Beginning in 1958, seven very young women writers began to change the world for women in Britain. Shelagh Delaney, Edna O’Brien, Lynne Reid Banks, Charlotte Bingham, Nell Dunn, Virginia Ironside and Margaret Forster had an impact that was spontaneous, unconscious and enormous. Not since the Brontës had a group of writers portrayed the lives of … Continue reading 20 September 2019 : Celia Brayfield: Rebel Writers – the Accidental Feminists

On Friday 11 October James Clarke will give a talk which focuses on the changing face of education. James lives in Watlington and is a furniture designer who now specialises in designing spaces for improved learning environments in schools.

A new exhibition of work by Watlington artist Jackie Hughes is now on display in the library. Jackie gained her BA in Fine Art in 2003. Drawing on an expanse of influences, her work, which is sometimes based on real places and sometimes on imagined spaces, is an ongoing process of experimentation and discovery. She … Continue reading Local artist’s work on show at the library

Space Stories, Quiz and Challenge with "May's Moon" author S Y Palmer

Are you an aspiring photographer? FOWL has launched a competition to find the best images of Watlington. The 12 winning entries will be used to create a fundraising calendar for the library. You have until 1 August to send in  as many entries as you want, so get snapping! Email FOWLPhoto2019@gmail.com for details of how to … Continue reading Enter FOWL’s photography competition!

The Friends of Watlington Library were delighted to welcome back accomplished local author Sylvia Vetta in early June to talk about her recently published second book Sculpting the Elephant, an engaging love story set across two different cultures. Inspired by her personal knowledge of marrying her Indian husband in 1960’s Britain and the challenges they … Continue reading Local author Sylvia Vetta gives an eloquent and entertaining talk

“Read like a butterfly; Write like a bee” The Friends of Watlington Library were delighted to host the eminent author Sir Philip Pullman CBE FRSL, on Friday 26 April at St Leonards’ Church, Watlington. Sir Philip marked the 21st anniversary of FOWL's formation in style, delivering an eloquent and deeply personal account about his love … Continue reading FOWL hosts Philip Pullman for 21st Anniversary

For the first time this year, FOWL has taken on the responsibility of running the Literary Area at the Beacon Festival. There will be a programme of performance poetry, poetry workshops and readings for families and children at the Festival organised by FOWL; so look out for us there and please support this exciting initiative. … Continue reading FOWL at the Beacon Festival

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first Elmer story, we held a special Elmer themed StoryTime in May. After reading lots of Elmer books and enjoying some animal songs, the children made a giant Elmer mosaic - did you spot him in the Library window? StoryTime takes place in the Children's Corner on the … Continue reading Happy Birthday Elmer!