(AGENPARL) – Wed 24 September 2025 Discover green events at libraries across the UK
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For research, inspiration and enjoyment
If your energy levels are flagging when it comes to the climate crisis, find new inspiration at Green Libraries Week in October. We’re one of a group of organisations supporting the event across the UK’s public libraries. This month we’re also sharing archive materials and articles translated into Arabic for audiences all over the world to explore. Plus we’re showcasing special – and rather curious – collections from local libraries online.
Combat the climate crisis
27 October – 2 November 2025
Throughout Green Libraries Week we’re hosting events about the climate crisis ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFIIuh4B17glJR8nhZC92rJMZGEvSPOLBisGy6XBYsNshcolbh1g ) alongside public libraries across the UK. On 23 October hear from leading environmentalists at our panel talk at St Pancras, Voices for Change: Stories from the Environmental Movement, as we launch a new oral history of environmental activism. You can also drop into our free Entrance Hall display, Stories from a Sustainable Future. Find out what’s happening and discover the progress we’ve made with our own sustainability ambitions.
Find out more > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFIIyh4B0XYhpnHaprcPxoO3r0Y4ZedJpdJMmRq9CKzPTGcT5XXg )
See behind the scenes
Our conservation staff are currently preparing items for our next exhibition, Secret Maps ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFII2h4B2bx5axeDBRezX8TnE9ZQupm4Ufy05HIFg0tMhv7bCh1w ), which opens on 24 October. Some of the maps on show sketch sites erased from official histories, while others purposefully deceive the eye. Watch our video to see how the team readies extraordinary objects for display.
This exhibition is supported by Wayland Games ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFII6h4B3EXrd9CMKLHbPDCdyS8GXWe0_S522mkUm6FeTt_TjrVw ) and Tony & Maureen Wheeler.
Watch now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFII-h4B143k_qYp82yReawPhdVk7YBNoAIOjd04CZ5xIXds4vPQ )
Unravel the legacy of Oscar Wilde
16 October 2025
In 1895, in the wake of scandal, the writer Oscar Wilde’s Reader Pass was revoked at the British Museum’s Reading Room (now the British Library). One hundred and thirty years later we’re symbolically reinstating the great author’s pass. We’re also hosting an upcoming event about Wilde’s posthumous reputation with his grandson Merlin Holland. In-person tickets are sold out but you can join online.
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFIJCh4B2jzutYv0TibXiAvgYiA2dR6NR2yHLRFR4ATesXvqSUDw )
Uncover curious competitions
A world championship for face-pulling. The UK’s muddiest scrummage. Every year Britain’s towns and villages get stuck in to bizarre and brilliant heritage sports. You can find out more about their colourful stories and ancient origins using local library special collections. You can discover these historical rarities online via the LibraryOn website.
View special collections > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFIJGh4B2gGsUC0Z0bLqSOJmZs28PdKaz3J6IrFjX76bCabqWspA )
Explore translations of our collections
We’re translating catalogue descriptions of digitised Library content and expert articles into Arabic to open up access to the materials held in the Qatar Digital Library. This online resource is used by over a quarter of a million people worldwide. Find out how you can make use of it too, in Arabic or English. The project is the result of a longstanding partnership with the Qatar Foundation and Qatar National Library.
Find out more > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFIJKh4B0i4rV62dv1-PUGqISPgSGiLHEF291M6g3QzQbiQLDq7g )
Marvel at Leeds lit up
Fantastical imagery from science fiction texts in our collections will light up Leeds Civic Hall this October as part of Light Night Leeds. On 23 and 24 October the city will be illuminated with massive projections including Portals: The Machine of Worlds created by artists Ocubo in collaboration with the Library. The full programme will be announced soon.
Find out more > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFIJOh4B0aM6tLSBz2qmxd4nta2S4wy4Jz4WlMsAJdK_IS__tKrg )
Celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the novels of Jane Austen are insightful, romantic and funny. 2025 marks 250 years since her birth, so celebrate with our panel event or a gorgeous gift.
Who was the real Jane Austen?
Thursday 13 November, 19.00
We might love Jane Austen’s six perfect novels but how well do we know their author? This event (online and at our St Pancras site) brings together bold new interpretations of her work and her life. Do we have an accurate picture of who Austen was and what she cared about? What does her work mean to us in 2025?
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFIJSh4B131MS54yHhvF2z7ASNEoKWztW7PoxBYYz0Xpfv32NLcg )
Brighten up your bookcase
Relive the romance of Austen’s beloved novel with this reproduction of the 1813 first edition of Pride and Prejudice. Based on a first edition from our archives with original printing errors intact (a replica of Austen’s own copy) it’s presented in a pale blue case. It includes ribbon-bound reproductions of some of the author’s handwritten letters.
Shop now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QztyBARjpn7sFIJWh4B3wlwkpsQ_WzCYlU8FUf02NHZ21rfzzW0zRjW3fa890pg )
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Image credit: Uncover curious competitions: Whitehaven Archives. Headshots of Wyndham ‘Taffy’ Thomas, five-time gurning world champion. Taken by Ben Templeton in 1965.