Hastings Library has always been a focal point for events from local authors, book launches, children’s events, arts and culture. We have held events for Hastings Storytelling Festival, the Literary Festival, Bloomsday and Hastings Cultural Festival.
Many Local authors, poets, illustrators and performers have held events at the library including Brian Moses and Ed Boxall. In 2019, local storyteller John Kirk helped us celebrate National Libraries Week with a local primary school, and we hosted an Astronomy Road Show to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge. The library continues to be an inspiration for local artists.
In previous years we have hosted a course with the local Workers Educational Association, making available our resources to run a course on the Brassey family , and held Making it REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) sessions with playgroups and nurseries, using stores, rhymes, drawing and mark making.
The Library service also supports local groups through outreach work and through bringing groups into the library. Each year we work with groups and schools to help chose the East Sussex Children’s Book award.
We also hold weekly rhyme times, story times and code clubs for children and we have regular class visits from local school and community groups, beavers, cubs and brownies.
From Left to Right - Bloomsday, Christmas Story Time, Red Balloon Hastings Culture and Story Time by Henry.