Special Events
Stoneleigh Community Library hosts a variety of events and activities. Please keep an eye on our social media accounts and this website for updates on upcoming events. There is also information about what's on in other Surrey Libraries on the Surrey Libraries Website.
Local History Walk
Sunday 20th September from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Fancy stretching your legs and learning something new at the same time? Stoneleigh Community Library is inviting customers to join a guided walking tour exploring the area's rich local history, and honestly, it's shaping up to be a real treat.
The walk sets off from Nonsuch Park London Road Gate car park, nearest the Ewell Bypass, and winds its way through to Stoneleigh Library. Along the route you'll hear plenty of stories about the area, some of them surprising, plus a few hidden gems most of us walk past without ever noticing. It's led by a well known local historian who has drawn good crowds on previous tours, so expect fresh insights as well as the old favourites.
Once you arrive back at the library, light refreshments will be waiting, with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options all catered for.
A quick bit of advice: wear sturdy footwear, dress for whatever the weather decides to do, and bring a bottle of water. Comfort matters more than style on this one.
It promises to be a lovely afternoon out, and a nice way to see Stoneleigh through different eyes.
Booking: Places are limited and early booking is recommended. Reserve your spot in person at the library or email info@stoneleighlibrary.org.uk.
Local History Talk
Wednesday 16th September from 7.30 pm to 9 pm
Ever wondered how Stoneleigh actually came to be? This illustrated talk at Stoneleigh Community Library promises to answer that, and quite a bit more besides.
The talk traces the area's history right back to Roman times, working its way through to the start of the Second World War. That's a lot of ground to cover, but it's told through pictures as well as words, which helps it all feel a little less like a history lesson.
One of the more intriguing threads running through the evening is the story of a Victorian entrepreneur and his family. Their work, carried out through a trust set up in his name, played a crucial part in shaping the Stoneleigh we know today. It's the sort of local detail that's easy to walk past without ever realising its significance.
Whether you're a long time customer of the library or someone who's simply curious about the area, this one's well worth an evening out. Bring a friend, settle in, and discover a side of Stoneleigh you probably didn't know existed.
Booking: Places are limited and early booking is recommended. Reserve your spot in person at the library or email info@stoneleighlibrary.org.uk.
Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat at Stoneleigh Library
We've got a brilliant programme of events and activities lined up at Stoneleigh Community Library this summer, all inspired by the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat theme.
Whether your child loves making things, listening to stories, or simply wants to explore something new, there's something here for them. All our events are designed to be welcoming, inclusive and fun.
What Is the Summer Reading Challenge 2026?
Something really exciting is happening this summer at Stoneleigh Community Library. The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat is here, and we can't wait to share it with you.
The challenge is free and it's open to all children who would like to read for pleasure over the summer holidays. Last year, over 575,000 children across the UK took part. Together, they read nearly 12 million books – that's an incredible thing.
This Year's Theme: Music
This year's Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat has a brilliant music theme. It's been created in partnership with Universal Music Group UK. The idea is simple. Reading and music go together beautifully. Both tell stories. Both spark imagination. Both let you feel things in a whole new way.
Children who sign up from 4th July, 2026 will meet a cast of colourful characters, collect stickers as they read, and discover books that celebrate music, creativity, and the joy of finding your own voice.
A Special Year for Reading
2026 is the National Year of Reading. It's the biggest reading campaign in a generation so there's never been a better time to pick up a book. Whether your child loves adventures, funny stories, music, or exploring the world through the pages, there's something in the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat for everyone.
Come and see us at Stoneleigh Community Library to find out more and sign up. We'd love to see you.
How to Join the Summer Reading Challenge 2026 at Stoneleigh Library
Joining is really straightforward. There's no big test. There are no complicated rules. You simply sign up, read six books over the summer, and collect your rewards along the way.
Signing Up In the Library from 4th July
The easiest way to get started is to pop into Stoneleigh Community Library and ask one of us at the desk. We'll get your child signed up, hand them their sticker booklet, and explain how it all works. It takes just a few minutes.
Your child will need to be a library member. If they're not already, we can help with that too. Membership is free and open to all children.
Signing Up Online
If you'd prefer to register online first, you can do so at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk. Parents and carers can create accounts for their children and find details of their nearest library there.
What Happens Next?
Once your child is signed up, they're part of it. Each time they finish a book, they come back to the library and tell us about it. We'll give them a sticker to add to their booklet. Read six books and the challenge is complete. And every child who finishes this challenge will receive rewards! Successful completion will earn the children a certificate, wristband, book prize – and an invitation to the finishers' celebration, to take place on Saturday 19th September from 5.00 pm to 6.00pm.
We're here throughout the summer to help, cheer your child on, and suggest great books if they're not sure what to read next. That's one of our favourite parts of the whole thing.
Meet the Characters From the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat
Every Summer Reading Challenge has its own cast of characters, and this year's are wonderfully brought to life by illustrator Harry Woodgate. As children read books for the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat, they collect stickers of each character and add them to their sticker booklet.
Here's who they'll meet along the way.
Akiko
Akiko lives and breathes words. She loves slam poetry and writing her own music. When she needs to unwind, she dives into manga and loses herself in imaginative worlds. She's a creative at heart, and she wears it with pride.
Ezra
Ezra finds inspiration in sound and in flavour. He's a fan of orchestral music and poetry, and he loves how different things come together to create something beautiful. When he's not reading or listening to music, you'll probably find him in the kitchen trying out new recipes.
Moussa
Moussa is a natural teacher. He's passionate about writing lyrics and solving maths problems. He loves percussion, and he enjoys showing others how rhythm can bring a group together. He's the kind of person who makes everyone feel included.
Nadiyaa
Nadiyaa's creativity takes a different form. She's happiest behind a camera or on stage with a band. She loves photography and capturing moments that tell a story. She also enjoys mixing music to create new sounds that reflect who she is.
Skye
If strategy and style are more your thing, Skye's the one for you. She's into board games, fashion, and choreography. She plans dance routines just as carefully as she puts together an outfit. Creative, confident, and full of flair.
Discover the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat Book Collection
One of the most exciting parts of the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat is the official book collection. It's a carefully chosen set of titles that celebrates everything that makes music and reading so special.
The collection has been put together by The Reading Agency. It covers a wide range of ages and reading levels, so there really is something for every child, whatever age they are and whatever they enjoy reading.
What Kind of Books Are in the Collection?
The titles include books about musicians, stories where characters discover the power of music for the first time, books about sound science, cultural traditions, rhythm, and storytelling through sound. There are books about breaking down barriers, creative expression, and following your dreams.
Some books are perfect for younger readers just starting out on their reading journey. Others are ideal for older children who are ready for something a bit more challenging. All of them connect beautifully to this year's theme.
Where Can I Find the Full List?
The full Read to the Beat book collection is available to view at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk. The titles have been broadly grouped by age, but for more specific age guidance and any content notes, we'd recommend checking the publisher's website for individual titles.
We've got copies of many of the collection titles right here at Stoneleigh Community Library. Come in and have a browse. We're always happy to help you find the perfect book.
Summer Reading Challenge Finishers' Celebration
Saturday 19th September 2026 from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Did your child finish the Summer Reading Challenge 2026?
Then come and celebrate with us!
Stoneleigh Community Library is throwing a party for every reader who completed the challenge at Stoneleigh Library this year. Join us on Saturday 19th September, from 5pm to 6pm, for an hour of fun and well-deserved praise.
Bring the whole family along, but everyone attending will need a ticket, including children.
Cost
This is a free event. Refreshments are also included.
Booking
Booking is required, although tickets are free.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Surrey Library Quest: Your Reading Adventure Starts at Stoneleigh
5th March 2026 through 28th November 2026
Something exciting is happening at Stoneleigh Community Library. From World Book Day on 5th March 2026 through 28th November 2026, we're taking part in the Surrey Library Quest — a free, fun reading challenge open to all Surrey Libraries members.
What Is the Surrey Library Quest?
The Surrey Library Quest is a reading-for-pleasure challenge. You choose six out of eight tasks, each designed to nudge you gently out of your usual reading habits. You might read a book set in another country, try a genre you'd normally skip, or pick up a title recommended by a friend. There's even a task that simply asks you to explore a passion — whatever you love, there's a book for it.
Once you've completed your six tasks, hand your Quest leaflet to a member of the team here at Stoneleigh. You'll be entered into a prize draw to win one of three £50 National Book Tokens or an electronic tablet.
The Eight Challenges
Pick any six of these eight tasks to complete your Quest:
- Read a book for this season
- Try a genre you rarely pick
- Read a book set in another country or world
- Read a book recommended by a friend
- Try an author you've never read before
- Use a library eResource
- Go to a library event, group, or workshop
- Explore your passion — if you're into it, read into it
Discover More Than Just Books
The Quest is a brilliant opportunity to explore everything Stoneleigh Community Library has to offer. The eResource task means you could discover free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, or eNewspapers — all available to borrow at no cost with your library card.
The events task is a great excuse to join one of our groups or workshops. We've got a busy programme of activities at Stoneleigh throughout the year, so there's plenty to choose from.
Part of the National Year of Reading
The Quest is one of Surrey Libraries' flagship activities for the National Year of Reading — a UK-wide campaign to reignite the joy of reading. It's a chance to discover something new, revisit an old favourite, or simply pick up a book again.
Quest leaflets are available at Stoneleigh Community Library from 5th March 2026. Pop in, pick one up, and see where the adventure takes you. Under-16s will need a parent or guardian's permission to enter.
The competition closes at 12 noon on Saturday 28th November 2026. One entry per person. Open to Surrey Libraries members only.
