Sydenham Library

We've just refreshed the New Non-Fiction display shelves down at Sydenham Library. Now presenting: A history of London pubs! Two Scottish lads conquering the music industry! An ode to the Korean corn dog! And travel guides to far-flung places like Barbados! Venice! Scotland! Come and have a look...

📚 Local councillors’ drop-in surgery

📍Sydenham Library

Once a month, the local councillors from Sydenham Ward hold a drop-in advice surgery at Sydenham Library. Come along with any local issues you have and speak to your representatives. No need to book.

Your local councillors are:

Corin Ashwell (https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=17097), Green Party

Tanya Dunne (https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=17098), Green Party

Markus Michelucci (https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=17096), Green Party

Please note that not all councillors will be present at every drop-in surgery.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/local-councillors-drop-in-surgery

📚 Energy Advice with Selce

📍Sydenham Library

Join Selce (South East London Community Energy) for a free session at Sydenham Library where you’ll learn simple tips to save money on your energy bills by making your home more energy-efficient.

No need to book – just turn up at 3pm on Wednesday 27th May or 10th June.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/energy-advice-with-selce

📚 Courage, Conversations, Collage

📍Sydenham Library

Join us to celebrate Refugee Week in the second event of our Sanctuary in Sydenham series!

The theme of Refugee Week 2026 is Courage. ‘At a time when some seek to divide and blame, Refugee Week 2026 calls us to come together and share the courage to welcome, to stand for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community – to be joyful, imagine new possibilities, dream, heal, and connect.’ (Refugee Week (https://refugeeweek.org/theme-of-refugee-week-2026-courage/)). Join a panel of individuals with lived experience of migration to hear about their stories and learn what courage and sanctuary mean to them – and how we can make Sydenham a more welcoming place for all.

Then, explore our array of arts & crafts materials to share your own stories through collage, art, writing, or the medium of your choice! Chat with other participants over refreshments and engage with the local community and its past and future. You will have the opportunity for your page to be scanned and included in a collective zine about the past and present of Sanctuary in Sydenham, which will be contributed to the Lewisham Community Zine Library. The Zine Library will be available to explore throughout the event.

This event is free and all materials are provided. Booking a place allows us to know how many people to expect, but walk-ins are welcome as space permits. Additional details and free tickets available via Ticket Tailor >> www.tickettailor.com/events/calico/2195790 (https://www.tickettailor.com/events/calico/2195790)

This event is part of Calico Libraries’ Sanctuary in Sydenham series, kindly made possible by Borough of Sanctuary.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/courage-conversations-collage

📚 Abstract Flowers Watercolour Workshop

📍Sydenham Library

Join watercolour artist Ting for a fun and creative world of watercolour painting!

This workshop is relaxing and beginner-friendly, introducing you to the world of watercolour painting.

We’ll explore essential watercolour techniques while creating your own painting to take home.

✨ No experience necessary

🎨 All materials provided

Let’s get creative together!

Date & Time: Saturday, 30th May 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sydenham Library
All materials provided—just bring yourself!

About the Artist
Ting Chen is a Taiwanese-British watercolour artist based in London. Her joyful style features bright, loose florals, botanicals, and charming illustrations of fruits and animals. She also designs stationery—including greeting cards, notebooks, and wrapping paper—available on Etsy at designbyting.com (http://designbyting.com/).

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/abstract-flowers

Here at Sydenham Library we've got hot books and we've got cold books... so however you're feeling about the weather, we've got something for you. (We've also got ice creams and fans.)

📣 IMPORTANT 📣
Sydenham Library will be CLOSED from 19th to 21st of May so we can complete essential maintenance works.

We will reopen as normal on Friday 22nd May. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience.

We had our first Sanctuary in Sydenham event this Saturday! We heard an awesome talk about the fight for common spaces from Past Tense, then everyone had a great discussion while getting creative with craft supplies

Check out our next SiS event on June 13th: Courage, Conversations, Collage (a Refugee Week event)!

Like your classics with side order of pictures? Sydenham Library has a wide range of graphic adaptations, from the epic homecoming of the Odyssey to Ursula K. Le Guin's original (and best) school for wizards. Great old stories in bright new forms. Come and have a look.