Events
An Evening with Author Leena Norms
Spend an evening with Leena Norms the author of Half Arse Human, and poetry collection Bargain Bin Rom-Com. She is an online creator known for her candid words and infectious energy, Leena crafts videos about poetry, politics, persevering in your twenties, the power of books. Join us at 7pm.
Kids Storytelling
Morning sessions of kids storytelling here at October Books each Saturday in March. Each morning has two sessions, one at 10:30AM for children aged four or younger, and one at 11:00AM for ages 5-7. Bring your kids along for a fun and easy-going session of storytime. In collaboration with Southampton Woodcraft Folk and Co-Ops Southampton.
Tea & Austen's Women
Join us on 22nd June for an insightful discussion (and a cuppa) on the lives of women in Georgian Southampton, where tea rooms, novel writing, and the rise of bookshop libraries shaped new opportunities. Explore Austen's context on a deeper level with Dr Cheryl Butler, author of Jane Austen & Southampton Spa and First Impressions: Jane Austen's Southampton Circle 1780-1820
Tickets available April 1st. Only £5
Writing as Spiritual Practise
An invitation to dig deep, till the soil, and sow seeds for growth and harvest in the months ahead. Join a community of fellow beings on the field of language and literature to share thoughts, speech, and acts of writing, exploring above and below the ground of common experience.
Paul Armfield 'Songs for Bibliophiles' Tour 2025
Having spent the past 30 years balancing a career in bookselling with his sideline as a singer songwriter, Paul Armfield has finally reconciled the two worlds in an album of songs about books and reading. His intimate baritone, warm presence, and solo renditions of witty, literate songs will leave you charmed.
"Gorgeous..beautiful, positive and amazing. Ace!" Lauren Laverne BBC 6 Music
Logging Off: The Human Cost Of Our Digital World, Adele Walton - Book Launch
Join us on the evening of June 12 for a celebration of Adele Walton's debut 'Logging Off: The Human Cost of Our Digital World'. 'Poignant, timely and astute, Logging Off is a compelling examination of how our lives have been shaped - and irrevocably changed - by the rise of digital technologies' Yomi Adegoke, author of THE LIST
Fair: The Life-Art of Translation with Jen Calleja & Toby Litt
Join us for an evening of conversation as part of Jen Calleja's book tour for her latest release: 'Fair: The Life-Art of Translation'. Blurring the lines between memoir, autofiction, satire and polemic, Fair is a singularly inventive and illuminating book by one of the UK’s most original and admired writers and translators.
Writers' Group
We are a cosy group that meet and give friendly and useful criticism of each others work, the evening of every last Thursday of the month from 7:00pm at October Books. Writers of all styles, experience and ability are welcome. You are invited to submit your work in advance of a meeting, so that everyone has the opportunity to read ahead of time. Booking is not required, but there is a £5 charge on the door, to help us keep running amazing events like these.
Poetry Open Mic
There is a growing hub of authors, poets and storytellers in Portswood - something we've always celebrated and championed here at October Books. Join us whether you're a seasoned poet or just someone wanting to find community and something new <3 Arrive by 6:45pm as we will start at 7pm sharp! Amelia will take your name on the door if you would like to perform. Any performances are welcome but times must not exceed 10 minutes. This is to give everyone ample opportunity and time :)
Regular Community Events
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Mondays - Veg Out Cafe
More info hereA pop-up vegan community cafe, using food waste. Pay what you feel.
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Tuesday - Radical Reading Group
More info hereSecond Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm - 9pm. Discussing radical and revolutionary ideas through the medium of chapters and short texts.
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Wednesday - Quaker Meeting
Email for DetailsThird Wednesday of the month, 6.15pm - 7pm. Everyone welcome
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Friday - Co-working Space
Catch up with your work in the cosy and well equipped bookshop environment. £5 for the whole day.
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Saturday - Collage Club
3:30 - 5:30pm. Materials provided. £5. Cut, stick and make whatever you want.
