Hull Libraries

@hulllibraries

We’ve got everything, and the books! Anyone can use our libraries, whatever your age. We've 11 libraries across the city that provide a fantastic range of activities

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Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· 19h

Join BorrowBox for an exclusive live online event with Matt Haig on 7th of September as he talks books, ideas & his latest novel "The Midnight Train", with Natasha Boyd, followed by a live audience Q&A. bolinda.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

An image of a phone screen displaying the cover of "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· 2d

Hello Library Lover! “I remain totally convinced if we can do one simple thing to help kids and adults learn more, it is to inspire them to read.” / Dolly Parton September is here, all our latest news is here: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKH...

There's still time to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge! Just pop into your local library before Saturday 19 September and pick up a special Read to the Beat collector's pack. Read or listen to 6 awesome books, and bag some amazing prizes along the way!

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Aug 3

Hello Library Lover! "There is a temperate zone in the mind, between luxurious indolence and exacting work; and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs." (Henry Ward Beecher) Latest newsletter: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKH...

An image advertising Summer Activities for children. "Get ready to crank up the volume on fun because we have a jam-packed summer line-up waiting for you! Rock out at our music sessions, get messy in clay workshops, explore fascinating science lessons, and so much more! https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/childrens-summer-activities-2026-4417173

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Jul 2

The author of the month at East Park Library is cowboy romance writer, Elsie Silver. Check out this brilliant display! Cowboy artwork by the lovely Abbie 🤠

A display of book covers featuring Elsie Silver, surrounding a drawing of a pair of cowboy boots wearing a stetson hat.

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Jul 2

“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world." / Voltaire Summer is officially here, and it's time to turn up the volume on reading with this year's Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat. Latest news here: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKH...

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Jun 22

Back in the office today after a fabulous 10 days! Thanks to everyone who joined us at the #BigMalarkey festival - we had an absolutely amazing time and hope you did too! 🎉 We can’t wait to do it all again next year for our 10th anniversary! 🌟 Save the date - 26 + 27 June 2027 - see you next year!

An image of our Big Malarkey crew outside the Big Top tent for the traditional end of festival photograph.

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Jun 10

The Big Malarkey Festival Saturday 20 + Sunday 21 June / 10am - 5pm Malarkey Park, East Park, Hull Tickets are on sale now, available to buy online or from all branches of Hull Libraries More details in the alt text or here: thebigmalarkeyfestival.com.

An image of children playing at the festival in 2025!
The Big Malarkey Festival
Saturday 20 + Sunday 21 June / 10am - 5pm
Malarkey Park, East Park, Hull

It's the 9th Big Malarkey Festival AND The National Year of Reading and we're getting very excited to welcome everybody back to Malarkey Park!This year’s festival will open on Monday 15 June with the James Reckitt Reading Conference, followed by an action-packed week of activities for schools, including the James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Awards.

The family friendly festival weekend takes place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June and the theme this year is ‘It’s a Mystery!’ We’ll be filling the park with puzzles, collecting clues, dressing up in disguises and exploring some of the best mysteries in the city. There’ll be lots of fabulous authors, illustrators, dancers, musicians, artists and theatre companies to enjoy including:

Michelle Robinson, Steve Webb, Sharna Jackson, Joseph Elliott, Liz Million, Mariesa Dulak, Kev F Sutherland, Fleur Hitchcock, Circo Rum Ba Ba, Pauline Quirk Academy, Paul Cookson, Ben Rothery - and so many more!

As well as free books for everyone to take home from the Hook-a-Book stall!

Check out the festival programme and start planning your very own Big Malarkey Mystery! Tickets are on sale from Monday 1 June at 12pm and are available to buy online or from all branches of Hull Libraries https://thebigmalarkeyfestival.com/.

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· May 29

Hello Library Lover! Everything good, everything magical, happens between the months of June and August - Jenny Han June's busy month in Library Land as we prepare to celebrate books & stories at The Big Malarkey Festival More in the alt txt, & latest news: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKH...

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· May 20

From our friends @hullhistorycentre.bsky.social "Training Ship #Southampton was a former naval frigate serving as a reformatory for boys convicted of petty crimes moored off Sammy's Point, site of The Deep in Hull, from 1868. Here she is being towed for breaking up in 1912."

Training ship Southampton being towed for breaking up in 1912

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· May 19

You'll find us in the Children's Library on the ground floor of Central Library for @hullnoir.bsky.social again this month. If . Our guest will be @brookmyre.bsky.social Chris will be talking about 'Quite Ugly One Evening', 20th May (7pm).

Pictures of Chris Brookmyre and the cover of his latest book and text as follows: Hull Noir and Hull Libraries present Chris Brookmyre
Quite Ugly One Evening by Chris Brookmyre
Wednesday 20 May 7pm
Hull Central Library + livestreamed to an online audience
An Atlantic voyage. A family at war. A secret worth killing over.
Reporter Jack Parlabane thrives on chasing stories in unlikely places, and where could be less likely than a fan convention on a cruise liner celebrating a contentious Sixties TV series? But unlike the media family exploiting their show's renewed relevance, he's not there to stoke controversy: he’s there to solve a murder. And that's not even the tricky part. No, the tricky part is definitely the dead body locked in a cabin with him, covered in his blood.

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· May 1

An email arrived yesterday. A Nigerian in Ontario, writing a history of jollof rice wanted a particular recipe that had been torn out of a book they owned. A WorldCat search led them to us. Within an hour, they had a scan of the missing pages. Libraries are amazing! Check the alt text for more:

The front cover of Classic Nigerian Cookbook by Laura Edet
A lovely story from one of our librarians!
"Had a brilliant email enquiry at work today. A Nigerian living in Ontario is doing a history of jollof rice and wanted a particular recipe that had been torn out of the book they owned.
It was out of print so they couldn't replace it.
A Google search took them to WorldCat (yes, there IS a world catalogue of library stock) and it turned out we had a copy in one of our stacks.
So within an hour of asking, they were sent a scan of the two missing pages.
Their book is now complete and Hull Libraries is going to be credited in the research.
So little old Hull has helped someone all the way over in Canada.
It certainly put a smile on my face.
Libraries are amazing!"

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Apr 28

After 8 years, we have finally come to the end of our roll of spine label stickers in the Cataloguing Dept today. Full of anticipation we collected a box containing a fresh roll from the stores and frankly, having seen the size of the box, we feel somewhat cheated!

An image of a box containing spine labels on a desk, with a computer mouse for size reference. The box is 11cm square

An image of a box containing spine labels on a desk, with a computer mouse for size reference. The box is 11cm square. The roll it contained is on top of the box, the roll is 4.5cm in diameter. Disappointingly small we think. And the box is unnecessarily oversized, won't somebody think of the trees? It is however, recyclable, so there's that...

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Apr 24

Hello Library Lover! "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." / Cicero If you’re looking for garden inspiration now the sun’s begun to shine, pop down to your local library and pick up a book. Latest newsletter here: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKH...

A picture of Hull Central Library in the spring sunshine

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Apr 23

Western Library garden looking lovely in the spring sunshine yesterday! Come along to Welcome Garden Wednesday 11am-2pm every week to help out or just have a cuppa with us.

A photo of the garden at Western Library taken in the sunshine yesterday. It shows the pathway through the garden lined with shrubs in full leaf after the winter and in the background the blossom covering the domed pergola.

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Apr 22

From 7-8pm on 23 April, people across the UK dedicate time to reading. They do this in lots on different ways; reading alone, having a book club meeting, listening to an audiobook, or reading to children at bedtime to make it a family activity. Join in online using #ReadingHour.

Image of "Join the Reading Hour this World Book Night" 7-8pm 23 April

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Apr 21

Folk Library Creations Thursday 30 April, 2 - 7pm / Hull Central Library / FREE A brand new project putting together creative exhibitions and music experiences in libraries. More details in alt text. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/folk-libra...

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Apr 20

Raising Her Voice: Women Building Careers in Music Hull Central Library Thurs 28 May 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM. A powerful masterclass celebrating women who have built sustainable, successful careers in the music industry More details in alt text & free tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/raising-he...

Raising Her Voice: Women Building Careers in Music
Hull Central Library Thursday, May 28 • 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

This event is for anyone interested in music, creative careers, freelancing or self-employment within the creative industries.

Raising Her Voice is a powerful masterclass celebrating women who have built sustainable, successful careers in the music industry, often by carving their own paths, combining creativity with entrepreneurship.

Delivered through Hull Libraries BIPC, this event is for anyone interested in music, creative careers, freelancing, self‑employment, or business growth within the creative industries.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, freelancer, entrepreneur, student, or simply curious about how creative careers really work behind the scenes, this event offers honest insight, inspiration and practical learning.

Hosted by Sarah Shiels – Learning Development Manager, Hull Culture & Leisure, Director, The New Adelphi Club CIC, Musician, Hull Music Board with keynote speakers -Sally Currie CEO, Drake Music, Stephanie Halsey Freelance Harpist, RCM trained touring musician & freelance harpist, Jenni Harrison, Creative Director, marketing strategist and founder of the house of Pink + Red and Rose Barker, Director, Polar Bear Music Club, journalist and designer

Panel Discussion: Real Talk on Music Careers
The event closes with a 30‑minute panel discussion, hosted by Sarah Shiels, bringing all speakers together to reflect on:
Building careers outside traditional routes
Self‑employment, leadership, and business growth
Barriers women face in music and how to navigate them
The realities of creative work, finance, and sustainability
Advice for anyone starting or pivoting a career in music
Audience questions are encouraged/welcome.

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Apr 20

You'll find us in the Children's Library on the ground floor of Central Library for @hullnoir.bsky.social again this month. If it's your first visit, library staff will be point you in the right direction. @sarahhilary.bsky.social will tell us about 'The Drowning Place' from 7pm 📚

A poster for the Hull Noir event at Central Library on Wednesday 22nd April. It shows a portrait of Sarah and the cover of "The Drowning Place" Livestream tickets available here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hull-noir-sarah-hilary-livestream-tickets-1985144671150

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Apr 20

This picture reminded us of a statue we have here in Hull, there is a replica in Vik. 🙂 www.realyorkshireblog.com/post/voyage-...

Statue of a man leaning and looking towards the sea, standing on a high pole. In the pavement around the sculpture the cardinal points of the compass are indicated, as well as a sign to "VIK ICELAND 1534 KM."

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Apr 20

Last week, a gentleman returned this rather dilapidated copy of this famous book to us after 50 years. He had found it in his attic! Presumably this means there is a pristine copy somewhere in our libraries....

A picture of a rather dilapidated copy of "The picture of Dorian Gray" There is visible water damage to the cover and the plastic cover is yellowing. Obviously, not evident from the picture but there is a truly foul musty smell emanating from it!

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Mar 18

Moonchild Sanelly Wednesday 6 May, 7pm / Hull Central Library / £15 Save the date for a another fantastic gig brought to you by the good people at Get it Loud in Libraries Tickets: getitloudinlibraries.com/events/

Image of Moonchild Sanelly. She is a South African musician and dancer. She is known for her signature blue-coloured hair and her self-created music genre called 'Future ghetto funk'. Not to be missed!

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Mar 12

We are thrilled to hear we are regional & country winners for our ‘One Hull of a Read’ project in the #BritishBookAwards Library of the Year - North England category Library of the Year Awards announced on 11 May Keep everything crossed for us! @hullcitycouncil.bsky.social @hullsls.bsky.social

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Mar 11

"We Roar" is an exhibition that showcases exceptional artwork and poetry created by prisoners in England and the USA. Showing until Wednesday 1 April 2026 at Hull Central Library.

An image of the inside of a jail, there are high windows along one side and a row of iron barred cells along the other. There are the hands of a convict visible protruding through the bars. Overlaid is an image of a convict dressed in a blue prison uniform, and images of butterflies.

We Roar is an award-winning exhibition of artwork and poetry by 40 people in 20 UK & US prisons and was the first ever creative exhibition to tour ten prisons and the Ann Arbor Art Fair (USA). We Roar’s extraordinary works are now touring UK libraries, funded by Arts Council England.

The artworks and poems remind us to ask critical questions, not least about social equality, privatised governance and personal freedom.

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Mar 10

Our next film evening! Do join us & @hullnoir.bsky.social at Hull Central Library for a discussion and screening of 'Double Indemnity', 11th April 📽️

An image including a still from the film and images of Natalie Marlow and Nick Triplow
Hull Noir and Hull Libraries present...
DOUBLE INDEMNITY
Saturday 11 April
6.30pm for a 7pm start
Hull Central Library
Tickets: £5

DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944). Insurance salesman Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) is seduced into murder and fraud by Barbara Stanwyck’s ultimate femme fatale, Phyllis Dietrichson, in Billy Wilder’s classic dark thriller, adapted and scripted by Wilder and Raymond Chandler from the novel by James M. Cain.

For this special screening, crime novelist and noir aficionado Natalie Marlow (Needless Alley, The Red Hollow) joins writer, Nick Triplow, to talk about the film, the original novel, its journey to the screen and how it helped to define the noir stylings of the 1940s and 50s.

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Mar 10

Apologies for our tardiness in getting our latest newsletter posted, March arrived with some complications for the social media department..

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Mar 10

Hello Library Lover! "Books and doors are the same thing. You open them, and you go through into another world." / Jeanette Winterson Latest newsletter is here: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKH...

An image announcing our nominations: Library of the Year Finalists
We are utterly delighted to be nominated - not once, but twice - in the British Book Awards Library of the Year - North England category!

Congrats to the team at Waudby Library and to Hull Schools' Library Service for their One Hull of a Read project. Winners will be announced on Thursday 12 March. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Feb 5

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's, Gal-entine’s or Palentine's Day, fall in love with a book at Ings Library! Colour coded hearts to help you choose the one for you 🩷💛

A display of books themed around romance and other, more platonic relationships. The shelf talkers say "Fall in love with a good book" The display was curated and created by Lois at Ings Library

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Feb 2

Hello Library Lover! "In the winter she curls up around a good book and dreams away the cold". / Ben Aaronovitch Latest newsletter: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKH...

A poster for the next Mini Malarkey Festival Saturday 21 February / 10 - 3:30pm / Hull Central Library

Don't miss our fabulous FREE family festival with lots of your favourites from The Big Malarkey Festival including:

Rooted in Hull / The Herd / Makerspace / INIT Creative / Squarepeg / Make it Take it / Lego Club / Hook a Book / Storytime / Little Movers / Hull Museums / Business and Intellectual Property Team / Authors - Donna David, Jason Beresford, Bethany Walker ... and so much more!

We'll have various areas inside the library for you to explore and enjoy.

Hull Libraries@hulllibraries· Jan 29

For January’s LGBTQ+ book club, we’re reading Bored Gay Werewolf by Tony Santorella, a clever and chaotic commentary on toxic masculinity, the self-improvement industry, and the grind of modern existence, We’ll be meeting on Sat 31st January at Hull Central Library from 11.15am to 12.45pm.