Storytelling Events
Please note: The listings for BHM have been ‘retained’ to show new viewers what kinds of activities are common during the Black History Month which covers October to November annually. For regular listings visit: Arts and Entertainment
Throughout Oct
UNDER THE BANYAN TREE
Share your traditional family stories by placing a leaf on the Banyan Tree display. All Day. Venue: Ashburton Library, Shirley Road, Addiscombe CR9 7AL. Age: adults and children. Adm: drop-in. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Throughout Oct
LIBRARY STORYTIMES
Listen to some wonderful stories from cultures and writers around the world. All libraries will theme many of their weekly story times throughout October. Venues: all libraries in the borough. Adm: Free.
Now 3 – 9 Oct
RASTAMOUSE AND THE EASY CREW
Michael De Souza, one half of the writing duo with Genevieve Webster delights children with the adventures of Rastamouse and the Easy Crew in an enjoyable storytelling and drama workshop. Age primary school. For Brent Schs only. Venue: Various Borough Libraries. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 5619.
Now 3 – 9 Oct
MY NAME WAS JOE
Keren David talks about the topical themes of her young adult novels When I was Joe and Almost True – about a boy in witness protection – and Lia’s Guide to Winning the Lottery, which tells the story of a 16-year-old girl who wins an £8 million jackpot. These include knife crime, identity, justice, post traumatic stress disorder, sex, shopping and economics. Suitable for secondary school students. For Brent Schs only. Venue: Various Borough Libraries. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 5619.
Now 3 – 9 Oct
MYTHICAL BEASTS
Award winning illustrator and author Jane Ray delivers a magical workshop on mythical creatures. Suitable for primary school students in years three to five. Venue: Various Borough Libraries. For Brent Schs only. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 5619.
Mon 3 Oct
BOOKSTART BEAR CLUB
Story and rhyme times for under fives during children’s book week. Venues: Harlesden Library Plus, Craven Park Road, Harlesden, London NW10 8SE. 10.30 – 11.15am and Preston Library, Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 8PL. 2.15 – 3pm. Adm: Free. Info: www.bookstart.org.uk.
Tues 4 Oct
AFRICAN CARIBBEAN STORYTELLING
Join in an interactive session using African and Caribbean nursery rhymes, stories and music. Venue: Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 358 9645.
Tues 4 Oct
BOOKSTART BEAR CLUB
Story and rhyme times for under fives during children’s book week. Venue: Neasden Library Plus, 277 Neasden Lane, Neasden, London NW10 1QJ. 11.30am – 12.15pm. Adm: Free. Info: www.bookstart.org.uk
Weds 5 Oct,
WE ALL WENT ON SAFARI
Story time and colouring in sessions. Age 5-7 yrs. Venue: Catford Library, Laurence House, 1 Catford Rd, London SE6 4RU, 11-11.45am. Adm: Free. Info: 020 8314 9113.
Sat 8 Oct
ANANSI STORIES AND CRAFT
Classic trickster tales and craft activity. Venue: Torridon Road Library, 103 Torridon Road, London SE6 1RQ, 2.30 – 3.30pm. Adm: Free. Age: 8-11 yrs. Info: 0208 314 3712.
Thurs 6 Oct
BOOKSTART BEAR CLUB
Story and rhyme times for under fives during children’s book week. Venue: Ealing Road Library, Coronet Parade, Ealing Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 4BA. 11.15am – 12noon. Adm: Free. Info: www.bookstart.org.uk
Fri 7 Oct
BOOKSTART BEAR CLUB
Story and rhyme times for under fives during children’s book week. Venue: Kilburn Library, 42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn, London NW6 6NN. 10.30 – 11.15am. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 937 3530, www.bookstart.org.uk
Sat 8 Oct
STORYTELLING EVENT
Come and listen to West African drumming and storytelling with George Fiawoo. Venue; Ashburton, Shirley Rd, Addiscombe CR9 7AL. 11am-12noon. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Sat 8 Oct
BOOKSTART BEAR CLUB
Story and rhyme times for under fives during children’s book week. Venue: Barham Park Library, Harrow Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 2HB. 11 – 11.45am. Adm: Free. Info: www.bookstart.org.uk
Sat 9 Oct
BOOKSTART BEAR CLUB
Story and rhyme times for under fives during children’s book week. Venue: Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF. 3.15 – 4pm. Adm: Free. Info: www.bookstart.org.uk
Tues 11 Oct
RASTAMOUSE: WITH MICHAEL DE SOUZA
Come and meet the author and creator of ‘Rastamouse and da Easy Crew’. For families with children aged 4 plus. Venue: Ashburton, Shirley Rd, Addiscombe CR9 7AL. 4-5pm. Paid. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Tues 11 Oct
JAN BLAKE AND INNO SORSY
A storytelling feast from Jan Blake’s exhilarating storytelling abilities. She’s partnered by Inno who also collects and performs stories from across the globe. Venue: Manor House Library, 34 Old Road, London SE13 5SY, 7-8.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 7779.
Wed 12 Oct
HANDA’S SURPRISE
Our rendition of the classic picture-book story, followed by cartoon time. Venue: Downham Library, 7-9 Moorside Rd, Downham, Bromley BR1 5EP. Under 5s. 10-11am. Adm: Free, Info: 0208 314 9702.
Thurs 13 Oct
HANDA’S SURPRISE
Our rendition of the classic picture-book story. Venue: Torridon Rd Library, 103 Torridon Rd, London SE6 1RQ, 10-11am. Adm: Free. Under 5s. Info: 0208 314 3712.
Sat 15 Oct
POETRY AND MUSIC EVENT WITH LOCAL WRITER PETE GODISMO
Venue: Central, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET. 2.30 – 3.30pm. Age: Adults. Adm: Ticketed. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Sat 15 Oct
ANANSI STORIES AND CRAFT
Classic trickster tales and craft activity. Venue: Catford Library, Laurence House, 1 Catford Rd, London SE6 4RU, 2.15-3.15pm. Adm: Free. Age: 5-7. Info: 0208 314 9113
Sat 15 Oct
ANANSI STORIES AND CRAFT
Classic trickster tales and craft activity. Venue: Catford Library, Laurence House, 1 Catford Rd, London SE6. 2.15pm-3.15pm. Ages: 5-7. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 9113.
Sat 15 Oct
FAMILY LEARNING FESTIVAL, WHERE’S MY CAT?
Story and craft activities. Venue: Kilburn Library, 42 Salusbury Road, Kilburn, London NW6 6NN. 10.30am – 12.30pm. Info: 0208 937 3530.
Sat 15 Oct
MASAI AND I
Story and craft activities. Venue: Kingsbury Library Plus, 522 – 524 Kingsbury Road, Kingsbury NW9 9HE. 2 – 4pm. Adm: free. Info: 0208 937 3520.
Mon 17 Oct
RASTAMOUSE: WITH MICHAEL DE SOUZA
Come and meet the author and creator of ‘Rastamouse and da Easy Crew.. Venue: Central, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET. 4pm – 5pm. Age: 4+. Adm: Ticketed. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Tues 18 Oct
CHATTERBOOKS
Learn about Fon story picture clothes. The Fon people of Benin tell their legends and stories with brightly coloured cloth pictures. Venue: Newington Library, 155 Walworth Road, SE17 1RS. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 2000
Tues 18 Oct
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
Storytelling And Oral Traditions. Creating and telling stories that engage people of all ages, is a wonder to behold. The magical worlds created by acclaimed children’s author Malorie Blackman show how enchanted families can be by a well written story. What about helping yourself and your children create stories based on your family history and experiences? What are the key elements of storytelling and keeping your children engaged? Venue: Clapton Library, Northwold Road, E5 8RA. 5 – 6.45pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 356 3000.
Tues 18 Oct
ANANSI STORIES AND CRAFT
Classic trickster tales and craft activity. Venue: Downham Library (Family event), 7-9 Moorside Rd, Downham, Bromley BR1 5EP, 2.30pm-3.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 9705.
Tues 18 Oct
ANANSI STORIES AND CRAFT
Classic trickster tales and craft activity. Venue: Downham Library (Family event), 7-9 Moorside Rd, Downham, Bromley BR1 5EP, 2.30pm-3.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 9705.
Wed 19 Oct
STORIES FROM AFRICA
A special under 5s story time with stories, songs & colouring in fun! Venue: Manor House Library, 34 Old Rd, London SE13 5SY, 2.30pm-3.15pm . Age: Under 5. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 7794.
Wed 19 Oct
STORYTELLING AND COLLAGE MAKING
African Patterns. Families will enjoy a storytelling session inspired by vivid African patterns and fabrics and get the chance to take part in creating a collage inspired by African designs. Age 3 -12, with parents/carers. Venue: Stoke Newington Library, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JS. 4 – 5pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 356 3000.
Fri 21 Oct
RASTAMOUSE: WITH MICHAEL DE SOUZA
Come and meet the author and creator of ‘Rastamouse and da Easy Crew’. Venue: South Norwood, Lawrence Road, London SE25 5AA. 4 – 5pm. Age: 4+. Adm: Ticketed. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Sat 22 Oct
RASTAMOUSE: WITH MICHAEL DE SOUZA
Come and meet the author and creator of ‘Rastamouse and da Easy Crew’. Venue: New Addington, Central Parade CR0 0JB. 2.30 – 3.30pm. Age: 4+. Adm: Ticketed. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Mon 24 Oct
IN THE LAND OF THE SHAK SHAK TREE
Come and discover fun and fantastic stories and get involved with storytelling. Suitable for families. Venue: Camberwell Library, 17-21 Camberwell Church St, SE5 8TR. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 2000.
Wed 26 Oct
STORIES FROM AFRICA
A special under 5s story-time with stories, songs & colouring in fun! Venue: Catford Library (Under 5), Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6, 11-11.45am, Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 9113.
Thurs 27 Oct
THE WALTER TULL STORY
Walter Tull was Britain’s first black infantry officer and was also a professional footballer.. Venue: Bethnal Green Library, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 0HL. 2pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 980 3902
Thurs 27 Oct
AFRICAN STORYTELLING
Join us for a session of Ananse stories from Ghana and find out what tricks Ananse is playing on his friends and enemies. Venue: Nunhead Library, Gordon Road, SE15 3RW. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 2000
Wed 28 Sept
BABY AND TODDLER SESSION
Listen to stories about African animals, make animal masks and sing animal songs. Venue: Newington Library, 155 Walworth Road, SE17 1RS. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 2000.
Fri 28 Oct
STORYTIME
Listen to stories about African animals and make animal masks. Venue: Newington Library, 155 Walworth Road, SE17 1RS. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 525 2000.
Fri 28 Oct
MURAFO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
Listen to the story and make a beaded necklace. Venue: Manor House Library, 34 Old Rd, London SE13 5SY, 2pm – 3pm, Age: 8-11 years.. Adm: Free. Info: 0208 314 7794.
Fri 28 Oct
CARIBBEAN TALES
An animated day with “catchy” songs, calypso rhythms, dance and live drumming. Join the Trinidad and Tobago born storyteller Debora Alleyne De Gazon and enjoy Caribbean stories. Venue: Thornton Heath, Brigstock Road, CR7 7JE. 11am – 12noon. Info: Then: Selsdon, Addington Rd, CR2 8LA. 2.30-3.30pm. Adm: Ticketed. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Sat 29 Oct
AUNTIE ANIKA’S ANANCY STORYTIME AND SING-ALONG
Join Anancy the trickster on his exciting, interactive journey from Africa to the Caribbean. Auntie Anika will bring these tales to life through drama, song and movement. Venue: Broad Green 89 Canterbury Rd, Croydon, CR0 3HH. 11.00am – 12 noon. Age: 4+. Adm: Ticketed. Info: 0208 726 6900.
Sat 29 Oct
INSPIRATION OF A NATION
Nelson Mandela themed activity with puzzles colouring and information on the Father of Africa. Venue: Catford Library, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, 2.15-3.15. Age: 8-11yrs. Info: 0208 314 9113.
Sat 29 Oct
STORYTIME AND MUSIC
Stories from Africa and the Caribbean come along and enjoy the fun! All ages but under 5’s accompanied by an adult. Venue: Hackney Central Library, Hackney Technology and Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ. 2 – 3pm Adm: Free. Info: 0208 356 3000.
