Friends of Marsden Library

Spinning a Yarn - Writing Workshop with Kate Fox
2019-06-15 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/London) | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
Take part in a writing workshop with stand up poet and Radio 4 favourite, Kate Fox. Using similes of thread & weaving to look at the impact of women in our lives.
Open to writers at all levels including absolute beginners.
Tickets are Free. Limited places, booking essential. There is a £1 charge for posting, no charge for e-tickets.

And don’t miss Kate Fox at Marsden Mechanics Hall on Friday 14 June, Where There’s Muck, There’s Bras is a funny and thought provoking show of stand up storytelling and spoken word about Northern women you’ve heard of-and ones you haven’t. From Hylda Baker to Helen Sharman, Betty Boothroyd to Mother Shipton, these legendary women tell us their stories. By Stand up poet and Radio 4 regular Kate Fox.

Acoustic Night - Happy Fish
2019-06-14 19:30 - 21:00
Local band Happy Fish play heart ‘n’ feet dance songs and old soul blues. They use a variety of voices, squeezebox, guitar, percussion and double bass.
Come along and get those feet tapping!
Doors and bottle bar from 7pm, music from 7.30pm.
As ever, this is a pay as you feel event, with the proceeds being split between the Mechanics Hall and the performers.

Trees in Mind: Free Creative Workshop
2019-05-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
Join poet Gaia Holmes to explore words – spoken and written – based on lives from WW1 solders from our area.
The workshop at Marsden Library will be delivered by Gaia Holmes, a Luddenden-born poet whose work digs beneath the surface of mundane, urban life to reveal a remarkable seam of exoticism. Her carnival of characters – bingo callers, burger sellers, critical theorists – are all cast from the least expected places but, rejuvenated by Gaia’s verse, find a new voice and a new ability to captivate. She is also a creative writing tutor who works with schools, libraries and other community groups throughout the West Yorkshire region

Trees In Mind project is offering a series of creative writing workshops across the Colne Valley to immortalise the journey of the valley during World War One. From individual stories on the front to the women’s suffrage in the mills, all aspects of life and death in the Valley will be brought back to life through storytelling, poetry and spoken word.
Each workshop will produce a short text based piece to commemorate an aspect of life in the valley or trenches from 1914 to 18. These will create a series of enamel plaques marking the way of a new walk linking the war memorials in the valley to a newly planted oak woodland in Marsden. Each oak represents a soldier who gave his life in the war and each copse of trees represents a memorial. Come along and be part of a workshop that will take our past into our future, creating a permanent personal and historical legacy from all those who take part.

FREE, book online.

See Your Photo in the Marsden Calendar 2020
2019-04-20 09:00 - 2019-07-01 00:00
The 2019 Calendar Competition opens on 20th April.
Funds from selling the calendars produced go to Friends of Marsden Library to support our local library with events, awareness raising and volunteer support. The calendar raised more than £2,000 this year, and we can’t do it without you.
NEW for the 2019 Competition: we are introducing a youth category. Contestants aged 18 or under will be considered in a separate category, so please encourage entries from any young people you know.
The judges are looking for interesting pictures that capture the spirit of Marsden and the Colne Valley. You don’t have to be a professional – everyone’s in with a chance.
And if you have pictures featuring people that might well increase your chances of winning, as we have far more submissions of scenery than we do of people.
Don’t forget to make sure your picture is in the horizontal format. Vertical pictures don’t work on the calendar.
Visit the Calendar Competition Website – Competition will Open on 20th April
You’ve got until midnight on 30th June – Good Luck!

Author Event: D. R. Dixon Reading from Wired Thoughts
2019-04-03 19:30 - 20:30 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
D. R. Dixon doesn’t know how he got to where he is now as actually his biggest interest was music. He thinks he must have made a wrong turn somewhere but as it is he is very happy that he did; he says it’s not until he started writing that he really found out about the power of the human imagination and that our true calling can be hidden from ourselves, never mind anyone else.
The result is his book ‘Wired Thoughts’: Stories of everyday life told in their most explicit form touching on the warmest and brightest side of human nature as well as the most darkest and sinister. This book asks the questions, but only you have the answers …
Doors Open at 7.00, Event 7.30 – 8.30. Suggested Donation £2.

Julian Norton: The Yorkshire Vet
2019-03-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Marsden Mechanics, Upstairs, Peel Street, Marsden, HD76BW
Known across the UK from the popular Channel 5 series The Yorkshire Vet, Julian Norton talks about the drama and humour of his experiences as a rural vet, first at James Herriot’s old practice in Thirsk and now in the market town of Boroughbridge.
His new book The Diary of a Yorkshire Vet, features many entertaining stories about everything from hairy pigs near Helmsley to a bullock with an enormous eye, all from his popular column in the Yorkshire Post.
Friday 29th March
Marsden Mechanics Hall
Doors 6.30, Event 7.00 – 9.00, including short interval
Refreshments Available

Tickets £5/£3 from Marsden Library or Huddersfield Literature Festival

Matt Abbott, Two Little Ducks
2019-03-15 19:30 - 20:30 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom

Author Talk, Reading and Book Signing - John Ling
2019-03-06 19:30 - 20:30 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
John Ling is a former children’s librarian, then teacher of deaf kids, and later, autistic kids. Now he is a mediator for special needs families, and facilitator for Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP).Always a writer and poet.
“I could smell them and hear them long before I could see them. Soon the grove was filled with movement. They came on me from all sides at a rush, as if they had planned to ambush me. But I was not afraid. Far from it. I was filled with joy…”
This diverse collection of sixteen short stories includes murder and mystery, humour and hallucination, poignancy and plotting, fantasy and fun. The characters are varied and compelling and each story leaves you with a thought-provoking ending…
John will read from The Paper Aeroplane Man, take questions, sell and sign books.
From the Reviews
“Very entertaining … all the stories are testament to the author’s perceptive observation of human life in all its guises … A first-rate story teller”.
“A lively collection of short stories … It is tempting to devour the whole book in an evening, but there is real reward in reading slowly and savouring each morsel.”
“Tells it like it is in this part of the world … the black humour, and the tragic-comic reality of human experience are all there. These are stories about come-uppance, about tragic misunderstanding, about adversity, unfairness and bureaucracy, about injustice, humiliation and malice laced with warmth and compassion. Plus a touch of the supernatural. Highly recommended!”

Author Event: An Evening with Sarah Hussain
2019-01-30 19:30 - 20:30 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
Sarah Hussain is a Huddersfield based author and educator. Her first novel ‘Escaped from Syria’ was a winner finalist in the People’s Book Prize Award and her short story collection ‘Sit up, Stand up, Speak up’ was released in 2017. In 2018 she won the Ms Shakespeare competition in Yorkshire and was commissioned to write a monologue, which was performed on International Women’s day.
Sarah will be talking about her latest work, Sit Up, Stand Up, Speak Up: An Emotional Short Story Collection. Are you able to capture a thought and challenge it? We grow up with a set of beliefs and values, influenced by the society we grow up in. This collection of fictional stories invites you to explore your ideas and challenge your mind.
Suggested Donation: £2

Poetry Village Live, NWR: An Evening with Gaia Holmes and Tom Weir
2018-12-12 19:00 - 21:00
Continuing our collaboration with Poetry Village we are delighted to welcome two of our most acclaimed contemporary poets to Marsden as part of the Northern Writers series. Both Gaia and Tom will be celebrating the launch of new titles at this festive event. Join us for a wonderful evening of poetry in Marsden’s wonderful library setting in the historic Mechanics.

Suggested Donation £2

Author Night: Crime Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Stories
2018-11-28 19:30 - 20:30 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
Northern Writers Reading presents …
Dave Rigby and Amanda Huggins
Wednesday 28th November
Doors at 7pm, 7.30 – 8.30
Marsden Library
Free entry, suggested donation £2 to cover room hire
Refreshments available.

Volunteers Celebration and Information Meeting
2018-11-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering in the Library, or can offer clubs or activities based on your hobbies, such as scrabble, or coding, please come along to the Volunteer Celebration to find out how to get involved.

Building your Family Tree on Ancestry.co.uk
2018-10-06 12:30 - 15:00 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
Volunteers Hazel Seidel and Marian Casler are running a workshop using the Library computers for anyone wanting to get started researching their family tree.
Research into your family history is fascinating and rewarding, and the advent of the internet has made lots of key records easily accessible from home – come along to this free workshop and find out more about how to use ancestry.co.uk to get started.
If you already have some relevant information (like a birth certificate, for example) bring it along and you’ll be guided on how to get started.
Marsden Library
Saturday 6th October, 12.30 – 15.00
FREE

Half Moon Books Poetry Showcase and Launch for National Poetry Day
2018-10-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
We’re continuing our collaboration with The Poetry Village to bring you a very special evening of poetry to celebrate this year’s Poetry Day. Direct from the poetry town of Otley, we will be showcasing some of the most exciting new poetry published by local community interest company, Half Moon Press.
The event will be hosted by local poet and artist, David Coldwell.
Requested Entry Donation: £2
Bottle Bar … and Cake!
Find out more about the poets: Andy Armitage, Rachel Kerr, Barbara Howerska, Alicia Fernandez, Nick Allen

NEW DATE: Poetry with Templar Nights and Huddersfield Literature Festival
2018-04-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
We’re delighted to have fixed a new date for Templar Nights, and the venue will be our newly refurbished Library.
Existing tickets are still valid.
Templar Nights showcase four northern based poets who have all published poetry collections with award winning independent press, Templar Poetry.
Hosted by Marsden poet, David Coldwell, don’t miss this wonderful library event supported by Huddersfield Literature Festival.
Tickets are available from Huddersfield Literature Festival or Marsden Library.
Doors open at 7pm, Bottle Bar, Teas and Refreshments.

Enter the Marsden Calendar Competition 2018
2018-04-11 - 2018-06-30

Huddersfield Literature Festival Event: Memories of Childhood Reading
2018-03-11 14:30 - 16:30 | Marsden Mechanics, HD7 6BW
Memories of Childhood Reading
With Lucy Mangan, Annabel Pitcher and Emily Drabble
2.30pm (approx. running time 2hrs, includes a break for refreshments), £5 (£3 conc)
Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden HD7 6BW
What are your favourite memories of childhood reading? Which children’s stories have stayed with you and which books are inspiring young readers today?
In this special Mother’s Day event, Lucy Mangan, Annabel Pitcher and Emily Drabble talk about how books shape lives, open up new worlds and help children to understand this one.
Lucy Mangan is a columnist on The Guardian and Stylist magazine; her new book, Bookworm: A Memoir of Childhood Reading, celebrates her favourite stories and characters from a childhood spent at libraries and bookshops.
Annabel Pitcher is the West-Yorkshire based author of four Young Adult novels, including My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece and latest, The Last Days of Archie Maxwell. Her work has won numerous awards and been translated into 20 languages.
Emily Drabble is Head of Children’s Book Promotion and Prizes at the reading for pleasure charity BookTrust, running awards and initiatives such as the Children’s Laureate.
Sponsored by Sleigh & Story.

Chinese New Year 2018 Celebration
2018-02-17 12:00 - 15:00 | Marsden Mechanics, HD7 6BW
Join the ‘Friends Of Marsden Library’ to celebrate ‘Chinese New Year’ in style.

We have joined up with our friends at FU LIN, Michelle and Justin, who will be providing authentic Chinese food. There will be a range of dishes at affordable prices and also Tea, Coffee and Cakes.
Other events will be, Chinese calligraphy workshop, Chinese cookery demonstration, stall of New Year souvenirs, A Magic Money Tree- write your own New Year’s resolution, crafts, Raffle and lots more.
Admission Free – thanks to sponsorship from ‘Cuckoo’s Nest.
Put the date in your diary. All welcome.

Northern Writers Reading: Jo Stanley
2018-01-15 19:30 - 20:30 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
Author Events in Marsden Library
Making a welcome return after a successful reading in October 2016 when she read from her Mountbatten Prize nominated ‘From Cabin ‘Boys’ to Captains’.
Jo’s latest book (out November 2017) is Women and the Royal Navy, IB Tauris/ NMRN). It’s unusual because for the first time this history covers all categories of women who’ve been in naval life, including female doctors, dentists, wartime VADs and above all the modern women sailors who are now moving towards becoming admirals.
Jo lives in Mount Road, Marsden and is an active volunteer with the Jazz Festival and the plant group at the National Trust. On the rare occasions when she’s not writing she’s creating stitched historical works, especially as a member of the Fabric of Protest group at Manchester People’s History Museum. Her website is at www.jostanley.biz.
FREE EVENT
Donations in support of Friends of Marsden Library

Northern Writers Reading: Catherine Curzon
2017-12-04 19:30 - 20:30 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
Author Events in Marsden Library
A historian of the long-18th century, Almondbury writer Catherine Curzon will read from selections of her historical fiction and non-fiction, including 18th century thrillers, some true royal scandal, and a World War One Trench Romance.
FREE EVENT
Donations Welcome in Support of Friends of Marsden Library
Catherine will be signing and selling copies of her books at the end.

Northern Writers Reading: Martyn Bedford
2017-11-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
Author Events in Marsden Library
Martyn is an award-winning author of novels and short-stories for adults and young adults. He will launch our Autumn-Winter season by reading from his forthcoming (published 16 November by Comma Press, so it will be hot-off-the-press) short story collection, Letters Home.
Read More and see what else is coming up
FREE EVENT
Donations in support of Friends of Marsden Library
Martyn will be signing and selling copies of his books at the end.

Storywalk - Bat Hunt!
2017-10-27 16:30 - 18:00 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom

Alison Lock and Special Guests - Book Launch
2017-10-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom
We are thrilled to be teaming up with Marsden the Poetry Village and Write Out Loud to bring you this very special evening showcasing Calder Valley Press and launching Alison Lock’s third collection – Revealing the Odour of Earth.
We are also delighted that joining Alison will be poets Stephanie Bowgett and Mark Hinchcliffe and publisher, Bob Horne. Bob will be giving a short talk about the press during the evening.
There will be opportunity to purchase books throughout the evening.
The eveing will begin with a short open-mic section. Please arrive early if you wish to take part.
This is a free event however donations towards the organising groups are very welcome.

Libraries Week
2017-10-09 - 2017-10-14 | Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6BW, United Kingdom

Friends of Marsden Library - Meet us in Marsden Park
2017-10-07 | Marsden Park
Come along and say ‘Hi’, find out more about the next consultation from Kirklees Library Service, talk to us about volunteering in the Library, or buy a calendar.

Calendar Competition - Exhibition of Winning Photographs
2017-09-22 - 2017-10-05 | Enjoy Art, Peel Street, Marsden, HD7 6BW
Enjoy Art, 12 Peel Street, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6BW
Opening hours:
Thursday to Saturday 10-5pm
Sunday 11-4pm

Free Craft Event
2017-08-30 13:00 - 17:00, 2017-08-23 13:00 - 17:00, 2017-08-16 13:00 - 17:00, 2017-08-09 13:00 - 17:00
