Laughing in the library

Following the success of the Surry Hills Late-Night Library, the City of Sydney has programmed a series of free after-hours cultural events to bring workers, locals and visitors into the City’s libraries at a time that works for them. This Late-Night Library initiative will see Newtown, Surry Hills, Kings Cross and Customs House Libraries host an eclectic selection of late-night talks, comedy acts and films to run from now until April next year. 

“It’s about making our libraries work for people who live, work in and visit the city,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore. “From madcap humour to musings on mateship, these sessions are a real late-night alternative for people in the city.”

The series kicked off at Surry Hills Library on November 1 with an unusual presentation by Dr Kenzie Larsen about her ground-breaking research on the ancient art of making friends. Visitors to the library can catch more original addresses and performances on the first Thursday of each month, when the library hosts other renowned writers, thinkers and emerging artists.

Starting February 6, Kings Cross Library will present monthly screenings of rare films and host discussions led by guest curators, while Customs House Library will offer fortnightly explorations on lively topics such as sex, violence and famous people.

At Newtown Library, inner-west boutique arts producer Campfire Collective is presenting three fortnightly Never Not Funny comedy nights, featuring alternative and emerging comedians. The library, which occupies a former Salvation Army Hall on Brown Street, is expected to book out quickly and Campfire Collective has declared its intention to “tear the roof off the sucker with a laughter explosion”. The series will also return next year to coincide with the Sydney Comedy Festival, running from April 24 – May 12.