Sydenham Library

It's Volunteers Week, and we want to say thank you.

Calico's four libraries, Forest Hill, Manor House, Sydenham, and Crofton Park, exist because people from across South East London give their time to keep them open and thriving. Hundreds of volunteers support our libraries, and we would not be able to do what we do without them.

Each library has its own community and its own character, but what they have in common is a team of volunteers who show up, week after week, because they believe a good local library matters. They help visitors find books, support people using computers and digital services, assist at events, and make everyone who walks through the door feel welcome.

As one of our volunteers put it: "My favourite thing is the social and pro-community atmosphere. While volunteering I get to interact and bond with people in a way that is much more natural than usual. I feel comfortable and welcome being here."
That sense of belonging is something our volunteers create, for themselves and for everyone else.

Calico receives no government funding to run the libraries. Every open door, every stocked shelf, every event that goes ahead is the result of a community that has decided these spaces are worth fighting for. Our volunteers are central to that.
We also love any excuse to celebrate together. Twice a year we hold volunteer parties, rotating between our four sites so everyone has a chance to attend without having to travel far. Last year's summer party was at Manor House and the Christmas party at Forest Hill. This year we're heading to Sydenham on 18th July.

To everyone volunteering at Forest Hill, Manor House, Sydenham, and Crofton Park this week and every week: thank you.

If you would like to join them, you can find out more and sign up at calicolibraries.com/volunteer

📚 Anancy Festival

📍Sydenham Library

Join Barbara and friends at Sydenham Library to celebrate Windrush Day 2026 with a fun, free session full of stories and activities about the trickster spider Anancy, perfect for ages 4-9 (siblings welcome). All children must be accompanied by an adult.

This event will feature stories and activities about Anancy/Ananse/Anansi from multiple cultures and countries.

No need to book – just drop in!

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link

Anancy Festival – Calico Libraries Anancy Festival Join Barbara and friends at Sydenham Library to celebrate Windrush Day 2026 with a fun, free session full of stories and activities about the trickster spider Anancy, perfect for ages 4-9 (siblings welcome). All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event will feature storie...

Join Udochi from NAZ Project London on 30th June for our next meeting of the Front to Black book group! This month, we're discussing The Seers by Sulaiman Addonia. It's short, it's thought-provoking, and you can pick up your copy from Sydenham Library! Whether you've finished the novel or not, we hope to see you on 30th June at Sydenham Library for a relaxed conversation with snacks, drinks, and great company

We've just refreshed the New Non-Fiction display shelves down at Sydenham Library. Now presenting: A history of London pubs! Two Scottish lads conquering the music industry! An ode to the Korean corn dog! And travel guides to far-flung places like Barbados! Venice! Scotland! Come and have a look...

📚 Local councillors’ drop-in surgery

📍Sydenham Library

Once a month, the local councillors from Sydenham Ward hold a drop-in advice surgery at Sydenham Library. Come along with any local issues you have and speak to your representatives. No need to book.

Your local councillors are:

Corin Ashwell (https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=17097), Green Party

Tanya Dunne (https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=17098), Green Party

Markus Michelucci (https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=17096), Green Party

Please note that not all councillors will be present at every drop-in surgery.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/local-councillors-drop-in-surgery

📚 Energy Advice with Selce

📍Sydenham Library

Join Selce (South East London Community Energy) for a free session at Sydenham Library where you’ll learn simple tips to save money on your energy bills by making your home more energy-efficient.

No need to book – just turn up at 3pm on Wednesday 27th May or 10th June.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/energy-advice-with-selce

📚 Courage, Conversations, Collage

📍Sydenham Library

Join us to celebrate Refugee Week in the second event of our Sanctuary in Sydenham series!

The theme of Refugee Week 2026 is Courage. ‘At a time when some seek to divide and blame, Refugee Week 2026 calls us to come together and share the courage to welcome, to stand for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community – to be joyful, imagine new possibilities, dream, heal, and connect.’ (Refugee Week (https://refugeeweek.org/theme-of-refugee-week-2026-courage/)). Join a panel of individuals with lived experience of migration to hear about their stories and learn what courage and sanctuary mean to them – and how we can make Sydenham a more welcoming place for all.

Then, explore our array of arts & crafts materials to share your own stories through collage, art, writing, or the medium of your choice! Chat with other participants over refreshments and engage with the local community and its past and future. You will have the opportunity for your page to be scanned and included in a collective zine about the past and present of Sanctuary in Sydenham, which will be contributed to the Lewisham Community Zine Library. The Zine Library will be available to explore throughout the event.

This event is free and all materials are provided. Booking a place allows us to know how many people to expect, but walk-ins are welcome as space permits. Additional details and free tickets available via Ticket Tailor >> www.tickettailor.com/events/calico/2195790 (https://www.tickettailor.com/events/calico/2195790)

This event is part of Calico Libraries’ Sanctuary in Sydenham series, kindly made possible by Borough of Sanctuary.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/courage-conversations-collage

📚 Abstract Flowers Watercolour Workshop

📍Sydenham Library

Join watercolour artist Ting for a fun and creative world of watercolour painting!

This workshop is relaxing and beginner-friendly, introducing you to the world of watercolour painting.

We’ll explore essential watercolour techniques while creating your own painting to take home.

✨ No experience necessary

🎨 All materials provided

Let’s get creative together!

Date & Time: Saturday, 30th May 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sydenham Library
All materials provided—just bring yourself!

About the Artist
Ting Chen is a Taiwanese-British watercolour artist based in London. Her joyful style features bright, loose florals, botanicals, and charming illustrations of fruits and animals. She also designs stationery—including greeting cards, notebooks, and wrapping paper—available on Etsy at designbyting.com (http://designbyting.com/).

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/abstract-flowers

Here at Sydenham Library we've got hot books and we've got cold books... so however you're feeling about the weather, we've got something for you. (We've also got ice creams and fans.)

📣 IMPORTANT 📣
Sydenham Library will be CLOSED from 19th to 21st of May so we can complete essential maintenance works.

We will reopen as normal on Friday 22nd May. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience.