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What’s on at The Amelia, Tunbridge Wells

More than just a library or a family centre, The Amelia offers something cultural and historical for all the family to enjoy.

A brightly lit library features rows of book-filled shelves. The high ceiling showcases an elaborate mural depicting a rural scene with people, trees, and a cart. The library has a modern, organized feel with a colorful, geometric logo visible in the top left corner.
Image via mytunbridgewells.com

With an extensive library, a café run by Fine Grind, museum exhibitions, and a stacked programme of activities and cultural events, The Amelia promises much more than a book collection.

The location it inhabited remained closed off and dormant for several years, before a £21 million pound project spearheaded by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council materialised a vision of a cultural centre for all the family.

Construction workers in safety gear are working on a historic building with a modern glass arc extension. The building combines traditional brick and stone with contemporary elements. The street in front features construction equipment and cones.
Image via constructionmanagement.co.uk

The cultural centre takes its name from Amelia Scott, born in 1860, a social reformer who helped young working-class women and mothers, and one of the first two women elected to the local council.

Her time spent on the council saw her advocate for municipal services, which included a museum and a library. Now, her vision is honoured by The Amelia, whose vision falls fittingly in-line with this eponymous centre.

A sepia-toned photograph of an older woman wearing a dark hat adorned with feathers, glasses, and a fur-trimmed coat. She has a serious expression and is facing the camera. The background is plain and dark, emphasizing her attire and features.
Image via KentOnline

So what’s on at The Amelia?

The bright, airy, high-ceilinged children’s library offers a vibrant space for kids to read, learn, and interact with others, boasting a comprehensive selection of children’s literature, both fiction and non-fiction.

The adults library, similarly bright and vibrant, is a relaxed space to explore a range of works, “where you can browse some very old and some newer resources to discover the history of Tunbridge Wells and its surroundings”.

Both libraries have the option of remote learning, with tens of thousands of eBooks available through their website.

A museum exhibit displays mannequins wearing historical dresses behind glass cases. Framed paintings of various individuals hang on the deep teal walls. Overhead spotlights illuminate the scene, highlighting the intricate details of the clothing and artwork.
Image via wearebandm.co.uk

As well as a library, The Amelia’s other main offering is exhibitions, from artistic to historical.

Taras Bychko, an emigrant relocated to Tunbridge Wells after the Russian Invasion, recently held an exhibition displaying his photographic perspectives of his new locale, offering a fresh lens to the Royal town.

Being Inbetween, by Carolyn Mendelsohn, is a photographic exhibition that looks at the transition between childhood and young adulthood, displaying powerful portraits of unique young women. The exhibition runs til the 16th of June.

Hosting the Tunbridge Wells Literary centre, The Amelia offers talks from a range of artists and writers, including Michael Ball, Michael Palin, and Lenny Henry. There are a mesmerising myriad of talks and events occurring at The Amelia during the literary festival, which runs from the 9th to the 12th of May.

Have a look at their full list of events here

A spacious library interior with tall, wooden arches and large windows. Bookshelves filled with various books and magazines are arranged in rows, each on wheels for mobility. The space is bright and neatly organized, creating a serene atmosphere for reading.
Image via willmottdixoninteriors.co.uk

There’s also much to be offered in the realm of adult education. Crime of the Century, a 12-week writing course, teaches how to research historical local crime and how to write based on your discoveries.

You’ll get feedback from your work, and have the chance to write in various styles. No previous writing experience required, and it’s free. The course runs til the 4th of September.

On top of this, they hold numerous Research Surgery events throughout the year, encouraging the historically nosy among us to discover more and more.

A close-up of a sandwich made with ciabatta bread, filled with visible ingredients like red bell peppers, leafy greens, and a reddish-orange spread. The sandwich is cut in half, with one half placed on its side, revealing the filling.

Lastly, The Amelia is simply a great space to get your own work done too. Fine Grind, who run the café, are a local family business who provide high-grade, single-origin coffee to patrons, and a modern food menu to keep you going.

An ideal work from home space, you also have a whole library at your disposal for whatever research purposes you require.

So why not come down and pay The Amelia a visit? Their address is The Amelia Scott, Mount Pleasant Road Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent, TN1 1AW.

Opening Hours
Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Excluding Bank Holidays