What's On
What's On from December - March 2026
Welcome to your NEW winter What's On Guide for 2026! Enjoy events for all ages - with family theatre, author talks, live music, events for under 5s, exhibitions, heritage, film screenings and more!
Love Music? History? Films? Fitness? Art? If you’re into it, read into it!
This is the year to make time for the things you love, and reading is the perfect way to dive deeper.
Everyone knows the benefits of reading: it expands your world, sharpens your mind, it might even make you more creative or successful. But increasingly, fewer of us are making time to read. With so many forms of entertainment at our fingertips, reaching for a book can feel like a chore. Something we should do, but don’t really want to do.
The National Year of Reading 2026 is about changing the focus, bringing reading to where culture already lives. Whether you’re into your own hobbies or anything at all, we’ll help you find reads that plug straight into your passions. Unlock more of what you love at your local Inspire Library - themed reading lists, staff picks, events and discoveries that take you further.
Whatever you’re into, get ready to GO ALL IN.
If you're into it, read into it!
Reading has been shown to reduce stress, boost mental clarity, and it's linked with higher life satisfaction - it makes us feel good! Feel the benefits by reading for as little as 30 minutes each week. Find out more about how to kickstart better reading habits this new year.
Psssst! Library membership is free to everyone! Start your journey with us and gain access to all of Inspire's free services and resources. Sign up to membership here.
Stuck on what book to pick up next? Our recommended reading lists might be able to help! From prize-winning titles and children's books to health and well being, our recommended reads have you covered.
Reading Well helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using recommended books available from your library. The books provide information and advice for people with various physical and mental health conditions, their family, friends and carers.
Inspiring... reading!
We love everything to do with books and reading - and we want you to, too! Take a look at some of our content including articles, Q&As and our I Am a Reader project.
Plus, keep an eye out for author events coming to a library near you.
Love Reading - Your Reading eNewsletter from Inspire.
Our eNewsletters includes links to a range of articles, interviews, features and videos for book lovers. Sign up now to receive these newsletters straight to your inbox (simply select Books and Reading as one of your preferences.
Your 24-7 library, free to download.
Choose from thousands of eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines and eNewspapers - FREE for library members.
Each month we bring you a recommendation of a title we have in our large collection of e-resources, both as an e-book and an e-audiobook that we can all read together. This will be followed up with the opportunity to join an online discussion at the end of the month.
If you'd like to join our online book club drop us a line at reading@inspireculture.org.uk.
At Inspire we provide a free 1-to-1 adult reading scheme to help readers in Nottinghamshire with the basics and beyond.
This scheme is suitable for any adult living in Nottinghamshire who wants to learn to read English. Whatever your starting point, we will go back to basics and work at your own pace.
If you are interested in joining the reading scheme, visit our web page to sign up.
Discover a fabulous range of inspiring regular events on your doorstep at your local library – from reading groups and heritage, to activities to keep the children busy, we're sure we have an event to inspire you!
Find out more about our regular events.
We love our libraries. They're fun, cosy, and safe spaces where everyone can enjoy themselves; but if there's a reason why you can't get to your local library, that's no problem! With our easy home delivery service, we'll come to you.
Whether the weather is too bad to visit or if you have a loved one that can't leave the house, just fill in our home library service form or contact Ask Inspire on 01623 677 200 and we'll deliver books straight to your door.
Find out more about our home library service.
What's On this New Year
Adult Learning
Spring 2026 Course Guide
Our brand new spring term course for 2026 guide has arrived! We've created an excellent selection of courses to ignite your passion for a new hobby or interest.
Adult Learning
Seeking a new skill?
Whether you're after Arts and Crafts, Work Skills and Employment, or anything in-between, you can browse all courses or by subject category.
Heritage
Heritage Events This Season
If you're into heritage, join us for heritage talks and workshops exploring Nottinghamshire's rich and varied history and beyond, or even take part in some escape room fun at Nottinghamshire Archives!
Adult Learning
Into Health and Wellbeing?
Browse the latest health and wellbeing courses from Inspire Adult Learning including mindful music, cookery and reflexology.
Adult Learning
Join our ESOL Book Club at Beeston Library
Starting 14 January - Are you learning English as a second language and love books? For ESOL learners, this course is designed to be a fun way to improve English language skills. Read the same book together and meet every week to discuss it in detail.
Adult Learning
Improve your ESOL Reading Skills at High Pavement Learning Centre
Starting 8 January - this course aims to teach beginner English skills to people who speak English as a second language, and improve your reading, writing and speaking and listening. Participants will gain an ESOL Entry level 1-3 Reading qualification.
