- Book tickets now for a range of performers and workshops in your local library or community space
- Live music, theatre, magic shows and dance shows chosen by local communities available throughout the county
- Almost two thirds of our audience say that trying this is ‘a new experience’ and is the reason they attend
Think your local library is just about books? Think again! Tickets are now on sale for the 16th season of The Library Presents, the arts and entertainment programme that transforms these community spaces across Cambridgeshire into immersive, theatre-style experiences.
Returning this September, the programme features 33 different acts and includes a mix of live music, laugh-out-loud theatre, mind-blowing magic and dazzling dance. Hundreds of local residents played a part in shaping this season’s line-up by taking part in the choosing process. Highlights include: hip-hop dance theatre from I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik, dance performances from Olive Branch, theatre show The Ghost of a Smile! and storytelling from F(able): Fierce Fairy Tales for the Next Generation.
Try something new this Autumn
Did you know that when asked their motivations for attending, 61% of our audiences said they come to The Library Presents to try something new? This Autumn, why not join them? Featuring 51 events at 24 intimate library venues, from Bassingbourn to Yaxley and everywhere in between, this season offers more variety than ever. Whether you’re amazed by the arts or wowed by the workshops, there’s truly something for everyone. From performances to hands-on sessions for adults, families and young people, all events are affordably priced between £2 and £10, with concessions and flexible “pay what you can” options available at selected shows.
This season will offer more new artists and workshops than any other programme to date and features eight dance performances and workshops.
What’s on locally in Ely, Littleport and Soham
As part of this county-wide line-up, libraries in Ely, Littleport and Soham will host a range of performances and workshops.
Ely
Ely Library will welcome the quick-witted comedy of Victor & Albert and the powerful dance theatre performance of I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik, both with Hearing Loops available, alongside a third live event later in the season.
Littleport
Littleport Library will host:
- Crochet Flowers for Beginners – Monday 17 November, 6pm. Run by published author and teacher Claire Montgomerie, this workshop guides confident beginners aged 8+ (with some crochet experience) through creating colourful floral motifs. Under-12s must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
- The Ghost of a Smile! – Saturday 13 December, 7pm (doors open 6.40pm). Two of Charles Dickens’ creepiest tales reimagined with a comic twist. Adapted and directed by Gavin Robertson and performed by Nicholas Collett. Suitable for adults and young people 12+. This is a Relaxed Performance with a quieter space available. Hearing Loops will also be in place.
Soham
At Soham Library, families can enjoy the Jungle Jumble Flip Book Workshop – Friday 31 October, 2pm. Illustrator Moira Millman will help participants aged 7+ create imaginative animal flip books using drawing, rubber stamping and collage. Under-12s must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
Libraries like you’ve never seen them before
The humble libraries and community spaces of Cambridgeshire will be transformed with lighting, backdrops and sound equipment. And while there is plenty for the little ones to enjoy, adults can enjoy performances accompanied by a glass of something cold from the bar at some of our evening events.
Councillor Alison Whelan, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said:
“We’re delighted to launch a new season of The Library Presents, with an exciting range of events shaped by our communities and hosted in local libraries.
Our libraries are vibrant community spaces where people can come together to engage with culture and creativity. The Library Presents makes high quality live entertainment accessible locally, demonstrating our commitment to creating a fairer Cambridgeshire. This autumn season is set to be a wonderful celebration of creativity, diversity, and connection – and we warmly invite everyone to come along and enjoy it.”
Accessibility and inclusivity for all
With a commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, The Library Presents offers a range of assistance, including relaxed performances — safe spaces for neurodiverse or autistic audience members — BSL-interpreted events, audio-described and live-captioned performances, and ‘touch tours’ before performances, to assist those with extra sensory needs. Detailed accessibility information is provided for each of our events and can be found in the programme brochure (available in all libraries and other community hubs) or by browsing our website.
Funded by Arts Council England
Cambridgeshire is one of a small number of library authorities funded to help bring high-quality arts programmes to local communities, thanks to the continued funding from Arts Council England.
Over a three-year period, £530,000 has been invested to help keep ticket prices affordable and ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said:
“The Library Presents is a brilliant example of how creativity can thrive in unexpected spaces, bringing high-quality arts experiences directly into the heart of local communities. We are proud to support a programme that champions accessibility, celebrates diversity, and empowers residents to shape their cultural landscape. It’s inspiring to see libraries transformed into vibrant venues where people of all ages can try something new.”
Tickets on sale now!
The first event of the new season takes place on Saturday, 13 September. Demand is expected to be high, with many events likely to sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased online, by scanning the QR code in the programme brochure, by phone, in person at participating libraries, or on the door (subject to availability).
