Join bestselling author Kate Thompson to discover the wartime stories behind her novel The Secret Society of Librarians.

Kate Thompson's latest novel, The Secret Society of Librarians is a must-read for book lovers and library enthusiasts alike.

Based on a true story, it highlights the power of books to bring hope in times of darkness, and celebrates women's resilience in even the most desperate circumstances.

Kate will be in conversation with Louise Morrish, author of Library of War and Peace.

About the book:

In wartime London, librarian Joyce Kindred is determined to support her community through the power of books. She sets up a mobile library service and risks everything to help others, including sheltering a young Jewish refugee named Adela, whose secret could have far-reaching consequences.

Meanwhile, in occupied Poland, Joyce's former best friend Dorotha is trapped in the Łódź ghetto, where she secretly shares books as an act of hope and resistance. Separated by war but united by their love of libraries, the two women must show extraordinary courage as they fight to survive and find their way back to each other.

About the author:

Kate Thompson is a London-born journalist, author and library campaigner who now lives in Surrey with her family. Best known for her historical novels inspired by real events, including The Little Wartime Library and The Wartime Book Club, she is passionate about uncovering forgotten voices and untold social histories. Through both her writing and her 100 Libraries Project, Kate champions the vital role libraries and librarians play in supporting communities.

This event is in support of The National Year of Reading.

Key information about booking:

The event starts at 7pm

The event is suitable for adults

Tickets are £4 each. Please purchase a ticket for each person attending.

Booking is essential, so be quick to avoid disappointment

Please arrive 10 minutes early

Books will be on sale following the event.

If you have any additional needs or require any special assistance, please let us know prior to the event by contacting library.events@surreycc.gov.uk (this inbox is managed Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

If you are not able to or do not wish to provide us with any contact details (landline or mobile number and email address) you won’t be able to purchase a ticket online. Please visit the library that is hosting the event to purchase a ticket in person.

Description supplied by the event organiser.