Crofton Park Library

What a difference a week makes. If you are missing the scorching weather why not try one of our ‘Red-Hot Reads’. No sunscreen required!

Our Junior Book Clubbers flexed their social conscience and enjoyed a morning of litter picking and book discussions in Hilly Fields last week. Led by Anna and Lily, plus Crofton Park Library Manager Nikki, they collected 11 bags of rubbish!

The young bookworms are reading The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Raulf and The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson next.

It's Brockley Max! Gratitude to Moira Tait for launching the festival 25 years ago; Rosie, and the Max volunteers for their commitment; Jo and the Year 2 children at Beecroft School, Jacqueline, Carry, the volunteers and Make Mee Studio for providing the artworks and events at Crofton Park Library this year. The fun continues until Saturday 6th June.
https://brockleymax.co.uk/festival-programme-2026/

It's Volunteers Week, and we want to say thank you.

Calico's four libraries, Forest Hill, Manor House, Sydenham, and Crofton Park, exist because people from across South East London give their time to keep them open and thriving. Hundreds of volunteers support our libraries, and we would not be able to do what we do without them.

Each library has its own community and its own character, but what they have in common is a team of volunteers who show up, week after week, because they believe a good local library matters. They help visitors find books, support people using computers and digital services, assist at events, and make everyone who walks through the door feel welcome.

As one of our volunteers put it: "My favourite thing is the social and pro-community atmosphere. While volunteering I get to interact and bond with people in a way that is much more natural than usual. I feel comfortable and welcome being here."
That sense of belonging is something our volunteers create, for themselves and for everyone else.

Calico receives no government funding to run the libraries. Every open door, every stocked shelf, every event that goes ahead is the result of a community that has decided these spaces are worth fighting for. Our volunteers are central to that.
We also love any excuse to celebrate together. Twice a year we hold volunteer parties, rotating between our four sites so everyone has a chance to attend without having to travel far. Last year's summer party was at Manor House and the Christmas party at Forest Hill. This year we're heading to Sydenham on 18th July.

To everyone volunteering at Forest Hill, Manor House, Sydenham, and Crofton Park this week and every week: thank you.

If you would like to join them, you can find out more and sign up at calicolibraries.com/volunteer

To celebrate 2nd June the birthdate of 20th century novelist Barbara Pym, the Barbara Pym Society represented by local members Sandra and Judith have gifted 6 copies of Pym’s ‘Jane and Prudence’ and hand delivered them to us.

More info on Barbara Pym’s life and work at https://barbara-pym.org/

(L-R, Library Volunteer and Barbara Pym fan Jane, Library Volunteer and founder of the Library Book Club Pat, Judith and Sandra local residents and Barbara Pym Society members, Library Volunteer and Book Club member Lyn, Library manager Nikki)

📚 Cindergorilla: A Musical Extravaganza with Gareth P. Jones

📍Crofton Park Library

Get silly, get musical, and go bananas at Crofton Park Library! Join local author, musician, and performer Gareth P. Jones for an interactive event inspired by his book Cindergorilla!

This event is free, but booking is essential. Perfect for ages 5-10. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the entire duration.

This event is kindly made possible by the Friends of Crofton Park Community Library.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link

Cindergorilla: A Musical Extravaganza with Gareth P. Jones – Calico Libraries Cindergorilla: A Musical Extravaganza with Gareth P. Jones Get silly, get musical, and go bananas at Crofton Park Library! Join local author, musician, and performer Gareth P. Jones for an interactive event inspired by his book Cindergorilla! This event is free, but booking is essential. Perfect for...

📚 Brockley Max Mindful Calligraphy Art

📍Crofton Park Library

Get creative with Chinese calligraphy and learn brush techniques in this fun, hands-on art session at Crofton Park Library on Friday 29th May, 11am-12pm.

Learn the ancient art of Chinese Calligraphy brush strokes and characters from artist in residence Carry Hornby. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this event is sure to inspire and captivate. Immerse yourself in the beauty and tradition of Chinese culture through the art of calligraphy. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore a new form of artistic expression!

All materials provided. Suitable for adults and children aged 9+.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/brockley-max-mindful-calligraphy-art

📚 Brockley Max Ukulele Jam Session

📍Crofton Park Library

Strum and socialise at a ukulele jam with Jacqueline Grant! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, join Jacqueline for a free lunchtime jam session of great music and community vibes.

Meet Jacqueline from 12-2pm on Monday 1st June at Crofton Park Library. No pressure, just a friendly group of grown-ups playing songs from the Ukulele Wednesdays songbook. Grab your uke and let’s play! You can access the songbook here. (https://ukulelewednesdays.wordpress.com/songbook/)

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/brockley-max-ukulele-jam-session

📚 Summer Solstice Collage Workshop

📍Crofton Park Library

Join us at Crofton Park Library on June 20th, 2026 at 11:00am for a fun and creative collaging workshop. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, come along to make some cool summer-themed collages, share ideas, and enjoy a relaxed, friendly vibe. All materials will be provided, so just bring your creativity and good mood!

This workshop is aimed at KS1 children’s abilities, and the collages of fruit and vegetables will be kept and curated into a young people’s recipe book.

🔗 For information and booking (if applicable) follow this link https://calicolibraries.com/events/summer-solstice-collage-workshop

On Saturday 16th May, The Guardian newspaper published its ultimate TOP 100 Novels. More than 150 authors, academics and critics from around the world, were asked to pick their top 10 novels of all time.
Is your favourite on the list? Our Tuesday team struck out with their favourite reads being nowhere on the list!
https://www.theguardian.com/books/ng-interactive/2026/may/12/the-100-best-novels-of-all-time