We hope you’ve all recovered from a busy and fun Christmas. We’re not sure we have but we’re up and ready for another new year, with amazing hot drinks, treats and of course our wonderful winter soups, to say nothing of our exciting programme of events!
Canterbury Silent Book Club
28 January 6.30-9.00pm Free - just turn up with a book!
Silent Book Clubs are a worldwide phenomena with literally thousands happening all across the world. The Canterbury SBC has been happening in Chapters for a year now, with meet-ups every month.
No need to book - just turn up with a book to read. It’s very informal but the usual format is that coffee, beer etc available on arrival between 6.30 & 7.00 and then 7.00-8.00 is completely quiet for reading. 8.00-9.00 you can keep reading, chat quietly to other readers, grab another drink - whatever suits you.
An evening with award winning author Lucy Caldwell
Monday February 9, 7.30pm
An evening with award winning author Lucy Caldwell, chatting to Laura about her novel These Days, winner of the Walter Scott prize
Lucy is an established playwright, short story writer and novelist. She has been shortlisted for and won the BBC short story of the year and has a new collection of stories, Devotions, out later this year.
These Days is our Chapters Book Club choice for February but this event is open to all, subject to availability. Booking is essential - either in Chapters or by email to [email protected]
VERY FEW PLACES REMAINING!
Quiet Writing Group with Rosie Johnston
Wednesday 11 February 6.30-9pm, free
After a break in January our next quiet writing group led by Rosie is on Wed 11 February. If you would value a quiet place to write and are motivated by writing in the company of other writers then why not join author and poet Rosie Johnston at Chapters Coffee and Books, on the fourth Thursday of the month, between 6.30 & 9.00pm?
Open to anyone who wants to write, whether you’re completing your third published novel or your own personal memories.
This is not a class, or a course; it’s simply a supportive group in which to write. Rosie is happy to advise or respond but the idea is that we can help each other.
The format proposed is that we start by grabbing a coffee, beer or whatever and then write quietly for an hour or so. For the last hour we can keep writing and/or chat to others.
February Book of the Month
Muckle Flugga by Michael Pederson
'A quirky and original debut that sizzles with scintillating prose.' BERNARDINE EVARISTO
'Michael Pedersen is a rare writer of real passion and power and this debut is phenomenal.' MATT HAIG
Life on a remote island is turned upside down by a stranger's arrival, testing bonds of family and tradition and leaving a young dreamer's future hanging in the balance.
It's no ordinary existence on the rugged isle of Muckle Flugga. The elements run riot and the very rocks that shape the place begin to shift under their influence. The only human inhabitants are the lighthouse keeper, known as The Father, and his otherworldly son, Ouse. Them, and the occasional lodger to keep the wolf from the door.
When one of those lodgers - Firth, a chaotic writer - arrives from Edinburgh, the limits of the world the keeper and his son cling to begin to crumble. A tug of war ensues between Firth and the lighthouse keeper for Ouse's affections - and his future. As old and new ways collide, and life-changing decisions loom, what will the tides leave standing in their wake?
Did you know? We have an online Bookstore!
Check it out here: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/chaptersofsturry
There are literally thousands of books available to order but we have also highlighted a number of books we recommend, including Maurice’s favourite books of 2025 - check them out here.
A few products we think you should try….
Irish Black Butter and Heaney Irish Stout!
Irish Black Butter - ‘what’s that?’ I hear you say - click here
January & February 2026 - What’s On…January
Knit & Natter
3 January 10.30am Free but must book directly at [email protected]
Bookish Book Swap
9 January 7.00pm
Harry Potter Candle Making
14 January 6.00-8.00pm Book directly at www.turnoffthelights.co.uk
Knit & Natter
17 January 10.30am Free but must book directly at sturryknitters@gmail,com
Chapters Classic Book Club.
21 January, 7.30pm. Free. Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Free but booking required - in store or via messenger
Canterbury Silent Book Club.
28 January, 6.30pm. Free. Bring your own book, for a quiet read followed by optional chat.
February
Knit & Natter
7 February 10.30am Free but must book directly at [email protected]
Chapters Book Club - In conversation with award winning author Lucy Caldwell, These Days
9 February 7.30pm Free but booking required - book directly in the shop or via messenger.
The Story Sessions II (Session 1 of 6)
10 February 7.30pm (fully booked but waiting list open)
Rachel Wolf children’s author event
11 February, 4.00pm.
Quiet Writing Group with Rosie Johnston
11 February, 6.30-9pm. Free. Welcoming quiet space for writing - all welcome
Book launch - Atypical Love (stories of love & desire from neurodivergent+ authors)
13 February 7.30-9pm. Free. Copies of the book available at the event.
Knit & Natter
21 February 10.30am Free but must book directly at [email protected]
Canterbury Silent Book Club.
25 February, 6.30pm. Free. Bring your own book, for a quiet read followed by optional chat.
CHAPTERS OPENING HOURS
Mon: Closed | Tue: 8.00-3.00 | Wed: 8.00-3.00 | Thurs: 8.00-3.00 | Fri: 8.00-3.00 | Sat: 9.00-4.00 | Sun: 9.00-4.00 |