Inspire libraries’ Christmas markets are returning for a third year, with lots of festive fun for adults and families alike. Marketgoers can expect stalls from local makers, children’s crafts on offer, baked goods, and  visits from Santa at selected libraries.

Across Nottinghamshire, Inspire’s libraries Christmas markets bring handmade and locally-made items to the forefront of the festive season.

On Saturday. 16th November, Sutton Library promises a day of fun for all the family with 15 varied stallholders, selling everything from wreaths, to prints, jewellery and more. There will be a visit from Santa Claus  at 11am, followed by hot drinks and a mince pie for £1 from 11.30am to 12.30pm, and a performance from the Rolls Royce Rollers choir at 12noon. At 1pm, J&L Homecrafts will be guiding children through Christmas card making.

On Saturday, 23rd November at Mansfield Library, the studio floor upstairs will be full with stalls offering a variety of handcrafted items and baked goods. From 11am to 1pm children can take part in a Christmas card craft, where they will be entered into a prize draw. At 1pm, members from the library’s Sing With Friends group will take to the café stage to sing a selection of favourite carols.

On Saturday, 14th December celebrations continue at Ravenshead Library with its first market, featuring stallholders selling handmade notebooks, painted vases, and more.

Melissa Ames, a stallholder at Mansfield Library, first started her craft in April 2024 at an Adult Learning course in lino printing. The course lasted six weeks and gave her the skills and confidence in exploring the world of lino printing.

“I absolutely loved the course and it has ignited the creative spark that had long since gone dormant,” she said. “I find carving the lino almost meditative, and it’s so satisfying when a sign turns into a successful print.”

Since completing the course Melissa has also enrolled on a one-day gel plate printing course too. When asked about the upcoming Christmas market, she said: “I’ve had a great few months of creating Christmas cards and prints to sell at this year’s market. It’ll be my first foray into selling and I can’t wait!”

Peter Gaw, chief executive officer of Inspire, said: “Our growing offer for creatives across Nottinghamshire and the opportunities given to them in Inspire venues is something I’m deeply proud of. Our Christmas markets are always exciting and bustling events, and this year’s Christmas market cohort of nine libraries will help to bring over 150 small businesses together, making shopping small even more accessible for our communities. Melissa’s story is I’m sure one of many, showing the value of Inspire’s provision in enriching the lives of individuals across the county.”

Markets will take place on select dates between Saturday, 16th November and Saturday, 14th December. Visit inspireculture.org.uk/markets for full information.