Mad Hatter's Tea Party - 5th March 2025
World Book Day 2025 was March 6th, when Cobbett Road Library is closed, so we held our celebration a day early, with the theme of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party (from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) - some of us came in costume. We were entertained by the Southampton Shantywomen.
First Day Back - 31st January 2024
Library Service returned to Cobbett at 1pm on 31st January 2024. Library staff, volunteers, Leader of Southampton City Council Lorna Fielker and others were on hand to welcome us back.
The photos show the arrangement of the Library area, working clockwise from the door: 3 PCs, the children's shelves and seating area, adult shelves, self-service issues/returns unit and printer/photocopier.
The photos show the arrangement of the Library area, working clockwise from the door: 3 PCs, the children's shelves and seating area, adult shelves, self-service issues/returns unit and printer/photocopier.
Mince Pie Morning, 21st December 2019
For various reasons, we weren't able to run our usual Christmas Fayre at the end of November. But we still wanted to provide an opportunity to get together, enjoy seasonal cakes and goodies, have a chat and a bit of fun. So, just days before Christmas, we held a Mince Pie Morning. This was enjoyable, with Friends old and new attending.
80th Birthday Party
A Strawberry Cream Tea on the morning of Saturday July 27 to celbrate (a little belatedly) the Library's 80th birthday on May 16. Things got so busy that there wasn't time to take any photos showing the full attendance! Lots of goodies on offer, including several types of scones, whipped and clotted cream, jam, strawberries, cherries and a range of cakes.
Exhibition of Dot Adams' work at the Civic Centre Art Gallery
Saturday June 8 to Saturday August 3
These photos aren't intended to showcase the pictures, but simply to show how the display is arranged.
Many thanks to Stuart Rodda and his team for arranging the exhibition and doing such a great job of presenting the works.
These photos aren't intended to showcase the pictures, but simply to show how the display is arranged.
Many thanks to Stuart Rodda and his team for arranging the exhibition and doing such a great job of presenting the works.
79th Birthday Party
Saturday May 12
The party was based around plants and gardens this year.
The party was based around plants and gardens this year.
Suffrage Celebration
Saturday April 7
Talks, information displays, artwork, craft, books from the City Library stock and Friends and more. The WSPU colours were much in evidence.
Talks, information displays, artwork, craft, books from the City Library stock and Friends and more. The WSPU colours were much in evidence.
Xmas Fayre 2017
Saturday November 25
A wide range of stalls, activities, refreshments and fun.
Towards the end, Rachel and Kevin were presented with presents by Father Christmas.
Before the Fayre started, some Friends took the opportunity to do some tidying of the Library shelves. Several of us do this in odd spare moments before meetings and events.
A wide range of stalls, activities, refreshments and fun.
Towards the end, Rachel and Kevin were presented with presents by Father Christmas.
Before the Fayre started, some Friends took the opportunity to do some tidying of the Library shelves. Several of us do this in odd spare moments before meetings and events.
Regency Tea Party
Saturday October 21
Tea, cake, Jane Austen quizzes, authentic music and dancing - and more! Lots of fun.
Click the link below to see some of the dancing
Tea, cake, Jane Austen quizzes, authentic music and dancing - and more! Lots of fun.
Click the link below to see some of the dancing
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Macmillan Afternoon Tea
Friday September 29
Our contribution to Macmillan's Biggest Coffee Morning is an Afternoon Tea, where generously donated cakes and biscuits were enjoyed along with tea, coffee and squash. Donations totalled £130, plus some Gift Aid.
Our contribution to Macmillan's Biggest Coffee Morning is an Afternoon Tea, where generously donated cakes and biscuits were enjoyed along with tea, coffee and squash. Donations totalled £130, plus some Gift Aid.
Ali Sparkes - Thunderstruck
Saturday June 17
The Ali Sparkes event was great fun.
We officially welcomed Ali as our Patron, and look forward to having her back again soon.
The Ali Sparkes event was great fun.
We officially welcomed Ali as our Patron, and look forward to having her back again soon.
Statue Cleaning
Thursday June 8
There was some sort of political thing going on, but for Cobbett Road Library this was a very important day. Our bronze statue Art Within Reach, installed in 1991, was being professionally cleaned.
Tony Stone, from Sherborne bronze art specialists Wolf & Stone Ltd, first carefully washed off a quarter-century of dirt, grime and pollution, then gradually warmed up the statue (somehow he had to be gentle with his blowtorch!) so that he could reinstate the protective wax covering. Finally, Art Within Reach was buffed up to restore its gleaming finish.
This was skilled work, carried out on a day when wind and rain increased the challenges, so - whatever one's political views, June 8 delivered at least one great result.
You can read more about the statue on our "History of Cobbett Road Library" page.
There was some sort of political thing going on, but for Cobbett Road Library this was a very important day. Our bronze statue Art Within Reach, installed in 1991, was being professionally cleaned.
Tony Stone, from Sherborne bronze art specialists Wolf & Stone Ltd, first carefully washed off a quarter-century of dirt, grime and pollution, then gradually warmed up the statue (somehow he had to be gentle with his blowtorch!) so that he could reinstate the protective wax covering. Finally, Art Within Reach was buffed up to restore its gleaming finish.
This was skilled work, carried out on a day when wind and rain increased the challenges, so - whatever one's political views, June 8 delivered at least one great result.
You can read more about the statue on our "History of Cobbett Road Library" page.
What Goes On?
Saturday May 13
An Open Morning for people to find out about the wide range of groups and activities available at Cobbett.
An Open Morning for people to find out about the wide range of groups and activities available at Cobbett.
Christmas Fayre 2016
Saturday November 26
There was a great turnout to enjoy a range of craft stalls, children's activities, refreshments and gifts from Santa.
Immediately after the end of the Fayre, the world premiere of Our Neck of the Woods was presented in the main Library.
There was a great turnout to enjoy a range of craft stalls, children's activities, refreshments and gifts from Santa.
Immediately after the end of the Fayre, the world premiere of Our Neck of the Woods was presented in the main Library.
Art Within Reach
our statue's 25th birthday celebrations
Saturday October 15
Sculptor Kevin Atherton's statue of long-standing Cobbett Road Library user Dot Winteridge had been covered in silvery paper to celebrate its 25th birthday.
The Art Group had put up a collection of paintings by Dot Winteridge, the model for Art Within Reach (who, unfortunately, couldn't join us, but was visited by Kevin Atherton as part of his day out in Southampton).
Sculptor Kevin Atherton's statue of long-standing Cobbett Road Library user Dot Winteridge had been covered in silvery paper to celebrate its 25th birthday.
The Art Group had put up a collection of paintings by Dot Winteridge, the model for Art Within Reach (who, unfortunately, couldn't join us, but was visited by Kevin Atherton as part of his day out in Southampton).
Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning
(which we run as an Afternoon Tea)
Friday September 30
The Community Room was full of animated conversation, but somehow nobody got so engrossed in this that they failed to enjoy the tea, coffee and cakes!
The Community Room was full of animated conversation, but somehow nobody got so engrossed in this that they failed to enjoy the tea, coffee and cakes!
Summer Reading Challenge Awards
Saturday September 17
Assisted by Children's Librarian Siobhan McGarrigle, Councillor Sue Blatchford presented awards to some of the children who had completed the Summer Reading Challenge. This year it had a Roald Dahl theme. After the presentation, and a pause for refreshments, some of the children enjoyed a Roald Dahl-themed drama workshop.
Assisted by Children's Librarian Siobhan McGarrigle, Councillor Sue Blatchford presented awards to some of the children who had completed the Summer Reading Challenge. This year it had a Roald Dahl theme. After the presentation, and a pause for refreshments, some of the children enjoyed a Roald Dahl-themed drama workshop.
Open Day
Wednesday June 1
To mark the transfer of Cobbett Library from Council operation to SCA/UP, there was an Open Day with activities for families and children, including a sock puppet workshop, story telling and performances of Plain Bob by Noisy Oyster.
To mark the transfer of Cobbett Library from Council operation to SCA/UP, there was an Open Day with activities for families and children, including a sock puppet workshop, story telling and performances of Plain Bob by Noisy Oyster.
Celebration
Saturday April 2
A big Thank You to all the people who have made Cobbett Road Library such a wonderful place for so many of us in its 77 years of service to the community.
A big Thank You to all the people who have made Cobbett Road Library such a wonderful place for so many of us in its 77 years of service to the community.
National Libraries Day 2016
Saturday February 6
This annual celebration had something for everyone. It must be worthwhile if so many Councillors make an effort to attend!
This annual celebration had something for everyone. It must be worthwhile if so many Councillors make an effort to attend!
Christmas Fayre 2015
Saturday December 5
Our customary good turnout had a good time. As a novelty, children could attempt to stick the nose on Rudolph.
Our customary good turnout had a good time. As a novelty, children could attempt to stick the nose on Rudolph.
Southampton Repair Café Roadshow
Saturday November 7
The Repair Café paid a return visit, and once again the repairers were busy.
It was also an opportunity for everyone to have a good natter - and a prospective Council candidate was given a very thorough briefing about Cobbett Road Library.
The Repair Café paid a return visit, and once again the repairers were busy.
It was also an opportunity for everyone to have a good natter - and a prospective Council candidate was given a very thorough briefing about Cobbett Road Library.
150 Years of Alice
Saturday October 24
Much fun was had at a Tea Party to celebrate 150 Years of Alice in Wonderland.
Adults and children dressed up, had mad conversations, attempted wordsearches and a picture quiz, tried mask-making, got their faces painted, made jam tarts, got caked-out, drank various concoctions and generally had a wonderful time.
Much fun was had at a Tea Party to celebrate 150 Years of Alice in Wonderland.
Adults and children dressed up, had mad conversations, attempted wordsearches and a picture quiz, tried mask-making, got their faces painted, made jam tarts, got caked-out, drank various concoctions and generally had a wonderful time.
Southampton Repair Café Roadshow
Saturday July 4
This summer, the well-established Freemantle Repair Café monthly sessions are visiting new venues. Cobbett Road Library hosted the first of these Roadshows, with successful repairs to necklaces, a rucksack, a pedal car and many other items. Local TV station That's Solent came along, and broadcast a report on Sunday July 5.
This summer, the well-established Freemantle Repair Café monthly sessions are visiting new venues. Cobbett Road Library hosted the first of these Roadshows, with successful repairs to necklaces, a rucksack, a pedal car and many other items. Local TV station That's Solent came along, and broadcast a report on Sunday July 5.
Celebrating 76 years
the Library's Birthday
Saturday May 16
Hundreds of people of all ages shared the fun. Some were in fancy dress and were rewarded with a free drink and cake. A (female!) Dalek came along, as did local author Ali Sparkes - who led a lively and cheerful group through the delights and fears of creepy crawlies.
Hundreds of people of all ages shared the fun. Some were in fancy dress and were rewarded with a free drink and cake. A (female!) Dalek came along, as did local author Ali Sparkes - who led a lively and cheerful group through the delights and fears of creepy crawlies.
Chris Packham at Cobbett Road Library
Thursday February 19
Chris Packham grew up in Bitterne Park, and was often to be found in Cobbett Road Library, where he made good use of the books available on natural history, history and other topics. He has always been generous in his support for Cobbett Road, and ready to express his passion for libraries to anyone who will listen. There was great excitement when he offered to give a talk at the Library in support of our current campaign. When he goes on tour with these presentations he sells out large venues such as Salisbury's City Hall, so this was a real privilege for us. Before the talk began we were photographed by the Echo. As a token of our appreciation, Chris was presented with a beautiful painting of a kingfisher, the work of Rod Charlton.
Chris Packham grew up in Bitterne Park, and was often to be found in Cobbett Road Library, where he made good use of the books available on natural history, history and other topics. He has always been generous in his support for Cobbett Road, and ready to express his passion for libraries to anyone who will listen. There was great excitement when he offered to give a talk at the Library in support of our current campaign. When he goes on tour with these presentations he sells out large venues such as Salisbury's City Hall, so this was a real privilege for us. Before the talk began we were photographed by the Echo. As a token of our appreciation, Chris was presented with a beautiful painting of a kingfisher, the work of Rod Charlton.
Love our Libraries Day 2015
On Saturday February 7, our celebrations were boosted by award-winning local author Ali Sparkes
Christmas Fayre 2014
Saturday November 29
Pictures speak louder than words.
Pictures speak louder than words.
Autumn Fayre 2014
There was lots to do and see on Saturday October 18. The photos don't show everything, because the stalls, displays and activities were so popular that, a lot of the time, it was difficult to get a clear shot of them!
History of Photography
Tony Willey gave an interesting talk on the origins of photography on Thursday July 24. As part of this, we were able to see and handle some of his extensive collection of cameras and photographic equipment.
75th Birthday Celebrations
Friends new and old came to the community room on Saturday May 17 to celebrate the Library's 75 years of service to the community.
Displays included a stand presenting objects and photographs from Bitterne Local History Society's collections, a selection of treasures from the archives, books and other items from the 1930s and 1940s.
We also had a plant stall, a children's drawing table, refreshments and the prize-giving for our children's poetry competition.
Displays included a stand presenting objects and photographs from Bitterne Local History Society's collections, a selection of treasures from the archives, books and other items from the 1930s and 1940s.
We also had a plant stall, a children's drawing table, refreshments and the prize-giving for our children's poetry competition.
National Libraries Day 2014
The community room was packed on Saturday February 8.
As well as opportunities to chat and enjoy free refreshments (cakes were themed from children's books), there were quizzes, face (and elsewhere) painting, a book swap and more.
As well as opportunities to chat and enjoy free refreshments (cakes were themed from children's books), there were quizzes, face (and elsewhere) painting, a book swap and more.
Harvest Day 2013
Councillors, friends, families and librarians all enjoyed the stalls, activities and refreshments on Saturday October 19th
National Library Day &
Petition to Save Our Library
February 9 2013
There are two handing over petition photos: 5 and 6 show Sandra Naish and Kevin Lancashire posing with Councillor Paul Lewzey before Councillor Payne’s arrival; photographs 11 and 12 show the petition containing nearly 700 signatures being formally presented by them to Councillor Warwick Payne, Southampton City Council Cabinet Member for Leisure.
There are two handing over petition photos: 5 and 6 show Sandra Naish and Kevin Lancashire posing with Councillor Paul Lewzey before Councillor Payne’s arrival; photographs 11 and 12 show the petition containing nearly 700 signatures being formally presented by them to Councillor Warwick Payne, Southampton City Council Cabinet Member for Leisure.
The Jubilee Event 2012
Christmas Fayre 2011
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