Go All In' with the National Year of Reading 2026! đź“š
Libraries bring people together. Whether it’s through stories, events, or
friendly faces, your library is ready to help you read more of what you love.
 Make sure you stay up to date with what we've got going on in our libraries by following us on social media.
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Thank you for reading this month's update, see you in February! đź“š |
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