Calico Libraries

Deptford Murals

Butch Attai is an artist who does his homework. When we commissioned him to paint a series of murals on our Deptford studio building, he went digging into the local history and found more than enough to fill every surface.

Zine Library

Lewisham Community Zine Library display with colorful zines, books and informational posters on wooden table in library

We’re excited to announce that the Lewisham Community Zine Library is embarking on a tour of Calico Libraries, bringing its vibrant collection of self-published works, grassroots creativity, and DIY culture to communities across the borough throughout 2026.

Designing with Love​

Group of diverse students and teachers sitting in circle during classroom discussion or workshop session

Manor House Library is partnering with the University of the Arts London (UAL) to explore how we design community spaces and events when we put connection and care at the centre.

Between January and March 2026, two teams of graduate students studying Service Design will work with Manor House Library to create something new for our community. The students will take inspiration from the book All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks, an influential American author and thinker who explored love not just as a romantic feeling, but as an active practice of care, respect, and genuine connection between people. Her work asks us to think about how these values can guide the way we treat each other and build communities.

Help Us Serve You Better

Calico Libraries feedback request infographic with speech bubbles saying We Want Your Feedback and 3-step process with emoji faces

We’re asking our library patrons to share their experiences and help shape the future of Calico Libraries.

If you’ve used any of our library locations or services in the past year, please take a few minutes to complete the survey below. We want to know how often you visit, what services you use, and how we can better meet your needs.

Happy Birthday Crofton Park Library

This year, we’re celebrating 120 years of public library service at Crofton Park Library, a true local treasure with a remarkable history and an even brighter future.

Citizens Advice Lewisham Booth

Calico Libraries are delighted to be partnering with Citizens Advice Lewisham to bring you this innovative new advice booth at Sydenham Library.

Anyone from the community can access a direct line of contact to the advice service. Offering free, confidential, and impartial advice on a range of issues, including debt, benefits, and consumer rights. 

Calico Creative Writing Competition

Calico Libraries invites writers from across the borough and beyond to enter its inaugural writing competition, opening for submissions on 1st November 2025.

We’re seeking short works of fiction (1,500 words or fewer) responding to the theme Imagined Worlds. Whether your story explores a reimagined reality, a speculative future, or an entirely original landscape, we’re looking for creative and distinctive interpretations of the theme.

Black History Month 2025

October marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the rich heritage, culture, and achievements of Black communities across the UK and beyond. This year, Calico Libraries are proud to host a series of events throughout the month that honour Black voices, stories, and contributions to history, literature, and society.