- Wild Ilkley Moor - family drawing and exploring event Ilkley and Keighley Library
- Liver Health Check, Shipley Library
- Keighley's Hippodrome
- Sisterverse Festival at City Library
- Creative Journaling Club at Keighley Library
- Sing-around at Ilkley Library
- Drawing at Shipley Library
- Design a library card competition
- Windrush film for Black History Month
- Invest in Bradford Business advice at Shipley Library
- Get Online Week information
- Sendiverse events for October Half Term at various libraries.
- Virtual Reality Tour heading to Ilkley, Manningham and Shipley Libraries
- Mind Map Your Business (Shipley Library Business Hub)
- Local History Talk, Local Studies, Bradford
- Zine making Project exploring relationship between Poverty and Mental Health at City Library
 Join Gill Connors for a Creative Writing Workshop exploring our responses to the female form - we'll think and write about what society expects us to look like, what we want to look like, and what the fashion industry does to keep us buying. 'I want a red dress. I want it flimsy and cheap, I want it too tight, I want to wear it until someone tears it off me. I want it sleeveless and backless, this dress, so no one has to guess what’s underneath.' - Kim Addonizio We'll use poetry, images and discussion to produce some new writing and have the opportunity to share and discuss what we write about. Open to new and experienced writers, this warm and welcoming space will be a place for exploration, discussion, writing and sharing what we feel comfortable with. Free but booking essential: Creative Writing Workshop - Bodies, Baggage and Belonging (Adults) at Keighley Library event tickets from TicketSource |
 Wild Ilkley Moor: A Field Guide of Birdsong & Bogs Free family drop-in activities Discover the birds, sounds and stories of Ilkley Moor with artist Siya Liu. Enjoy mindful colouring, create your own nature field guide and take home a beautifully illustrated guide inspired by Siya's artist residency at Ilkley Moor. Keighley Library – Friday 30 October, 9.30am-11.30am
Featuring guest soil scientist and illustrator Melissa Davie. Ilkley Library – Saturday 31 October, 10am-12 noon
Featuring natural dye-making with Joe from Within The Wood. Part of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve artist residency programme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. |
 Liver Care Event Shipley Library will be hosting a Liver Care Event on Thursday 22nd October from 10am - 3pm. The Community Liver Health Checks Team are encouraging members of the public to get their liver checked for free in their mobile clinic van. The event offers individuals the opportunity to prioritise their liver health by gaining valuable information about various types of liver disease and how to improve their liver health. Please check the criteria below to see if you are eligible for a scan. The mobile clinic will be located at the back of the library in the car park area. |
 | | Keighley Amatuer’s at the Hippodrome Wednesday 21st October 2.30 - 4.30 pm Keighley Local Studies Library Join Tim Neal from the Keighley & District Local History Society as he tells the story of Keighley’s lost Hippodrome Theatre and the Keighley Amateurs who were the last group to perform at the theatre before it was pulled down. We will also have some original archives from the Hippodrome available to see. No need to book just come along. Refreshments Provided. |
 SisterVerse Festival 2026 Sunday 18th October, 12 -6, City Library SisterVerse Festival returns in 2026 with our Autumnal Energy a female-only gathering rooted in sisterhood, creativity, connection and community. As the seasons turn and nature invites us to slow down, reflect and release, SisterVerse creates space for women to come together, share stories, explore creativity and reconnect with themselves and one another. Expect poetry, creative writing, conversation, creative stalls, wellbeing, henna and face painting. Hosted by Shamin Akhtar, and featuring artist Dr Lara Rose, Desi Folk Songs with Adba Khan, writing for wellbeing workshop with Charmaine Pollard, art workshop with Louise Grassby and face and body painter Linda Baker. City Library, Bradford
12pm–6pm
Booking is required. Please click the link below to book. |
 Take time out for creativity and self-expression at the next Creative Journaling Club, taking place on Saturday 17 October, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, in the upstairs meeting room at Keighley Library. The club is a relaxed, volunteer-led gathering where participants can explore journaling through writing, drawing, collage, or any other creative approach that feels right for them. This month's optional theme is"Red, Orange and Green", inspired by the colours of autumn. Participants are invited to reflect on seasonal changes, everyday observations, memories, feelings, or simply follow their own creative ideas. No experience is needed, there is no formal teaching, and no pressure to share your work. Some materials will be provided, although attendees are welcome to bring their own journals and supplies. The session offers a welcoming space for both quiet creativity and friendly conversation. The session is free to attend and open to all adults and accompanied children aged 12+. |
 Calling all musicians! Fancy a relaxed afternoon of music, songs and good company at Ilkley Library? Join us for a friendly sing-around session on Saturday 24 October, 1pm-3pm, led by local singer Mand. This is a very informal, self-organised gathering where you can play, sing, listen, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. - Bring your instrument
Bring your voice
Share your favourite songs or original creations
Perform for fellow musicians and library visitors alike
Whether you're a seasoned performer or just enjoy making music with others, everyone is welcome. Please bring some tea, coffee or biscuits to share, or be prepared to make a small contribution towards refreshments. No pressure, no stage fright, just a fun afternoon of live music in the library. Ilkley Library
Saturday 24 October
1pm-3pm Please feel free to share this post with any musical friends who might like to come along |
 Bradford Artists of ALL ages! We need you! DESIGN THE NEXT Bradford Libraries Card. Could your artwork become the next official Bradford Libraries library card? We're inviting children, young people and adults to get creative and enter our Library Card Design Competitions. Whether you love drawing, painting, illustration or graphic design, we'd love to see your ideas! Your design could be inspired by: books and reading, libraries, creativity and community or Bradford. Or anything else you think belongs on a library card! Winning designs will be featured on official Bradford Libraries library cards. Fantastic prizes will be awarded in each category Children's Competition: Ages 5-16 Adult Competition: Ages 17+ Open to people living in the Bradford district Closing date: 14 November Pick up an entry form from your local library and start creating!Show us what libraries, reading and Bradford mean to you. We can't wait to see your designs!  | | Love to draw? Join Artist Dawn Hindle at Shipley Library and develop your sketching skills!
Dawn will be running a five-week Introduction to Still Life Drawing at Shipley Library. These classes continue on from the free sessions she offered in the library space. Everyone had a great time, made new friends and did some amazing work! The new sessions cost just £5 for two hours and will run on Tuesday mornings, 10.30 am-12.30 pm. Now until 3rd November. Cost: £5 per week. All materials supplied. |
 It's Black History Month. Join us at Bradford Local Studies Library to watch the award-winning documentary “Painted” by Bradford filmmakers Faith+Bones on Saturday 24th October, with screenings at 10:30 – 11:30 and 14:00 – 15:00. This is a free event but places are limited – please book via local.studies@bradford.gov.uk or by calling 01274 433688. As a portrait artist attempts to capture their essence on canvas, four Afro-Caribbean elders in Bradford share their extraordinary Windrush stories of rebuilding Britain, confronting racism, and finding resilience, revealing the layers of identity that define a generation.  Do YOU want to start your own business, learn more about marketing, intellectual property, tax returns or expanding YOUR small business? The next Let's Talk Business session run by the Invest in Bradford team will take place at Shipley Enterprise Hub (Shipley Library) on October 22, 10.30am until 2.30pm. Feedback from the last session run by the Invest in Bradford team was very positive indeed. The service if free, friendly and supportive so don't hold back, come along, pull up a chair and have a chat. Could be the best move you've EVER made. |
  When was the last time you booked a doctor’s appointment, paid a bill, or applied for a job without using the internet? For millions of people across the UK, these everyday tasks are an impossible barrier. In fact, only 1 in 3 adults in the UK are comfortably online. . If YOU struggle to get online or need help with any aspect of the digital world, please ask at your local library for help. We can point you towards a self-led programme called Learn My Way which will guide you through the basics. |
 Families across the Bradford district are invited to discover SENDiVERSE, a programme of free, inclusive events taking place in libraries and community hubs during October half-term. Designed for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), SENDiVERSE offers a welcoming range of creative, sensory and interactive activities, from storytelling and sensory play to poetry, dance, art and music. All activities are free. Some events require advance booking, while others are drop-in sessions. Selected activities are supported by The Leap. You will find our library events here- sendiverse 2026 — THE LEAP  STEP into a unique new world in your local library this autumn! For three weeks in October, Bradford Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. David Attenborough, Wallace & Gromit, Matthew Bourne, Vaughan Williams are among our top pick for YOUR local library. FREE public drop-in sessions at Ilkley Library, (October 5-8) Manningham Library (12-15), Shipley Library (19-22). (times TBC) Amongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings, the experiences on offer will include: - Hold the World with Sir David Attenbrough:
- Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway
- The Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending
- Monoliths
- **New** Doorstep Duets – Dance
Times to include Shipley Library Tuesday October 20th, 2pm-4pm
Wednesday October 21 -9.30am -11am, 2pm -4pm.  Are you an artist, maker, crafter, writer, illustrator or creative thinker with dreams of turning your passion into a career or small business? Join local artist Dawn Hindle for an inspiring hands-on workshop exploring creative careers, creative enterprise and self-employment. Through book-making, creative exercises and mind-mapping activities, you'll develop ideas for your future and create a visual plan for your creative journey. This workshop is also a chance to connect with other local creatives, artists and entrepreneurs who are interested in turning their skills, artwork, crafts or ideas into income. Feel free to bring examples of your work and share your story. Ideal for creatives aged 16+ | No experience required | Book tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.com/bradfordlibraries/t-mjrleol Shipley Business Enterprise Hub (at Shipley Library), 2 Well Croft, Shipley BD18 3QH ·, BD18 3QH Saturday 21st November 2026 1:00PM |
 Looking up in Bradford by Geoff Twentyman. Discover the hidden history of Bradford’s city centre by simply changing your perspective. Looking up in Bradford explores the spectacular 19th-century architecture that defines the city's skyline, from the towering Victorian grandeur of Little Germany to the intricate civic pride carved into Bradford Wool Exchange. This short talk delves into the visionary architects who built the world's wool capital, uncovering the original purposes of these magnificent structures and how they have adapted to modern life today. 29th of October 2026. 11:30-12:30 . Booking essential as spaces limited. Call 01274 433688 or email local.studies@bradford.gov.uk to reserve a seat. |
 LOVE MAKING ZINES? Come along to 'Changing Realities' and take part in a workshop and discussion on poverty and mental health. You can meet with parents and carers and hear about their experiences of poverty, share a FREE light lunch and take part in a fantastic zine-making workshop. The event will be held at City Library on Thursday 22nd October at 1pm. Please book your place via the link or scan the QR code: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999691824076?aff=oddtdtcreator Changing Realities is a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Child Poverty Action Group and over 200 parents and carers living across the UK. Visit our digital zine at: https://mh.changingrealities.org/ : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999691824076?aff=oddtdtcreator  |
