Adults' library services
Lambeth libraries offer a variety of services for adults.
Book groups
Come along to meet fellow book lovers, discuss a good book and join the fun.
Each month we provide you with a copy of one of the books from our list, at the next meeting you can come along and share your views. Do you love it, hate it, or would you recommend it to a friend?
We run twelve book groups and each has a unique identity. All the book groups are free to join, and if you are a member you will be able to borrow the book being read by your group.
Older Persons' library service
If you are over 50 (and beyond), just have a look at what our libraries have to offer. There are many events and activities available all over the borough.
Books on Prescription
If you are experiencing emotional or psychological problems, you may find it helpful to read more about the issue and to take action with advice from a book.
If you're a local resident of Lambeth, you can borrow books from local libraries on topics such as anger, anxiety, depression, and stress with a prescription from your GP or other health professional.
The books are recommended by psychologists and counselors and can be borrowed free of charge from any Lambeth library. Ask your GP for a book prescription. Read more information about the scheme or download the booklist.
Outside Story - Library services for Homeless people
Outside Story is a project to improve access to reading, learning and information services for homeless and vulnerably housed people in London.
The project aims to ensure that library services are available for homeless people in a way that is appropriate and meets the needs of service users, particularly those in priority need including young people who suffer particular disadvantage.
To find out more visit the website at www.outsidestory.org.uk.
Short stories
Lambeth libraries have recently invested in great new short story sections - if you like short stories visit your local library to see the difference.
London Libraries Recommend
London Libraries organise promotions across London and give London Librarians the chance to promote books that the major bookshops don't get the chance to highlight.
Have a look at the website and discover some new titles that you may not otherwise get a chance to try.
For the full book lists, visit London Libraries Recommend
South Bank Centre and Lambeth Libraries
Located in Lambeth, the South Bank Centre organises some of the best literary events in the country. Lambeth Libraries have been involved in a number of joint projects with spectacular results. Find out more about South Bank Centre and Lambeth Libraries literary events.
City of Shared Stories
A City of Shared Stories is an exciting new project from Spread the Word, encouraging everyone to share creative writing across the capital. Has someone written about the area where you live?
Use this website to find creative writing about places you know.
Lambeth Literary Quiz
As part of Lambeth’s 2009 Readers and Writers Festival we
set Lambeth brains in a spin with the Lambeth Literary quiz. The quiz asked readers to identify famous first lines from books and all correct answers were entered into a prize draw.
We received a number of winning entries but the winner, drawn from a hat, was Judith Edwards from Streatham Library who received her £20 book voucher courtesy of Lambeth Libraries.
Help with choosing your next book
Are you stuck for what to read next? Try this fun way to choose your next book, customised just for you: www.whichbook.net or a new development in matching you, the reader, to the books you love www.BookLamp.org.
Fiction in translation
It may be true that only 3% of books published in the UK are translated from languages other than English, but 3% of a lot is, well, still quite a lot.
Booktrust, which runs the Booktrust translated fiction website, is committed to encouraging people of all ages and cultures to discover and enjoy reading. We are proud to be able to expand our work into the world of translated fiction and believe we are well placed to celebrate and broaden readers’ awareness of these amazing novels. Visit the website and have a look at what's available.
Book Prizes
The latest book prize-winners.
Do you want to share your passion for books?
Visit www.librarything.com or www.lovereading.co.uk to share your passion for books with a worldwide audience.
There are also hundreds of people talking about books on the internet using blogs, try these examples Ready Steady Book, Newbooksmag or The Reader.
For graphic novel readers try these sites www.unshelved.com or www.paulgravett.com