Talk: Fungi Up Close – Stories Behind the Lens

This month’s programme of library events begins on Thursday 6th February with the chance to discover the wonderful world of ‘Fungi Up Close’ with wildlife photographer Alex Hyde. Attendees can learn fascinating facts about fungi and hear Alex share tips and tricks for photographing the natural world. In addition to a formal presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions about the photographic techniques Alex uses and discuss what can be done to help biodiversity.

The event, suitable for adults, takes place from 4.00pm to 5.00pm, and tickets cost £3.00. The Fungi Up Close exhibition can be viewed in Worksop Library’s gallery until Thursday 27th February.

Festival of Science and Curiosity

Nottinghamshire Festival of Science and Curiosity returns from Monday 10th February to Friday 21st February 2025, celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths with interactive, fun and free events across Nottinghamshire. Inspire Libraries, including Worksop Library, are hosting a selection of free events as part of this year’s festival during February half-term. Workshops are suitable for children aged five to 11 and their families.

The full festival programme and booking information is available on the Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity website. Keep up to date at www.inspireculture.org.uk/fosac.

Jazz Steps Live: Midnight Blue

On Tuesday 18th February at 7.30pm, experience ‘Midnight Blue’ live at Worksop Library – a 1963 jazz masterpiece on the iconic Blue Note label that blends soulful blues and jazz. Performed by Cliff Brown, Paul Gray, Ian Beestin, Richard Kensington, and Ben Martin, this talented quintet captures the essence of Kenny Burrell’s original smooth, melodic guitar alongside Turrentine’s warm and earthy tenor sax, supported by a swinging rhythm section.

Tickets are £13.00, and booking is highly advised. This is an adult event (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).

Family Theatre: Cinderella Ice Cream Seller

On Wednesday 19th February from 10.30am to 11.30am, join ‘Cinderella Ice Cream Seller’, a new musical retelling of a fairytale classic. Talvi and Caldwell, loyal employees of Cinderella’s, share her rags-to-riches story while confronting their own desires and the magic within each scoop of Cinderella’s legendary ice cream.

Perfect for ice cream fans aged 5+ and their families, this musical promises a delightful blend of storytelling, music, and theatrical magic. Tickets cost £4.00 for library members and £7.00 for non-library members. Accompanying children under 18 months can attend free of charge and do not need a ticket. Booking is highly advised.

This production is touring seven Inspire libraries – for more information, visit www.inspireculture.org.uk/CinderellaIceCreamSeller.

Heritage Talk: The Nottinghamshire Pit Pony

This month’s heritage talk, held on Wednesday 19th February from 2.00pm to 3.00pm, celebrates the tremendous efforts of Nottinghamshire’s pit ponies. With first-hand accounts from former pony drivers and newly discovered documentary and photographic evidence, the talk delves into the lives of a workforce that gave all they had.

Led by Buildings Archaeologist Janine Buckley, the talk explores how working conditions evolved and how these unsung heroes are remembered by their handlers. This event is in memory of Keith Stone (1942–2024), mining heritage researcher and former mining engineer at Bestwood Colliery. All attendees will receive a complimentary book. Tickets cost £3.00, and early booking is highly advised.

Children’s Author Event: Create a Superstar Animal with Terrie Chilvers

On Friday 21st February at 11.00am, children’s author Terrie Chilvers will read a chapter from her book about a mind-reading sausage dog, followed by a workshop where children can create their own superstar animals. ‘Michael The Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog’ tells the story of an ambitious sausage dog called Michael with a rare talent – mind reading! With his trusty sidekick, Standley Big Dog, Michael dreams of becoming a global superstar, but things don’t always go to plan as he tries to make it big in Hollywoof.

This event is suitable for children aged five to 10. Tickets cost £3.00 per child, with free entry for accompanying adults. Booking is highly advised.

Booking Information

Tickets for library events can be purchased by visiting Worksop Library, calling Ask Inspire on 01623 677200, or booking online at www.inspireculture.org.uk.