About Family Workshops: Alex T Smith presents J. Algernon Pickle
Beavers aren’t often considered good detectives. but J Algernon Pickle bucks that trend. Sort of …
Meet award-winning author-illustrator Alex T Smith as he presents his brand new book, J. Algernon Pickle in ‘The Mystery at Odd-Doings House’. Mystery, mayhem, chocolate and immaculately-pressed slacks all abound as an unlikely duo investigate the theft of some priceless chocolates.
Experience this mysterious new novel, discover the secrets behind Alex's design process and get creative with an inspiring draw-a-long activity.
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Alex T. Smith
Alex T. Smith is a multi award-winning illustrator and author celebrated for his bold graphic style, expressive characters and razor-sharp visual comedy.
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Best known as the creator of the hugely successful Claude series, Alex’s work is instantly recognisable - playful, confident and bursting with charm. He works across picture books, series fiction and covers, bringing humour and heart to every page while never losing sight of storytelling clarity. Alex’s illustrations are energetic, character-driven and effortless to follow, making him a firm favourite with publishers and young readers alike.
Family activities at the Library
We have lots of free family events and workshops in London and West Yorkshire. Spaces can fill up quickly, so please book ahead.
You can also pick up a Family Trail from the Information Desk to help you explore the Library further, and visit our free Treasures Gallery.
Food and drink
Families are welcome at all of the Library’s cafés and restaurants. The Terrace Café on the first floor has lots of seating (including an outdoor terrace for sunny days). Highchairs are available in the Terrace Café and the Upper Ground Floor Café, subject to availability.
Families with children may also bring their own food to eat outside on the Piazza or in our public spaces, and there are water fountains that can be used to refill water bottles across the building. Please do not consume food or drink inside the exhibition galleries.
Baby-feeding
Parents are welcome to breastfeed or bottle-feed anywhere in the Library. Please ask a member of Library staff if you would like help finding a quieter space.
Please note that we cannot heat bottles or baby food in our cafés and restaurants.
Bags, cloakrooms and lockers
Our cloakroom and digital lockers are free to use, located on the Lower Ground Floor with step-free access. Please note our cloakroom is closed on Sundays, but you can still use our lockers. View more information on our bags and luggage restrictions.
Baby-changing and toilets
There are baby-changing stations available in the following toilets:
- in the men's and women's toilets on the Lower Ground Floor, near the cloakroom
- in the women's toilets near Reader Registration on the Upper Ground Floor
- in the men's and women's toilets in the Terrace Café on the First Floor
- in the men's and women's toilets in the Knowledge Centre.
Accessible toilets can be found on all floors. The nearest Changing Places toilet is at King's Cross station.
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