Pontefract Reads

03/06/2026

Find out what's on in Volunteers' Week in Wakefield District 🌟

We've just shared a map of taster activities happening next week (1-7 June) for anyone interested in volunteering and giving back to the community.

Find the map 🔗 link in bio.

The map was created in collaboration with Wakefield District's Volunteer Managers Network and features brilliant local organisations:

St George's Community Centre
Memory Action Group
Yorkshire Cancer Community
Age UK Wakefield District
National Coal Mining Museum for England
Wakefield Hospice
Empath Theatre
Trinity Mission Castleford
The Prince of Wales Hospice

From gardening to costume cataloguing, there's loads on!

03/06/2026

We are delighted to announce that the marvellously gifted Mike Gayle will be visiting Pontefract Library next month!

Gayle is a journalist who has written novels including 'The Museum of Ordinary People', 'Half a World Away' and 'Hope Street'.

He will be talking about his writing and his newest book 'On We Go'. There will be a book signing and tasty snacks!

📅 5 June
⏰ 1:30pm
📍 Pontefract Library
🪙 £2 per ticket

Booking essential, visit: https://www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-libraries/t-qmavzxx



Wakefield Council Pontefract Castle (official) Experience Wakefield Pontefract Reads

03/06/2026

Join Carole, one of the volunteer gardeners, as she talks about the plants in our Medieval Herb Garden at Pontefract Castle (official)

See unusual and familiar plants in a new light. Find out how they were used throughout history. Discover what’s in a name, and why some of those names have changed over time.

This talk takes place outside by the herb garden and is free.

- 13 June
- 1pm-2:30pm
- Pontefract Castle
- For ages 16+

Booking essential, visit: https://www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-museums-castles/volunteer-talk-the-medieval-herb-garden/e-ovdorl



Wakefield Council

03/06/2026

👶📖 Looking for something fun to do with your little ones?

All our libraries have story times for under 5s and their parents! They also include songs and colouring!

See attached post for full list of times and venues. Please note some require booking.



Wakefield Council Wakefield Mumbler WX Wakefield

03/06/2026

📣 Castleford Library needs your support!

The Friends of Castleford Library has supported the library since 1998 by applying for funding and helping to run events. Their dedicated work is much appreciated by staff.

The group is looking for new members!

Join them to be involved with crafts events, author and speaker events, Christmas celebrations and so much more!

If you are interested, contact the library at 01977 722 085 or [email protected].



Wakefield Council Friends Of Castleford Library - FOCAL Castleford Museum Wakefield Mumbler

03/06/2026

Castleford Library is starting a BYOB club... no, its not what you think it is!

Join us for a relaxed, social book club where everyone brings whatever they’re currently reading. There’s no set title — just friendly conversation, book chat, and a chance to share recommendations over a cup of coffee.

- Every Thursday
- 10am-12pm
- Castleford Library



Wakefield Council Pontefract Reads Friends Of Castleford Library - FOCAL Castleford Museum

03/06/2026

Join us for an evening at Stanley Library with bestselling fantasy author Sunyi Dean. Sunyi is the author of the instant Sunday Times Bestseller The Book Eaters. She will be discussing her new book The Girl with a Thousand Faces and answering your questions.

- 25 June
- 6pm-7pm
- Stanley Library

Booking essential, visit: https://www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-libraries/t-aazqdep



Wakefield Museum Experience Wakefield Pontefract Reads Friends of Stanley Library - FOSL

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Anna and Chris will be Popping Up with hundreds of free books. Bring a bag 💜📚💜