Social & Cultural Activities
From garden visits and film afternoons to coffee, bridge and country walks, the library’s social and cultural activities are a friendly way to practise your English and meet new people. Most activities run from September to June (not during school holidays). For more information, stop by the front desk, email info@ellia.org or call 02.41.24.97.07.
Clubs & Crafts
Bridge Club
Discover, learn and play Mini Bridge in a relaxed, casual and informal ambiance. Mini Bridge, as developed by MBES, allows and encourages:
- conversations while playing the game,
- comments and remarks before, during and after the game,
- second thoughts,
- not taking oneself too seriously,
…in a nutshell, MBES (Mini Bridge Exclusive Society) proposes a different concept from the competing conventional Bridge Clubs.
When and where: The Bridge Club typically meets two Wednesdays per month at the library from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Cost: Free and open to library members.
To join: Please contact the library to join!
Film Club
The Film Club offers monthly showings of films in English.
When and where: Meetings are held at the library once a month on a Saturday afternoon from 3 to 6:00 p.m. Please consult dates on the events calendar.
Cost: Free to all library members.
To join: No prior reservation necessary.
Garden Club
The Garden Club allows you to discover private or public gardens around Angers. This activity is for library members who love gardens, whether they are experienced gardeners or not. Guided visits are done in English and in French.
When and where : The visits take place on Thursday afternoons once a month from April to October according to a predefined schedule.
Cost: Open to library members with a suggested 10€ contribution for the year. Everyone will have to pay their entry fee to the gardens visited.
To join : For more information, please contact the Club President.
Knit and Natter
When and where: Friday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (except school holidays).
Cost: Free for library members.
To join : No prior reservation necessary. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, join us!
Textile Arts & Crafts
If you enjoy exploring all forms of textile and multimedia art, this activity is for you.
We experiment with many different techniques (embroidery, weaving, patchwork, quilting, collages, dyeing techniques…) and we take pleasure in sharing and exploring various types of work together.
Some of our shared projects are displayed at the library. This year we intend to go further into the artistic side of creation.
No previous expertise required. Just come and join us!
When and where: One Thursday afternoon a month at the library, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
Cost: The price is 20€ per year, in addition to a library membership.
To join: Please contact reception.
Get-Togethers
Anglofams
Anglofams is an international community designed to connect English-speaking families with kids of all ages in the area. Join a diverse group of families who understand the unique experiences of raising bilingual children. Share stories and resources, seek advice, and let your kids connect with other bilingual kids in a fun, social environment.
When and where: Four family-friendly activities are planned throughout the year, at various locations in and around Angers.
Cost: Anglofams is open to all library members. Meetings at the library and in public spaces are free. Families will be asked to bring their own food for picnics & BBQs. For any meetings at private venues, families are asked to cover their own cost of entrance.
To sign up: Contact the group leaders for the event calendar and to sign up.
Coffee House
Here’s a great way to jumpstart the weekend by coming in to chat while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea at the library!
When and where : Every Friday morning from September to June (excluding school holidays) you are invited to come in and chat in English about everything and nothing, all while sipping a cup of coffee or tea from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Cost : Free for library members, with a suggested 1€ donation towards coffee/tea costs.
To join : No need to register. Just show up!
Luncheon Club
Do you want to practice English in a casual, friendly environment? The Luncheon Club is for you!
When and where : The Luncheon Club meets once at a small restaurant in the Angers area.
Cost : Open to all library members with a suggested 10€ contribution for the year. Everyone pays for the cost of their own meal.
To join : For more information and to sign up, please contact the Club President.
Pizza and Board Games
When and where: The English-language Library organizes an evening of pizza and board games four times per year on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: 10€ (covers pizza and non-alcoholic beverages)
To join: Open to the public. Please register here.
Walk and Talk
When and where: Time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful hiking paths of the Maine-et-Loire! An easy walk is organized once a month, approximately 10 km (2 to 3 hours) in the afternoon. Maximum group is 20 so make sure to sign up!
Cost: Open to library members with a suggested 10€ contribution for the year.