THE programme of free events at Crediton Library, organised by The Folklore Library and Archive, continues with another three chances to attend in February.

Provided as part of the Warm Spaces initiative, the Friday evening events provide free refreshments and entertainment in a comfortable environment.

Each event begins at 7pm and should be booked in advance by contacting the Folklore Library and Archive by email on [email protected] or telephoning Crediton Library on 01363 772578.

On Friday, February 7 there will be a talk on the history of photography entitled “How the Camera Came to Crediton”.

In this illustrated presentation on the early history of photography, photo-historian, archivist, writer and editor James Downs will talk about how photography developed in the 1830s and how the first photographic studios were set up in Devon (including Crediton) soon after.

The talk will be accompanied by an array of old cameras, photographs - including daguerreotypes, cartes-des-visites and lantern slides - booklets, prints, postcards and other photographic accessories and ephemera from the 19th century. 

On Friday, February 21, William Mearns will give a talk on the history of lending libraries in Devon. It’s been 100 years since the library service began and William will talk about how the service has developed to what it is now, things that have come and gone (such as the long-lost and obscure Creedy Mobile Library) and some of the funny and surprising stories of things that have happened in the libraries over that time.

On Friday, February 28 music returns to the library as there will be a Shanty Evening. Come along and enjoy some shanties and other songs of the sea, with musical accompaniment. No obligation to sing along … but you are very welcome to.

Mark Norman