Moondance – Learn a Choreographed Dance Every Month

Looking for a fun and exciting way to stay active in 2024? Why not try our monthly choreographed dance class, led by Pilates teacher and running coach Sofia Ali?

This friendly and welcoming group class is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to dance to the latest and greatest pop songs.

The step-by-step instruction makes it easy to follow along and learn the dance at your own pace. And you don’t need any fancy dance gear – just wear comfortable clothes and trainers or soft shoes to move around in.

During the class, we’ll warm up, learn the steps in sections, and then put the whole dance together. It’s a great way to get fit, have fun, and meet new people. And with a new dance each month, you’ll never get bored!

All are welcome, regardless of age or experience level. Let’s dance our way through 2024 together!

Which day/time would you prefer, from the following possible options?

Mondays 1900-2000 (last week of the month)

Thursdays 0845-0945 (last week of the month)

Email us to let us know.

Trustee Open Evening 15 February

At Cricklewood Library, we are currently seeking individuals who are passionate about our library and wish to contribute to its continuous growth and success. We believe that libraries are integral parts of any community, not only as a source of knowledge and information but also as a gathering place for people of all ages. We invite you to become a part of our mission to ensure that Cricklewood Library continues to serve its community effectively.

Trustee Open Evening on 15 February

We understand that the role of a trustee may sound intimidating. To help you get a clearer idea of what it entails, we have arranged a Trustee Open Evening on the 15th of February. Scheduled from 6-8pm, this is a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the responsibilities and rewards of becoming a trustee. You’ll get a chance to meet our current team and ask any questions you may have.

Skills and Experience Needed

We value diversity and believe that everyone has something unique to bring to the table. However, we are particularly interested in people who have skills and experience in the following areas:

  • Legal
  • Facilities Management
  • Volunteer Management
  • Small Business
  • Community Engagement

If you have experience in any of these areas, or even if you’re just passionate about our library and its role in the community, we would love to hear from you.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in becoming a trustee, or simply want to find out more about what it means to volunteer, we invite you to book a space for our Trustee Open Evening. You can do so by visiting the following link:

We look forward to welcoming you to our library and celebrating the important role that trustees play in its success. Remember, your contribution can make a huge difference to the library and the community it serves.

Cricklesingers Needs You

If you’re a someone who loves to sing, we invite you to join our choir! Singing in a choir is not only a fun and enriching experience, but it also has numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that singing in a group can lower stress, boost mood, and improve breathing and posture. Plus, being a part of a choir allows you to connect with other people who share your passion for music and performance. We welcome singers of all levels and backgrounds, so don’t hesitate to join us and become a part of something special. Let’s make beautiful music together!

Crickleknitters Too

Always wanted to come to Crickleknitters (Wednesdays, 1-3pm on the sofa in the library) but having to go to pesky work or college? Never fear, the enterprising Daniela has embarked on a Saturday version of the group. As an experienced knitter, she’s happy to help those just starting out on their knitting journey, or just to have company on the sofa while she knits. Come along and join her. No need to book – just turn up with your needles and yarn and get on with it!

Cricklereaders February 2024 – Victory City by Salman Rushdie

In the wake of an unimportant battle between two long-forgotten kingdoms, a nine-year-old girl has a divine encounter that will change the course of history. Pampa Kampana becomes a vessel for a goddess, who tells her that she will be instrumental in the rise of a great city called Bisnaga, ‘victory city’.

Over the next two hundred and fifty years, Pampa Kampana’s life becomes deeply interwoven with Bisnaga’s as she attempts to make good on the task that the goddess set for her: to give women equal agency in a patriarchal world. But all stories have a way of getting away from their creator, and Bisnaga is no exception.

New members always welcome.

Cricklewriters is on a Break

Greetings keen scribblers! This is to say that Cricklewriters, our friendly weekly writing group, is currently on a break. Dan, the workshop leader, is away for a few weeks and while the group gets organised to lead itself in his absence, it’s taking a short break. Please check back here for more news as it comes in.

January’s Last Friday is Aeolian Winds Quintet

What a treat is in store next month when we welcome Aeolian Winds Quintet to the library.

The programme looks lovely – expect to hear

Szeligowski Wind Quintet
Reicha Wind Quintet in Eb, First Movement
Bacewicz Wind Quintet
Zemlinsky Humoresque
Dvorak American Quartet arranged for Wind Quintet

For the curious, Aeolian Winds are a London-based wind quintet who strive to create imaginative and rounded concerts through their vibrant playing and inspired programming. They were formed in September 2021 at the Royal College of Music, where they were recently awarded the distinguished Woodwind Ensemble Prize.

Aeolian Winds have performed in a variety of prestigious venues across London, and the South of England. They aim to perform diverse and unknown works, with a focus on 20th century, and contemporary music. Their performances have been described as “pure joy” and “something very special”.

Whilst also taking a liking to more conventional programming, Aeolian Winds have also expanded into multimedia with their feature in David Bruce’s YouTube video, exploring the unique and vibrant sound of the chamber group through re-orchestration and storytelling. They are also interested in creating cross-genre and disciplinary projects, including immersive and intimate concerts in unconventional venues.

The quintet were recently been invited to be fellows, in December 2023, at Ensemble Ouranos’ Wind Quintet Academy in Paris.

Get your tickets here.

Crickleknitters Yarn Appeal

The amazing knitting enthusiasts of our weekly Wednesday group, Crickleknitters, have submitted their annual report for this year. It has been an incredible year and they’ve turned out so many wonderful garments for a variety of good causes. Don’t take my word for it – read below what one of the group’s regulars, Amanda, has to say:

Crickleknitters have been very busy this year and loved every minute of it. We have knitted little cardigans and blankets for UCL Hospital. Purple hats for the neonatal ward, for World Prematurity Week, at St. Marys Hospital, and 50 Orange and white hats for the Maternity ward there. Cosmic at St. Mary’s crowd funded to buy the wool. Scarves and hats for the Seafarers Mission. Baby cardigans and hats for Coventry and Warwick Hospital. Hats for the premature babies at the Royal Free Hospital. Baby hats and cardigans for the Royal Brompton Hospital. Hats, scarves and mittens for Homeless Women at Glass Door. We have knitted out own Bunting and a Christmas Garland for the library as well as our own projects!

I’m sure you’ll agree the things they’ve made are gorgeous, and the causes very, very worthy.

They’re making an appeal for yarn and needles in order to allow new knitters to get started straight away when they join. Oh, and they’d love some new members too! If you have any lying around at home that you’d like to see put to good use, please drop it off at the library desk.

Cricklereaders January 2024 – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

New book is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Waterstones said:

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.

But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with – of all things – her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later, Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (‘combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride’) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.

Next meeting Sunday 7 January at 1030. Please note there is now a waiting list for membership of this group.

December’s Last Friday is a Magic Show!

Magic Show with Ian Saville.

For more than 30 years, Ian Saville has been presenting his socialistist Magic and ventriloquism.
Whereas David Copperfield is content with little tricks like making the Statue of Liberty disappear, Ian Saville aims at the much more ambitious goal of making International Capitalism and exploitation disappear. True, he hasn’t quite succeeded, but he keeps on trying.
This is a funny, magical, thought-provoking and topical celebration of Socialism, which will keep you well awake, even if you’re not all that woke.

Suitable for adults, and children aged 8+.