New season of arts events with community focus at Exeter Library

The spring/summer programme at Exeter Library offers residents a choice of vibrant, fun and community-focussed arts events.  

The ‘Pride of Place’ season is part of a three-year programme of creative offerings being rolled out by Libraries Unlimited this spring. 

The Pride of Place season encourages communities throughout the county to discover and enjoy where they live.    

This spring/summer season will offer the communities in Exeter the chance to come to the library for music and laughter, including an increasingly popular over 60s disco. 

There’s also a pub quiz and monthly Bricks & Booze sessions – essentially adults playing with Lego! 

Award-winning author Salena Godden is hosting what promises to be a fascinating evening having open conversations about death, and there are networking events for local creatives and community organisations to share ideas. 

There’s also a magical theatre show for children by English Touring Opera and a great big free party where everyone is welcome to celebrate Pride and make banners for the parade. 

The sessions kick off in April and run through until July. Similar events are being held in Exeter and Barnstaple libraries, with smaller events dotted at libraries throughout Devon and Torbay.   

Rae Hoole, Creative Communities Producer from Libraries Unlimited, said: “This is now our third year of delivering these events and we’re thrilled at how much they are growing with the support of the communities in Exeter and surrounding areas. 

“Our aim with this funding is to offer low cost or free arts events to bring them to as many people as possible, and the feedback and attendance shows how appreciated they are.”   

Events for Pride of Place at Exeter Library are listed below. They can be booked by dropping in or phoning the library. here may be a small additional booking fee for those booked via Eventbrite.   

Dewey Decibels: Music in the Library, 13 April, doors at 6.30pm, show 7pm-9pm. Price: £7, concessions £5, age: 16-plus. 

A night of new and eclectic music at Exeter Library, co-produced with Obvious Events. Featuring explosive voice-and-percussion ensemble Tyrani and uplifting songwriter Jonah Corren, with a pop-up bar. 

Theatre in The Library: The Vanishing Forest, 16 April, 1.30pm, age: 7-11 years, adults £8, under 12s £5.  

The Vanishing Forest follows the events of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Puck joins forces with a host of colourful characters to educate and inspire children on the issue of deforestation with Shakespearean-infused song, puppetry and bags of adventure. 

Quizzical: The Pub Quiz at Exeter Library, 2 May, 6.30pm, age 16-plus, £3.  

Classic rounds like general knowledge, music and pictures plus plenty of book-based trivia. With live music from local singer-songwriter Jess Rowe, some fantastic prizes up for grabs, and a pop-up bar serving alcohol and soft drinks. 

Last Writes: An Evening with Salena Godden & Friends, 8 May, 7.30pm-9pm, age: 14-plus, price £4, £7, £10  

Award-winning poet and novelist Selena Godden talks about all things poetry, prose, death and dying. Expect frank, funny and fascinating conversation alongside some captivating readings and performances.  

Selena will be joined by Bard of Exeter and performance poet Ceri Baker. 

Bricks & Booze, last Wednesday of the month, 6.30pm-9pm. 26 March, 30 April, 28 May, 25 June, 30 July. Age: 18-plus, price: £3  

On the last Wednesday of every month, an after-hours LEGO session for adults wiull take place. Bring your own refreshments and snacks. 

Tunes will be playing and there will be a huge collection of LEGO. This is a chance to ditch the kids and throw off the shackles of work, to have fun, get silly, socialise, and play around with some little colourful bricks. 

Exeter Pride Takeover with Mama G, 10 May, from 10am, free entry.  

The library is teaming up with Exeter Pride to bring a whole day of fun and free activities, including another pre-march banner and badge making session, plus a visit from everyone’s favourite panto dame, Mama G. 

The Gathering #3, 14 May, 6pm-7.30pm. All ages welcome, free entry.  

The Gathering is a networking event for those who don’t like networking, bringing together Exeter-based creatives and community organisations to connect, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations. Expect engaging presentations, relaxed networking, and plenty of snacks and drinks.  

The Over 60’s Disco, 21 May, 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Age: 60-plus, price: £3.  

The Over 60’s Disco is back. With a new DJ, and bags of fun and eclectic tunes. The fully stocked bar has a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks to help people dance the night away.  

For more details of events and to book online visit https://librariesevolve.org.uk/events