Merton’s libraries are hosting a festival of storytelling, songwriting and live poetry.

Merton Council and Openhaus Community Arts are to stage another programme of poetic and musical events in the borough’s libraries from 20 April – 5 May 2006.

The collaboration aims to bring the arts into libraries, and to challenge preconceptions about today’s modern library services. Therefore, people of all ages are encouraged to come along.

Details of the events are as follows:

Thursday 20 April, 7pm, Wimbledon Library: £4/£3
Jim Bob, one half of indie-pop duo Carter USM & Rhodri Marsden, vocalist and chief songwriter of pop band The Free French will be performing classic and new material.

Tuesday 25 April, 7pm, Donald Hope Library: £4/£3
Max Splodge (of Spolodgenessabounds) brings a unique mixture of punk and humour to the stage with support from Pog.

Thursday 27 April, 7pm, Raynes Park Library: FREE!
Open mic poetry with all styles welcome. Sign up for slots on the night.

Friday 5 May, 10.30am, Pollards Hill Library: FREE!
Caribbean storyteller and musician Winston Nzinga will present a lively mix of stories and songs for both adults and children.

For further details on the featured acts, and more information on Openhaus Community Arts, see their website, http://home.clara.net/praveen/openhaus/openhaus.htm

Alternately, call 07944 627 876 or 07969 597 967.

For the full addresses of the libraries, see Merton Council’s website http://www.merton.gov.uk