UPCOMING EVENTS AND MORE AT CHETHAM'S LIBRARY

Our tree is up outside the Baronial Hall and Christmas is just around the corner. Over the coming days and weeks we'll be putting up decorations and bringing a festive spirit into the Library that harks back to centuries of winter traditions.

We're also inviting visitors to join our festivities with a special Christmas craft session, and an atmospheric after hours exploration of our medieval buildings.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CHETHAM'S LIBRARY

WINTER CRAFTS WORKSHOP

17.12.24, 2pm

Tickets: £9.50

Join us for a special afternoon in the Old Kitchens of our Medieval site featuring sustainable winter crafts and a hot drink!

We will be teaching you how you can recycle scrap paper and turn them into fantastic paper stars to decorate your home this winter.

Suitable for adults and young people aged 12+.

CHETHAM'S LIBRARY: AFTER HOURS
19.12.24, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm

Tickets:

Join us for an exclusive and Christmas-sy chance to explore the medieval stone passages, secret staircases and richly panelled rooms of Chetham’s Library.

After the Library has closed to the public and the dust of the day has settled, we will be opening rooms and passageways that are normally closed to the public, for a unique and magical experience.

NEW ON OUR BLOG

KEEP IT SECRET, KEEP IT SAFE: WAX SEALS AND LETTER-LOCKING

Christmas is often the time for sending cards, letters and messages to loved ones - but in an age before sealed envelopes and encrypted WhatsApp messages, how did people ensure their messages were safe from prying eyes?

We look at some of the items in our collection that show how letters were protected and kept secret in centuries past.

OF EGGS, SHEE-SPIES AND APHRA BEHN

Over the autumn, we've been exploring the history of ciphers and codebreaking, with books about the subject and other items on display during our regular Library Tours.

On our blog, we uncover the life of a 17th century female secret agent, and the subterfuges she and other English spies needed to use to survive - and to share their precious intelligence.

SUPPORT CHETHAM'S LIBRARY

Chetham’s Library has been in continuous use as a public library for over 350 years. Your support helps us to continue to care for our collection and its many rare and unusual treasures.

If you'd like to find out more about the different ways to support our work, please email development@chethams.com.