Exeter Library

A miniscule collection of aphoristic Chinese verse titled Fragments of Jade may be one of the smallest books we have; its old yellow record card is actually greater in area than the cover of the book and rather spoils the otherwise exquisite aesthetic appeal of this perfectly formed object.

Tyger Tyger by William Blake.

The earth, the sea and the air are the concerns of every nation and sciences technology and education can be the ally of every nation.

The artic ox by Marianne Moore and the cocks of hades by C.A. Trypanis

🗣️ Stanzas in the Stacks 📚

Did you know that we have a richly varied poetry selection in our stacks? There are thousands of volumes down there, containing millions of verses.

Take a look at some of our more unusual and noteworthy poetic editions here: exeterlibrary.blogsp...

We're taking part in Out There Exeter's Young Person's Day on Sunday 19th October at @exeterlibrary.bsky.social!

Join us for this day of free bookish activity, zine making, open mics, games and more from 12pm - 4pm! 📚

More info: out-there-exeter.com/ypd.html

Jazz musicians.

🎷🎄 It’s our favourite yearly tradition… The brilliant Exeter Jazz Orchestra is back at Exeter Library on Sat 13 Dec, with yet another Swinging night of jazz classics and Christmas crackers that’ll get you in the festive mood.

📅 SAT 13 DEC
🎫 Tickets starting from £6:
www.eventbrite.co.uk...

@exeterlibraryevents | Linktree Linktree. Make your link do more.

Most events are free but booking is required for some activities. Spaces are limited—book early! More info & tickets 👉 linktr.ee/exeterlibr...

#StoryFest #Aardman
@exetercityoflit.bsky.social @exeterobserver.org @theprsd.bsky.social @exeterviews.bsky.social @literatureworks.bsky.social

Storyfest 2025

🐑 Shawn the Sheep + Wallace & Gromit are coming to Exeter Library! 🧍‍♂️🐕

This Oct half term there's going to be a week of family fun including:
- Live with Shaun the Sheep 25th
- Wallace & Gromit film marathon 26th
- Creative writing kids 27th
- Aardman clay & animation workshops 29th
+ more!

Children playing with musical instruments.

Musical instruments.

🎶 Musical Moments at Exeter Library🎼

Come make some music with children's author Mike, using his collection of instruments from around the world.

📖 Includes a reading of the new children's book, Musical Moments, plus colouring sheets inspired by the book.

📅 Sat 4 Oct, 11:00-12:15
FREE DROP IN

Mothers on the Mic.

A crowd of mothers in Exeter Library's Rougemont Room.

🎤 M/Others on the Mic

A relaxed & revolutionary daytime performance platform amplifying the voices of m/other artists. Expect music, poetry, stand-up, & a headline set from folk singer Lara Conley.

🎫: www.lizzyhumber.com/...
🎤 Open slots available
🎟 Fri 10 Oct, 10am - 12noon
📍 Exeter Library

Robert Lamb, History of Chess.

The author's signature written in the front of the book in an ink that has long since faded to brown.

A closer image of the author's signature written in the front of the book in an ink that has long since faded to brown.

♟️ One for the chess enthusiasts.

Did you know that we have a 1765 copy of The History of Chess by Robert Lamb in our collections? This rare book is one of the earliest histories of the game, & the author even handwrote his name in an ink which has long since faded to brown.

#ExeterLibraryStacks

The not dead poets society.

📚 The NOT Dead Poets Society is an informal gathering where fans of contemporary poetry (or those interested to know more) can come together to explore new poets, chat about what they hear, & eat biscuits!

Everyone's welcome. No need to book. Last Tuesday of each month. 5.30-6.30pm. Exeter Library

@exetercityoflit.bsky.social @exeterobserver.org @theprsd.bsky.social , @mrjohnharvey.bsky.social @literatureworks.bsky.social @exeterviews.bsky.social

Fantasy Con.

A crowd exploring fantasy con.

A fantasy con stall.

✨🧙‍♀️ Fantasy Con at Exeter Library! 🧝‍♂️⚔️

LARP sword-fighting workshops, tabletop gaming, tarot card reading, tea duelling, author stalls & a dragon trophy for the best costume!

🎟️ Free – but booking helps us plan!
shorturl.at/B4hB2

📍 Exeter Library
📅 THIS SUNDAY 5 Oct 12-4pm

Quizzical poster.

🍻 The Pub Quiz at Exeter Library✍️

A pub quiz that's not in the pub (but we do have a bar!)

Come along for some more excellent quizzing in the Library. This time it's an extra special spooky edition. Expect all the classic rounds with a Halloween twist.

📅 Fri 17 Oct
🎫 www.eventbrite.co.uk...

Verdi

🎶 FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERT: VIVA VERDI! 🎶

Join us for “Viva Verdi!” a celebration of G. Verdi’s timeless music, performed by a talented ensemble of singers and pianist at the library.

📅 SAT 11 OCT
⏲️ 2PM - 3PM
📍 Exeter Library

Free. Book in advance: www.eventbrite.co.uk...

The Samuel Beckett Omnibus - The End is in the Beginning.

THIS FRIDAY - EXETER LIBRARY
🎭 The Samuel Beckett Omnibus 🎭

A brush with Beckett — his characters, his words — in a fast-paced theatrical remix. Whether you're a newcomer or a lifelong fan, experience his genius like never before.

📅 Fri 26 Sept, 7.30-9.15pm
🎫 £4/£8/£10
www.eventbrite.co.uk...

Tragedy At Law is a 1942 novel by Cyril Hare, who never actually existed. It's the crimewriting nom de plume of Alfred Clark, who brought his experience as a judge to bear on his deadly fictions. Illustrator Mervyn Peake's style is evident in the extensive crosshatching and shading and in the exaggerated profiles of the judge and barrister, with their sharp edged beaks.

Tittivulus or the Verbiage Collector by Michael Ayrton.

Williams' 1960 novel Border Country is about a university lecturer travelling back to South Wales to visit his ailing railwayman father and reconnecting with his working class roots. There are considerable autobiographical elements feeding into the story. The cover, a lovely stylised representation of a signal box and the Welsh hills beyond, is by G.J.Galsworthy. Born in 1932, he has, like many commercial illustrators, rather fallen through the cracks of art history.

Pursuit Till Morning by Alan Wykes.

More beautifully illustrated book covers from the 50s and 60s found in our stacks...

#ExeterLibraryStacks
#TreasuresOfTheStacks

Free Lunchtime Talk: Frederick Douglass in Exeter Join us for a fascinating, free lunchtime talk uncovering Exeter’s history and it's link to Frederick Douglass and the Abolitionists

Free tickets:

Dr Richard Bradbury and Dave Samuels

📖 Free Lunchtime Talk: Frederick Douglass in Exeter.

In 1846, the great abolitionist and former enslaved man Frederick Douglass visited Exeter, addressing huge gatherings at a time when the city was a centre of abolitionist thought.

🗓 Thurs 9 Oct | 1 - 2.15pm
📍 Exeter Library, Rougemont Room

You can find all our events & links for booking here: https://linktr.ee/exeterlibraryevents

🍂 UPDATE to our autumn events calendar 🍁

We've added some free lunchtime events to our already stacked programme, plus some Xmas jazz and a first look at Storyfest www.librariesunlimit... 🗣️🎶 There's something for everyone this autumn no matter what your age or tastes.

#LoveLibraries

Creative Writing Hub.

✍️ The Exeter Library Creative Writing Hub continues on Thurs 2nd October.

The theme will be nature writing. We'll be looking at how nature can be used to as a setting, a tone, a plot point, and a character.

🌳 Book your free place here: www.eventbrite.co.uk...

Enjoy the relaxed ambiance of the library, transformed into a dance floor for one special evening. The perfect space to socialise, make new friends, and let loose in a unique setting.

💃The Over 60s Disco returns - Friday 7th Nov🕺

Timeless tunes, stocked bar, and some good, good, good; good vibrations 🎶. Come and boogie amongst the books.

📅 Fri 7th Nov, 7.15-9.15pm
📍 Exeter Library
🎫 From £3: www.eventbrite.co.uk...

Our #HeritageOpenDays talk, 'From Silent to Sound' by Geoff Brown, is coming up tomorrow! There's still time to book your space: tinyurl.com/3cuc62at

@exeterunilib.bsky.social @uniofexeternews.bsky.social @exeterlibrary.bsky.social @exeterobserver.org
#filmsky #museumsky #exeter #exetersky

Three Tom Cox novel covers.

Three signed pages.

Sunday Times bestselling author Tom Cox (@dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social) visited Exeter recently and very kindly signed three of our library books. 📚

So next time you borrow a Tom Cox book from Devon libraries pay close attention, you might just get a signed one!

Young Person's Day 2025.

🎤 Young Person's Day: Rising Icons

A celebration for LGBTQIA+ young people & friends. From 12pm there will be a mix of activities to enjoy including creative workshops, open mic, or do your own thing at your own pace.

Exeter Library
Oct 19 | 12.00 - 4.00 PM
Free tickets: ticketlab.app/event/...

A Middle Eastern writing retreat or a castle getaway in Germany? ✍️

We have two unique FULLY-FUNDED writing opportunities for Devon-based writers thanks to our global UNESCO #CityofLiterature network! 🌎

Find out more and apply on our website: www.exetercityofliterature.com/creative-opp...

English Touring Opera: Little Terror an imaginative, interactive family opera about finding inner strength & processing emotions, made with and for Learning Disabled audiences

Tickets: £5 for under 18s, £8 for adults, and accompanying carers go free:

Little Terror poster - A cartoon knight with a sword in front of a castle.

🎭 English Touring Opera: Little Terror at Exeter Library 🗣️

Little Terror is an imaginative, interactive and adventure-filled family opera all about finding inner strength and processing your emotions, made with and for Learning Disabled audiences.

📅 Sun Nov 23 - 3-4pm
📍 Exeter Library

Tickets here: www.ticketsource.co....

Frederick Douglass played by Neville Connor in the short film Frederick Douglass in Exeter

Frederick Douglass

The Ocean Can Be a Bridge – Frederick Douglass in Exeter.

Step into 1846 and witness Frederick Douglass’s historic visit to Exeter. This immersive drama + film performance explores the fiery debates within the abolitionist movement.

📅 Fri 10 Oct | 🕖 19:00–20:30 (doors 18:45) 📍 Exeter Library

Featuring: Tea duelling with the Exeter Steam Punks. Stalls from local authours, artists & vendors. Sword fighting (LARP) workshops with Gideon "the Old Wyvern" Lawrence. A charity book sale. Table top gaming. Lots more to be announced!

Grab your elf ears, and polish your swords! Fantasy Con is back at Exeter Library! 🧝🐉⚔️

Sun 05 Oct - 12:00 - 16:00.
Free, drop-in for all ages.
www.eventbrite.co.uk...

Anglo-Saxon Attitudes, published in 1956, was the second novel by Angus Wilson and remains his best known work. The cover is by Ronald Searle and reflects the book's satirical bent. Searle was a prolific cartoonist from the post-war period onwards. His characterful caricatures, with their spindly limbs and ink-penned thatches of unruly hair, are instantly recognisable and were highly influential on subsequent generations, from Gerald Scarfe to John Lennon.

This cover, illustrated by John Minton, is for John Wyllie's 1954 book Riot, a crime novel set in an unnamed West African country. Minton was influenced by the British neo-romantic artists of the pre-second world war years, in particular Michael Ayrton.

This cover, illustrated by Edward Bawden, is for Elspeth Huxley's 1948 novel The Walled City. Huxley grew up in Kenya, then part of colonial British East Africa. Kenya in colonial and post-colonial times is the setting and subject for many of her novels, travel books and historical studies. The Walled City, however, is set in British colonial Nigeria in the post-first world war period.

There are several collections by Herefordshire-born horror writer Elizabeth Walter down in the stacks, all boasting arresting covers. This one was illustrated by Kenneth Farnhill, and he's probably best known for the covers he produced for the Collins Crime Club series in the 50s and 60s. This included a number of Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh novels, as well as books by Nicholas Blake, Julian Symons, Ellis Peters and Rex Stout.

📕 We find some terrific book covers down in our stacks from literature written in the 40s, 50s & 60s - clearly a great era for illustrated book covers.

Take a look at this fabulous selection Librarian Jez has pulled up: (captions in the alt text)

#ExeterLibraryStacks
#TreasuresOfTheStacks