Attention all younger creative types – libraries across the borough are gearing up to bring you a fortnight jam-packed with cultural events for budding artists and performers.

Kicking off alongside World Book Day tomorrow Thursday, 5 March, the SPINE Festival will see Sutton libraries host free arts events. SPINE is London’s first ever pan-London libraries festival for children and young people.

As part of the programme, Sutton has been chosen as one of five boroughs across London to host an artist-in-residence. It is the first time Sutton libraries have hosted an artist.

Andy D’Cruz will bring his engaging artwork to Circle Library from today, Wednesday, 4 March.

A practising artist for 20 years, the internationally successful D’Cruz will use sound installation and even Lego to run interactive workshops.

His project explores the concept of ‘Home’, given the Circle Library is on the St Helier Estate, where all the houses look the same on the outside.

Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment and Neighbourhoods Committee, said:

“I am delighted that Sutton is hosting this fantastic festival which will provide children and young people with a diverse range of exciting, creative events and activities.

“It is particularly exciting that Sutton has been chosen as one of just five London boroughs to host an artist-in-residence – this is a unique opportunity for our youth to get involved in some very engaging workshops which give new meaning to the term ‘art’.

“It is never too early or too late to embrace the arts and our libraries are just the place to do that, so please come along.”

SPINE was developed by Apples and Snakes, as part of its work as an Associate Bridge organisation funded by Arts Council England, in partnership with library authorities across London.

Events happening in Sutton Libraries include:

• Library Live: Spoken Word Workshop with Rachel Sambrooks, Sutton Central Library, conference room, Saturday 7 March, 10am to 4pm and Saturday 14 March, 2 to 5pm, places limited, book at libraryliveworkshops.eventbrite.co.uk

• Library Live: Open Mic Night, using the skills developed in the workshops, Sutton Central Library, conference room, Saturday 14 March, 7 to 9pm.

• Andy D’Cruz at Circle Library, Green Wrythe La, Carshalton SM5 1JJ, Wednesday 4 March and Thursday 5 March and Wednesday 11 March to Friday 13 March.

Displays at Circle Library.