Regular library activities for adults
Activities in our libraries
Alcoholics Anonymous
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 12.30-1.30pm
Alcoholism support group held three times a week. For more information on joining, contact AA directly or visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website.
Email Alcoholics Anonymous
0800 9177650
London Life Drawing
Saturdays Times available on London Drawing website
Venue: Artizan Library
Drop in life drawing sessions from London Drawing. A general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. Attendees must register with London Drawing in advance. Please contact London Drawing for further information.
Metropolitan Chess Club
Thursdays 6-10pm
The Metropolitan Chess Club is one of the oldest in London, founded in 1890. There are currently over 50 members and new members of all abilities are welcome. Anyone interested in joining must register with Metropolitan Chess Club in advance.
Puzzle Hour
Every other Wednesday 10.30-11.30am
Our twice-monthly Puzzle Hour sessions bring people together over crosswords, quizzes, jigsaws, board games, card games and more. Enjoy a relaxing jigsaw on your own, or participate in multi-player games. Free refreshments are provided. Visit our Eventbrite for more details and to book your place.
Please contact the relevant organisations for further information or if you would like to attend.
Games Club
Thursdays 3-7pm
Meet new friends, learn new strategies and have fun in our weekly games club.
Bring your own game to play or choose from one provided such as Chess and Scrabble.
Free – Just turn up.
Age-UK IT help drop-in
Tuesdays 5.30-7pm
If you’d like help using the internet, phones, tablets or laptops, or have a specific IT issue, you can drop in to our IT help group every Tuesday 5.30-7pm in Barbican Library. Get free help with issues such as: email, Zoom, managing photos and music, downloading/deleting apps, booking tickets, and online safety.
We may also be able to offer help to those unable to drop in on Tuesday evening. Contact Barbican Library on 0207 638 0569 or speak to staff at the desk.
Reading Groups
Barbican Library runs popular reading groups which meet once a month to discuss a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction.
Please email Barbican Library or call the library on 020 7638 0569 for more information.
Craft and Conversation
Mondays 11am-1pm
Meet to knit, learn and share tips! Free, everybody welcome.
Reading Groups
Lunchtime Reading Group: Second Thursday of the month at 1pm - 2pm
Evening Reading Group: Last Tuesday of the month at 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Contact Shoe Lane Library for more information.
Dragon Café in the City
Fortnightly on Wednesdays at 12pm - 7.30pm.
Shoe Lane Library welcomes you to explore the world of mental health and wellbeing through Dragon Café in the City, our fortnightly pop-up. Through creative workshops and events, we offer engaging ways to practise mindfulness and stress relief here in the heart of the City. Every event is free of charge and open to all.
To find out more, including our programmes for each upcoming event, visit Dragon Café in the City or contact Shoe Lane Library.
See our listings for regular and recurring events and activities in City of London lending libraries including discussion groups, book clubs and much more.
The libraries also have plenty of other one-off events, talks, workshops and more, both in the Library and on Zoom.
Events newsletter
We are pleased to announce that we have started an email newsletter service! Subscribe to the newsletter now, if you would like monthly information emailed to you about all our forthcoming one-off events and activities.
Donations
If you would like to sponsor our programmes for adults and children, please consider making a donation to our libraries. 100% of all monies received from donations comes to the Barbican and Community Libraries service.
Social media and Eventbrite
Many of our activities are also accessible via our social media platforms and you can also find many of our events listed on Eventbrite - follow the links below:
Barbican Library Eventbrite
Shoe Lane Library Eventbrite
Artizan Street Library Eventbrite
Barbican Library Art Exhibitions
The open period to exhibit in 2027 has been postponed.
Due to a library refurbishment next year, we’re expecting changes to the location and equipment offer for the exhibition space. Applications will open again when we’re able to confirm the new arrangement.
We hope to open for applications in Summer 2026.