Barnsley Libraries is excited to announce a series of events for this year’s ‘Library Lates’ programme. ‘Library Lates’ aims to bring evening cultural events, activities, talks and sessions to libraries across the borough.

Today (Wednesday 26 June), an award-winning blogger and author Katie Portman will kick off this year’s programme at Library @ the Lightbox.

Library @ the Lightbox and libraries in Goldthorpe, Worsbrough, Royston and Wombwell will become home for a total of 35 sessions between June and December. Sessions delivered by a range of local artists will include writing workshops, open mic nights, ceramics and figure drawing, and many more.

To curate this year’s programme, the team has worked with new artists and organisations like Flying Fish Studios, Evelyn Albrow and Emilie Taylor, as well as familiar names like Creative Recovery.

Anna Hartley, Executive Director for Public Health and Communities, said: “Barnsley Libraries are real cultural hubs in our local communities and the new ‘Library Lates’ programme is a great expansion on the already existing offer.

“’Library Lates’ is all about trying something new, gaining new skills and having a go at different types of art led by professional creatives, and we cannot wait for you to join in.”

Some of the events are free and others are subsidised using Arts Council England funding to make them more accessible and to give opportunities for as many people as possible to get involved.

To see a full list of ‘Library Lates’ events, please visit the Barnsley Libraries webpage and filter for ‘Library Lates’ or pick up a printed programme at your local library branch.

At the end of 2022, Barnsley Libraries was awarded National Portfolio Organisation status and is committed to bringing art and culture to local communities as part of their enhanced offer.

‘Library Lates’ programme is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.