The Morrab Library

21/10/2026

How about reading your way through our collection of le Carré novels ahead of this year’s John le Carré memorial lecture?

You can find the full collection in the hallway sitting between Agatha Christie and Henning Mankell. (What a fascinating dinner party conversation that would be!)

Book your tickets for the upcoming lecture (25th Nov) with Jonny Geller at The Acorn: https://www.theacornpenzance.com/events/agent-in-the-field-stories-from-john-le-carres-literary-agent/.

20/10/2026

Meet the trustees!

The Morrab Library is governed by a fantastic team of Trustees and here they are:

(From left to right:) Kay Driver, Bertie Herrtage, Ian Summers, Doreen Pinfold, Christina Carson, Paul Inman, Harry Spry-Leverton, Stephen Oliver.

You can read more about them all over on our website: https://morrablibrary.org.uk/trustee/

19/10/2026

Volunteer Research Role opportunity: Serena Wadham Photographic Archive Project

The Serena Wadham Photographic Archive Project is a partnership between Santi Productions CIC, The Morrab Library, photographer and library volunteer Lesley Billingham, and Josie Goddard Serena Wadham’s great-niece. Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Myner Trust, this three-year project will digitise, research and share the work of photojournalist Serena Wadham (1930–2006) through exhibitions, workshops, a book and a film.

Barbara and the team are looking for a small group of volunteers to research the history behind Serena's photographs. This means finding out more about the events, places, people and social changes she recorded, so that the photographs can be understood in context.

To find out more about the volunteer opportunity and for contact info please head to the link here: https://shorturl.at/QAqF2

Photo: Mrs Pat Hanlon at her shop where she sells and repairs bicycles, Islington. c.1969-1975. Photo by Serena Wadham. Photo Archive Reference: SWA.EX.003

17/10/2026

As we sink deeper into autumn it seems like a good time to be crafting, whether that’s taking up something new, honing your skills or reading about a heritage craft.

We have an eclectic selection of craft books dotted around the library - from quilting (in the Art Room), woodland crafts (in the Natural Sciences) and Cornish clockmaking (in the Jenner Room) - and all available to borrow.

Each week we’ll be sharing photos of a different craft book. This one was an exhibition guide in association with Falmouth Arts Festival 1986 and features information about local basket makers, glass engravers and toy makers.

16/10/2026

Continuing our hills of West Cornwall series for , here is a lantern slide depicting the view of Trink and Rosewall from Trencrom.

identifier: MG.478

15/10/2026

Save the date!

The annual Morrab Library Christmas Fair will take place on Saturday 21st November, 10.00am - 2.00pm.

The Fair will feature stalls from local makers, second-hand books and historic photographs for sale, a raffle with fantastic prizes, as well as our refreshments room with delicious homemade treats.

Members and non-members alike are all welcome, so please spread the word!

14/10/2026

Did you attend the John le Carré Memorial Lecture in 2024 or 2025?

We hope you enjoyed the events which have now become a popular annual fixture on The Morrab Library calendar and are looking forward to catching the 2026 lecture which will be delivered by Jonny Geller, CEO of Curtis Brown.

Read about Mick Herron and Nick Harkaway’s lectures and all of the associated events that took place in 2024 and 2025 respectively, over on our website and book your ticket for what is sure to be an unmissable event this November: https://bit.ly/4hWAmZR

1 - Nick Harkaway giving the 2025 lecture The Acorn
2 - A display of le Carre ephemera at The Morrab Library in 2025
3 - Mick Herron giving the 2024 lecture at the Acorn
4 - Gary Long's portrait of Le Carre
5 - Jonny Geller who will be giving the 2026 lecture

Curtis Brown Literary and Talent Agency

14/10/2026

The National Trust is looking for an artist, writer, designer, performer, gardener or creative collective to help develop "Garden Stories" at Trengwainton Garden near Penzance during 2027. Working with gardeners, researchers and community partners, you'll explore themes including nature, local histories, collective memory, climate change and transatlantic enslavement and resistance through accessible, outdoor creative experiences. No fully developed proposal is needed at this stage.

To find out more - search "garden-stories-trengwainton"

13/10/2026