Published 20th February 2025
This spring, visitors can look forward to a fantastic line-up of family-friendly and adult learning opportunities at their local library, all designed to inspire a deeper connection with nature and wellbeing.
Early this January Inspire Libraries launched the Places to Connect programme at Retford and Kirkby-in-Ashfield Libraries, made possible by a £6k grant from Natural England and Libraries Connected as part of their Culture Nature England project. Running in 26 public libraries across England, this initiative aims to reconnect communities with nature, promote mental wellbeing, and support the recovery of green spaces in urban landscapes. Visitors can pick up a copy of the Places to Connect programme inside libraries and join any of our FREE and low-cost events, including mindful movement sessions like Qigong and yoga, creative workshops, storytelling, singing for well-being, nature walks and family-friendly seasonal celebrations.
What's On?
Pause to Connect: Creative and Sensory Time Out
Pause to Connect invites you to reflect mindfully on resilience. We’ll work with evergreen foliage, considering its strength through winter, and create artistic clay impressions as a quiet, creative response. The session includes guided contemplation to foster focus and connection. FREE
Retford Library
Wednesdays: 26 February, 12 March, 19 March, 1:45pm - 3pm
Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library
Thursdays: 27 February, 27 March | 1:30pm - 3pm
Qigong-based Movement and Breathwork
Take time to breathe, move and explore your place in the natural world. A series of 4 outdoor sessions with Oxygen Advantage coach Dan Hussey, to inspire and connect mind and body. FREE
Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library
Wednesdays: 26 February - 19 March, 9:30am – 11am
Retford Library
Wednesdays: 26 February – 19 March, 12pm – 1:30pm
Singing for Wellbeing
Explore the joy of singing to boost your mood and immune system in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Discover uplifting songs and voice techniques that celebrate your unique sound, regardless of your experience level. FREE/£2
The Grove Methodist Church, Retford
Fridays: 28 February – 4 April, 10am – 12pm
Family Yoga and Mindfulness
Take time to breathe, stretch and connect with the world and each other. A series of 5 sessions for 5-11 year olds and parents/carers. FREE
Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library
Saturdays: 1 March – 5 April
Celebration of the Season: Springtime and Equinox
Join us for a family festival of spring surprises, including crafts, storytelling and nature inspired activities. FREE
Drop-in
Retford Library
Saturday 15 March, 10am - 12pm
Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library
Saturday 22 March, 10am – 12pm
"We’re delighted to be a part of this exciting project with Natural England and Libraries Connected. Libraries are vital
access points for education and wellbeing, offering everyone the opportunity to connect with ideas, resources, and their community. Through our Places to Connect programme, we’re giving library customers the chance to engage with nature in a meaningful way, whether that’s by exploring their local nature landscapes or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in our community gardens”.
Natural England is encouraging communities to start making links between nature and Protected Site Strategies in the UK through the project. Recognising that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, the Environment Act 2021 brought in Protected Site Strategies (PSS) in recognition of the need to help these precious areas.
To learn more about the Places to Connect programme or to get involved, visit your local Inspire library or contact ruth.telford-brown@inspireculture.org.uk. For more information about upcoming events and to book ahead, visit Places to Connect | Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries.
