01 Jan - 31 Dec 2025
Event Details
Regular events for children and families:
Children's Crafts | Every 3rd Saturday of the month, 2pm to 4pm
Pop in and enjoy making a different craft every month. Ages 4+
Construction Club | Every Saturday, 10am to 1pm
Enjoy building and creating with plastic bricks? Drop in and have some fun!
Family Chess | Every 3rd Saturday of the month, 10am to 12.30pm
Free family chess club, with members of Basingstoke Chess Club on hand to provide instruction and hints to new and up and coming players!
(Not on during school summer holidays)
Family Games Club | Every 2nd Saturday of the month, 2pm to 4pm
Enjoy a selection of board games to play together.
Rhymetime | Every Wednesday at 10.30am to 11am and 11.30am to midday. Every Thursday at 10.30am to 11am.
Thirty minutes of songs, rhymes, rhythm and actions to get your little one moving and singing! For children up to pre-school and their parent/carer.
Dad’s Rhymetime | Every first Saturday of the month at 10.30am to 11am
Join in songs and rhymes for toddlers and their Dad's. Just turn up, there is no need to book in advance. For dad’s and their children under 5 years. Thirty minutes of songs, rhymes, rhythm and action to get your little one moving and singing!
New Parent and Baby Rhymetime | Every Tuesday at 10.30am to 11am
A Rhymetime for new parents and their children. Learn rhymes, interact with your child, meet other families and have a good time.
New Parent Meet and Connect | Every Monday at 11.30am to 12.30pm
Supportive library sessions perfect for new babies and new parents/carers. Connect with other parents, explore sensory activities. Free session. Drop-in participation, no need to book. Limited spaces available, so come early to secure your spot.
Storytime | Every Friday 10.30am to 11am
Join in stories and songs for the under 5's at Basingstoke Discovery Centre. Parents/carers must remain in the library with their child/children. This event does not happen on bank holidays.
Saturday Songs | Every 3rd Saturday of the month at 10.30am to 11am
A chance to join in Rhymetime for those who work during the week. Fun singing and action rhymes for babies and toddlers with their parents or carers.
Stay and Play | Every Monday at 10.30am to 11.30am
A relaxed session for parents, grandparents, carers and their pre-schoolers. A great way to meet others and for your children to make new friends whilst they play! Parents/carers to stay with their children.
Donations to support the Discovery Centre's provision of children's activities are welcome. Suggested donation £1.
Regular events for adults:
Chatabout | Every Monday, 11am to 1pm. (except public holidays)
A weekly drop-in to meet new friends and have a chat! Hot drink and a biscuit provided.
Community Connections | Every Friday, 10am to midday
A free drop-in for all seekers of sanctuary for a chat, helpful information and signposting. Colouring and Lego® bricks available for children.
Conversation Cafe | Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, midday to 1.30pm
Come along and chat to others to improve your English in a relaxed, informal environment. Please be aware this is not a taught class.
Craft and Chatter | Every Friday, 10am to 12.30pm.
A friendly group for makers and handicrafters, meeting in the refreshment area. Bring along your current project, share ideas and hopefully get inspiration for future projects. This group does not meet on bank holidays.
Family History | Every 2nd Tuesday of the month (except August and December), 10am to midday.
Family History, Hampshire Genealogical Society can help you research your family history. Drop in and see what you can find!
Intercambio – Spanish/English Language Exchange | Every Tuesday 11am to midday.
Practice and improve your Spanish with this friendly conversation group. Free drop-in (please note this is not a Spanish language class).
Hong Kong Connections | Second Saturday of the Month 每⽉第⼆個星期六
A chance to meet others for a friendly chat 聊天機會 Drinks and Snacks 飲品和小食 Refreshments are funded by the UK government.
Games 遊戲活動 Find out about our library services 了解更多圖書館服務
Knit and Knatter | Every Monday 10am to midday.
Bring your current project and have a natter in the refreshment area.
Living with Loss Cafe | Last Friday of the month, 10.30am to midday.
Drop in for a chat and a chance to connect with others dealing with grief or bereavement. Tea, coffee and a biscuit provided. Refreshments are funded by Bereavement Care, Southern Co-op.
Ready to Roll | Last Saturday of the month, 10am to 4pm.
Enjoy classic games – Catan, Pandemic, Splendour and more! Free drop-in.
Read Aloud | Every Thursday, 12.45pm to 1.30pm.
Storytime's not just for children! Relax, sit back and listen to our library staff read aloud to you. Enjoy classic and modern stories in our warm and welcome space.
Only Murders in the Library Reading Group | Every 1st Saturday of the Month, 2pm to 4pm.
If you enjoy crime and thrillers and want to join others to chat about books, come along to our new reading group. Once a month, all welcome.
Sketching Social | Every Friday, 9.45am to midday.
If you enjoy drawing and sketching, join us for our Sketching Social group. Share skills and tips or learn something new in this supportive and friendly group, Free, just drop in. This group is funded via the Connect4Communities program by the DWP Household Support Fund.
Thursday Reading Group | Every 3rd Thursday of the Month, 2pm to 4pm.
Thursday Reading Group, Join this friendly group who enjoy reading all genres.
Write Club - Creative Writing | Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2pm to 4pm.
New members welcome at this supportive group for writers of all genres and abilities.
