Rock Road Library Friends

13/06/2026

Looking forward to sharing some of my favourite green spaces in Romsey alongside the history of this special community that I've lived in since the 1980's!

11/06/2026

On Wednesday 24th June, Piers Blofeld will be speaking at Rock Road Library (7:30-8:30pm), introducing his new book, Master of Lies.

Come and listen to a chilling true story of deception and treason. From recently released files on Cambridge Spy Anthony Blunt, author Piers has uncovered compelling evidence that Blunt's treachery went far deeper than previously acknowledged.

Tickets are £3. Book in the library, or contact [email protected] for Rock Road bookings.

This event is proudly brought to you by Cambridgeshire Libraries in the
See also https://www.library.live/calendar/master-of-lies-with-author-piers-blofeld

[Image: Black and white photo of the author Piers Blofeld wearing glasses and open necked shirt, next to image of book cover which shown Anthony Blunt in a suit and red tie, with the words "How Anthony Blunt's treachery shaped our world"]

11/06/2026

Cambridgeshire Libraries have organised a talk by author Piers Blofeld based on his new book "Master of Spies" on Wednesday 24th June at 7.30pm; doors open at 7.
Tickets are £3 cash on the door. Staff request cash payments, not card (but they should be able to add charges to library accounts if necessary).
The Friends of the library are intending to offer refreshments as usual.

06/06/2026

So Rock Road Library has hit the headlines - in the Ely Standard. They covered our celebrations last Saturday and the article includes a picture of Councillor Alison Whelan, and FRRL Trustees Brenda, Tom and Jane cutting the cake.

It is excellent that the article mentions the venue as the "Cambridgeshire's oldest purpose-built library"

Celebrations have been held to mark the 90th anniversary of Cambridgeshire's oldest purpose-built library.

30/05/2026

Today we celebrated the 90th anniversary of the opening of Rock Road Library with CAKE, speeches, magic, music, quizzes, writing challenges and the installation of our new textile art. Thanks to Andrew Stoter and library staff, Dilly the Dinosaur, David Bales, John Meed, Philip Rundell, Denise Neapolitan, Marion Leeper, the Friends Trustees and other helpers and all who dropped by to sing happy birthday!

30/05/2026

It's TODAY! Don't miss out. Celebrating the library's 90th birthday in the library and library garden 10am til 2pm. Free. All welcome.

28/05/2026

While the library was closed for the refurbishment, during May last year, the excellent Charlie Haylock spoke to us about the Suffolk dialect.

He has since retired from public speaking but has been commissioned to recite classical works of literature in a regional accent which is now on YouTube with illustrations.

It includes Shakespeare, Keats, Byron to name but just a few . . . but also some humorous ones including Edward Lear and T.S.Eliot. The links are below.

Classic Poems in Suffolk - Part 1 https://youtu.be/wSw4PwfzR10
Classic Poems in Suffolk - Part 2 https://youtu.be/II3LnE0vy_s
Classic Poems in Suffolk - Part 3 https://youtu.be/wBdwZf2VDzU

Classic Suffolk with Charlie Haylock Part 3 - Classic Poems Recited...

21/05/2026

We were delighted to have to chance to hear Dr Midge Gillies talking about her latest book "Atlantic Furies" at the library last night - tales of bucking against the constraints of the times that limited most women's lives, and stories of incredible bravery. Half of the women featured in the book died during their attempts to prove women too could fly. Do read this wonderful book! Cambridgeshire Libraries already have copies of this and some of Midge's other wonderful biographies and the Friends have purchased more so do borrow them. THREE titles are waiting to be taken out from Rock Road Library today. Remember, for each library loan the author earns the magnificent sum of 13 pence.

18/05/2026

WEDNESDAY this week Come along and hear about the brave female aviators who risked everything to be the first to fly across the Atlantic. Author Midge Gillies will share stories revealing the lengths they needed to go to even to take to the air.

The early 1900s were an exciting time for aviation, and women were keen to show that history wasn't only made by men.

Some of Midge's books will be available for signing and there will be wine and non-alcoholic refreshments. Doors open at 7 for a 7.15 start. Kindly help our planning by booking free tickets via

Author Midge Gillies shares stories of the first women to risk everything to prove that is was not only men who could fly the Atlantic