East Sussex Library Service – May 2025 latest news

Shakespeare comes to the library

In partnership with Applause, and to mark Shakespeare Week in our libraries, we are delighted to host a gripping new version of Hamlet at Lewes Library this month.

The play uses Shakespeare’s lines and phrases but brings fresh eyes to it through a deep understanding of the characters and their psychological drivers.

Tickets are limited so please book ahead.

Fish, Chips and Football: A Season by the Seaside

Non-league football is about discovering new towns and villages, chatting to new friends, pubs, pints, burgers, delayed trains and lots of laughs.

Join author Daniel Ford, referee Peter Lindsey, Stephen Edwards of Men United FC and Zekeriya Akan from Sanctuary United for an evening of banter, reminiscence, community and punditry.

Catch a Sea Star a baby opera

We are working with Seaglass Arts to bring you “Catch a Sea Star: a baby opera.”

Deep under the sea lies a colourful kingdom full of beautiful music and mysterious creatures. With live music by JS Bach, this interactive multi-sensory opera offers babies and toddlers a chance to explore a fantasy world of music and playful possibilities. Perfect for children and families.

Local History Month in the Library

May is Local and Community History Month, to celebrate we have a wide range of events and activities across the county. Professor Rachel Bowlby will be delving into the history of shopping and Heathfield’s high street. Mary and Kim from Lewes Guided Walks will be giving an informative and fun talk about diarist and novelist of the Weald and the Marsh and the Down Countries Mrs Alice Dudeney.

We also have fabulous Local History resources to help you get started, and volunteers to guide you.

Events in May

We’ve got lots of free activities in the library this spring. Regular board game sessions, rhymetimes, storytellers, knitting, treasure hunts and Brian Moses poet, percussionist and picture book writer. We’ve got plenty at the library to keep you busy.