Sunshine or no sunshine, the Library is the place to be!
OK, so the heatwave we’d hoped for has not materialised quite yet but every so often those rays do break through, bathing the ground in a glorious sunlight, and July is looking promising!
Here at the Library we have events and activities for all weathers…
Gain an insight into the full spectrum of what goes on at the Library in A Little Bit of This, a Little Bit of That, a short course filled with history, poetry, liberalism, faith and a good dose of Victoriana with John McEllhenney and Susan Fogarty, members of the GladLib team and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Michael Wheeler (1st – 3rd July). Learn about Captain Cook’s voyages of exploration in the South Seas aboard HMS Endeavour, the first European ship to reach the east coast of Australia and consider with Peter Moore this notorious vessel in its context of the period of enlightenment (1st July).
On 4th July you are cordially invited to a sneak preview of the development plans for Gladstone's Library. View and discuss with the architects and designers the visuals for the £7 million project to extend and develop the Library’s facilities, and feedback your thoughts and opinions. This is a drop-in session and no booking is required.
6th July is Picnic Day! It’s a truth universally acknowledged that sandwiches taste better when eaten on the grass. The same goes, funnily enough, for quiche, salad, salmon, baked potatoes and cold meats, which, by an incredible coincidence, are the exact foods that will be on offer! Grab your picnic from Food for Thought, tuck your blanket under your arm and head outside to the beautiful back garden! (No booking necessary).
Mid-July is when our programme of courses really hits its stride. Concerned about the effects of consumerism, environmental degradation and global warming on our planet? Pope Francis’s ‘Laudato Si’ is an appeal for a dialogue about its future (18th – 19th July).
What is our persistent absorption with the afterlife? The lyrics of Madonna and Sean Combs, the plotlines of TV’s Lost, South Park and The Walking Dead, the implied theology in films such as The Dark Knight, Ghost, and Field of Dreams - all speak to our hopes and fears about what comes next. Join Greg Garrett for Entertaining Judgement, 22nd – 24th July.
Or how about taking a closer look at key Pauline texts? Examine the genuine writings of the dominant New Testament figure and look at both the man and his work with fresh eyes. The Authentic Paul takes place 25th – 29th July.
Our consistently-popular programme of language courses runs throughout August and into September. These week-long courses are available as residential or non-residential options with all meals included and free time to explore our beautiful Library built in. Study Greek, Hebrew and Latin (ideal for students, clergy, or those studying biblical texts) or Welsh to be able to converse with those a little closer to home.
Summer at Gladstone’s Library crescendos with our literary festival Gladfest (2nd – 4th September) during which the biggest and best names in contemporary writing talk, workshop and mingle with festival-goers! Highlights this year include Michel Faber (Undying), Sarah Perry (The Essex Serpent), Loyd Grossman (Benjamin West and the Struggle to be Modern), Francesca Haig (The Fire Sermon), Scarlett Thomas (The Seed Collectors), Richard Holloway (A Little History of Religion), Malcolm Guite (Parable and Paradox), Ian Parks (The Exile’s House) and many, many more!
Plus, our 26 beautiful boutique bedrooms provide the perfect summer getaway for those looking for a little tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of daily routine. We’re situated in a great location for visiting Chester and exploring North Wales, or, if you’d prefer to explore a little closer to home, there’s a lifetime of pleasure in our collection of 250,000 books, journals and pamphlets and scenic locations throughout the building and grounds in which to enjoy them. And remember, if you’re looking to treat a friend or family member, we offer freshly made Afternoon Tea (and Prosecco Afternoon Tea!) every weekday 3pm – 4pm and delicious homecooked Sunday Lunch every Sunday 12pm – 2pm.
For further information on any of the above or to book, please call 01244 532350 or email [email protected].