Richmond Reads

We are pleased to present Richmond Reads 2025. It's your annual season of events and activities that highlight the joys and benefits of reading.

The programme of live events includes storytellers, authors, and workshops. You will also find lots of activity on the libraries’ social media channels to keep the celebrations going and help you discover reading communities online.

Mama G Storytime

Join the fabulous Mama G for a joyful, interactive storytime filled with original tales, catchy tunes and beloved picture books.

Expect dancing, giggles and a whole lot of love as Mama G celebrates the magic of being yourself and embracing who you are. Perfect for children and families who love to sing, dance and dive into magical tales.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Morning event

Date: Wednesday 29 October 2025
Time: 11 to 11.45am
Location: Richmond Lending Library

Afternoon event

Date: Wednesday 29 October 2025
Time: 2 to 2.45pm
Location: Twickenham Library

Free event, no booking required.

Love, Laughter & Laurie Gilmore

Join Laurie Gilmore, author of the TikTok sensation and Sunday Times bestseller The Pumpkin Spice Café, as she returns with the latest heart warming instalment in her Dream Harbour series – The Gingerbread Bakery.

Laurie will share insights into her writing process, discuss the enduring appeal of swoon-worthy romance, and revisit the characters that have captured readers’ hearts.

Expect warmth, laughter, and a generous sprinkle of seasonal charm – just like sipping a pumpkin spiced latte.

Date: Monday 3 November
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Online event
Price: Free but booking required

Book Love, Laughter & Laurie Gilmore

Unbridled spirit: A saddle, a dream, and the wild beyond

Join author Louis D. Hall in conversation with Hannah Knowles as he shares the extraordinary journey behind his debut book, In Green.

Inspired by Don Quixote, Louis left city life behind and set out on horseback across Europe. From the snowy Apennines to Galicia’s windswept coast, his journey is one of adventure, solitude, and unexpected connection.

A book signing follows in partnership with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Tuesday 4 November 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Teddington Library
Price: £4.50

Book Unbridled spirit: A saddle, a dream, and the wild beyond

Ravena Guron:LIVE!

Mystery, writing and signing with award winner author Ravena will talk about her zig-zag journey to becoming a bestselling Middle Grade and YA author, from writing short stories in school to doing a biochemistry degree and working as a television lawyer.

She’ll share her writing inspirations and experiences of law school as the first in her family to go to university. She’ll also discuss how she learned to speak up – and how every person in the room has all the tools they need to become a writer, too.

Join Ravena for an interactive talk and Q&A, followed by a book signing. The event is suitable for ages 12+.

Date: Thursday 6 November 2025
Time: 6.30 to 7.30pm
Location: Richmond Lending Library
Price: Free

Book Ravena Guron:LIVE!

Writing funny fiction: A creative workshop with author Kate Davies

Learn how to write fiction that makes people laugh out loud. Led by award winning novelist Kate Davies, whose debut, In at the Deep End, was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for comic fiction.

You'll explore why humour matters in fiction, how writers use comedy in their work, the technical aspects of writing jokes, and take part in hands-on exercises to craft your own comic scenes.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to explore a new style, this is a great place to begin.

Date: Saturday 8 November 2025
Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Richmond Library Annexe
Price: £8.00

Book Writing funny fiction: A creative workshop with author Kate Davies

Controlling Women: The untold story of Britain’s first female police force

Uncover the gripping true story of the pioneering women who defied convention and established their own police force. Sandra Hempel brings to life the remarkable figures behind the movement. Described as “riveting and written with such clarity” by historian Dr Helen Fry, Hempel’s latest book shines a long-overdue spotlight on these courageous trailblazers.

A book signing follows this event, in partnership with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Richmond Library
Price: £4.50

Book Controlling Women: The untold story of Britain’s first female police force

To Journey’s End; The Life of RC Sherriff: From Hampton Wick to Hollywood

Explore the extraordinary life of Robert Cedric Sherriff, a shy insurance clerk who became one of Britain’s most influential writers. His WWI play Journey’s End, based on his own experiences in the trenches, transformed modern theatre and was named one of the 100 most important plays of the 20th century. He later found success in Hollywood, writing screenplays for iconic films including The Dam Busters and Goodbye, Mr.Chips.

Discover how this quiet man’s words left a lasting mark on stage and screen.

Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
Time: 2 to 3pm
Location: Hampton Library
Price: £4.50

Book To Journey’s End; The Life of RC Sherriff: From Hampton Wick to Hollywood

Kate Sawyer and Harriet Evans: A Celebration of Modern Fiction

Spend an inspiring afternoon with two bestselling authors as they delve into the heart of family, memory, and place in their powerful new novels.

Kate Sawyer shares Getting Away, a poignant tale of transformation and belonging. Harriet Evans unveils The Treasures, a sweeping epic of secrets and emotional depth. Together, they explore the magic of storytelling in contemporary fiction.

A book signing will follow, with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Saturday 15 November 2025
Time: 2 to 3pm
Location: Twickenham Library
Price: £4.50

Book Kate Sawyer and Harriet Evans: A Celebration of Modern Fiction

Escape from Kabul: A true story of sisterhood and defiance

Discover the powerful true story of Afghan women judges who risked everything to stand up for justice—and the incredible global network of women who helped them escape the Taliban. It’s a moving story of bravery, friendship, and the strength of women supporting each other across borders.

Join writer and journalist Karen Bartlett as she talks with broadcaster Bidisha Mamata about her book Escape from Kabul.

A book signing follows this event, in partnership with Hewson Books, The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Tuesday 18 November 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Richmond Library
Price: £4.50

Book Escape from Kabul: A true story of sisterhood and defiance

Agatha, Poirot and me: Crime, Clues, and Christie with Sophie Hannah

Explore the dazzling world of crime fiction with international bestselling author Sophie Hannah. Uncover the secrets behind her gripping new thrillers including The Last Death of the Year, a brand-new Hercule Poirot mystery created with the blessing of Agatha Christie’s estate. From mind-bending twists to crafting tales for the world’s most iconic detective, this is a must-attend event for crime fiction lovers.

A book signing follows, in partnership with Hewson Books and The Kew Bookshop.

Date: Friday 21 November 2025
Time: 7 to 8pm
Location: Richmond Library
Price: £4.50

Book Agatha, Poirot and me: Crime, Clues, and Christie with Sophie Hanna

Richmond Reads Reading Challenge

Celebrate Richmond Reads this Autumn by taking part in our exciting reading challenge, starting Wednesday 1 October, running until the end of November. All you need to do is read three books or more, and you’ll be entered into our raffle for a chance to win a £50 hamper with goodies from local businesses.

You must be a library member to participate in this challenge. Become a member if you're not already.

Let’s get reading!

Digital Read-along

We’re excited to launch our Digital Read-Along, a new way to enjoy books together as a community.

Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction, discover The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji on Libby, available in both ebook and audiobook formats from October 21 to November 4. Don’t miss this powerful and thought-provoking read.