Winter Warmers

As part of the Cost of Living programme, we want to do as much as possible to support our residents over the winter months.

Our free events can be a great option for those seeking warm and welcoming spaces where they can access information, engage with others and enjoy a free hot drink.

Knit and Natter

Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting or cross stitch? Bring whatever you're working on and join our friendly group for a morning of making. Crafters of all levels are welcome to join these informal gatherings to learn some tips, gain inspiration, and meet new people.

Please bring your own yarn if you can.

• Monday 10 February 2025 - 10am to 12 noon, Twickenham Library
• Friday 21 February 2025 - 10am to 12 noon, Ham Library
• Monday 10 March 2025 - 10am to 12 noon, Twickenham Library
• Friday 21 March 2025 - 10am to 12 noon, Ham Library

Yoga for everyone

See the library from an exciting new angle in 2025 with a free gentle yoga class!

With a focus on deep breathing, mindfulness and slow stretches, these classes are suitable for all abilities. Starting and ending with meditation, this restorative session is sure to leave you feeling zen.

Please bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.

• Monday 10 February 2025 - 2 to 3pm, Twickenham Library

Project Linus quilting session

Help Project Linus UK and Richmond Libraries create a quilt for a child in need.
All materials are provided, giving a great opportunity to learn new techniques whilst supporting a worthy cause.

Project Linus UK is a network of needlewomen across the UK who make quilts and blankets for babies, children, and teens who are going through challenging times.

• Date: Friday 21 February 2025
• Time: 11am to 2pm
• Location: Teddington Library
• Price: Free event, no booking required

Brighten your day: bottle lamp workshop

Transform an ordinary glass bottle into a stunning decorative lamp at this free creative upcycling workshop. Join us for an engaging morning where you will use a choice of designs to craft a bespoke, illuminated piece to take home. The technique used is simple, so the workshop is suitable for everyone.

All materials will be provided.

• Monday 24 February 2025 - 10.30am to 12.30pm, Hampton Library
• Monday 3 March 2025 - 10.30am to 12.30pm, Richmond Lending Library
• Thursday 27 March 2025 - 10.30am to 12.30pm, Twickenham Library

Riverside Poets’ Anthology Reading 

With local poet Barbara Lee.

Join us for poetry readings from Richmond Riverside Poets’ new anthology. There will be the opportunity to write your own poetry, under the guidance of local published poet Babs Lee. Refreshments provided.

Part of the libraries’ Winter Warmers events programme funded by Richmond Council’s Community Spaces.

• Date: Tuesday 25 February 2025
• Time: 12 noon to 2.00pm
• Location: Information and Reference Library
• Price: Free event, no booking required

Master your credit and borrowing

Learn to take control of your borrowing with confidence! This workshop explores the strategic use of credit and loans. We will look at the positives and negatives of borrowing, helping you to make informed financial decisions with confidence.

Sessions feature:

• Case studies and practical solutions
• Expert tips on avoiding common pitfalls
• Q&A to address your specific concerns

The Money Charity is fully independent and impartial.

• Date: Tuesday 25 February 2025
• Time: 3 to 4.30pm
• Location: Whitton Library
• Price: Free event, but booking is required

Book tickets for master your credit and borrowing session

Dementia caregivers support session

Strategies for winter care challenges.

Join us for a warm and supportive session with Amy Kerti, an experienced dementia specialist nurse. Amy will share practical tips for carers on how to manage winter risks like illness, falls, and confusion due to cold weather.

You’ll take away long-term planning strategies to help you and your loved one stay safe and well and maintain a good quality of life. There will be time for refreshments and the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges.

• Date: Friday 28 February 2025
• Time: 1.30 to 3.30pm
• Location: Richmond Library Annexe, Quadrant Road, Richmond, TW9 1DH
• Price: Free but booking required

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Get swishing with a clothing swap

Swishing is so simple. Just bring in your unwanted clothing garments* and exchange them for tokens; then come back later to choose alternative items to take home and enjoy.

Drop off between 11.30am and 1pm. Choose items between 2 and 3.30pm.

*All donated items must be in good condition, with no more than ten unwanted items per person.

• Saturday 1 March 2025 - 11.30am to 3.30pm, Twickenham Library
• Saturday 29 March 2025 - 11.30am to 3.30pm, Richmond Library Annexe, Quadrant Road, Richmond TW9 1DH

Budgets and balances made simple

Free advice for managing your money better.

Learn to create your own budget and discover effective techniques for tracking income and expenses in this informative session, led by an expert from The Money Charity.

This practical session uses case studies to teach financial management skills without requiring personal details. The session concludes with a Q&A to address your specific questions about budgeting and financial literacy.

The Money Charity is fully independent and impartial.

• Date: Tuesday 4 March 2025
• Time: 11am to 12.30pm
• Location: Hampton Library
• Price: Free, but booking is encouraged

Book tickets for budgets and balances session

Outsmart the scammers

Protect yourself against sophisticated scams with expert guidance. Fraudsters are becoming increasingly creative in their approach, targeting people of all ages and backgrounds through multiple channels.

Join specialists from the Regulatory Services Partnership Trading Standards Division for an eye-opening session on:

• Identifying red flags in common sense scam tactics
• Building confidence in making safe financial decisions
• Recognising and avoiding 'too good to be true' offers

Interactive workshops with Q&A. Part of the Libraries’ Winter Warmers programme.

• Wednesday 5 March 2025, 10.30 to 11.30am, Twickenham Library
• Thursday 13 March 2025, 9.30 to 10.30am, Richmond Library Annexe
• Tuesday 25 March 2025, 1 to 2pm, Whitton Library

Free event, no booking required.

Senior Street Sextet ensemble

Enjoy mood boosting music at your local library, with a London-based band. 

Senior Street Sextet is a well-established ensemble. They delight in interpreting a wide repertoire of accessible jazz orientated music including Standards, Bossa Nova, Latin, and Blues. The band line-up comprises three saxes, keyboard, bass, and drums.

Free hot drinks and donation-based bar.

Event details:

• Date: Thursday 6 March 2025
• Time: 7 to 9pm
• Location: Whitton Library
• Price: Free, no booking required

Children's clothing swap

Swishing made simple - bring your gently-used children’s clothing* to exchange for tokens, then return to select fresh, exciting garments that will give your child’s wardrobe new life.

Drop off between 11.30am and 1pm. Choose items between 2 and 3.30pm.

*All donated items must be in good condition, with no more than ten unwanted items per person.

• Date: Saturday 15 March 2025
• Time: 11.30am to 3.30pm
• Location: Teddington Library
• Price: Free event - no booking required

Gardening with Nature workshop

With Barnes Common Charity.

Transform your outdoor space into a thriving ecosystem – from sprawling gardens to cosy container displays, every green space matters!

Join our expert-led workshop to master the essentials of ecological gardening. You’ll discover how to build soil health, enhance insect biodiversity, and create pollinator paradises. Part of the Libraries’ Winter Warmers programme.

• Date: Thursday 20 March 2025
• Time: 11.30am to 12.30pm
• Location: Teddington Library
• Price: Free event - no booking required

Magnificent music of Jane Austen

An evening with The Cordial Consort.

Experience an enchanting evening of historical music performed by the acclaimed ensemble, The Cordial Consort.

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, immerse yourself in an exquisite selection from her family’s musical collection – a treasure trove of 600 regency-era pieces. Free event, funded by Richmond Council’s Community Spaces.

• Date: Thursday 27 March 2025
• Time: 7 to 8pm
• Location: Teddington Library
• Price: Free event, booking required

Book tickets for music of Jane Austen