Lonesome Library by Book Of Jams

“Late Returns: Wimbledon’s Over-50s Men Check Out Loneliness on Debut Album”

Proof that you’re never too old to make noise in a library, a group of over-50s men calling themselves Book Of Jams have released their first album, Lonesome Library. Born out of Wimbledon’s community music night Tuned-In, hosted by post-punk bass legend Jah Wobble in the back of a library; the record tackles the theme of loneliness with wit, honesty, and unexpected energy.

Tuned-In meets fortnightly at the Merton Arts Space, and more than ten performers from that then collaborated independently on their own project throughout 2024 to create the Book Of Jams’ first album. Some were seasoned players, others hadn’t picked up an instrument since the 1980s, but together they built a body of work that resonates with lived experience.

Under the production of Simon Christophers, the group recorded across multiple locations—including Christophers’ own studio, Imperial College London’s drum rehearsal room, and, in true DIY spirit, via emailed home recordings. Over twenty tracks were captured, before being distilled down to the nine songs that now form Lonesome Library.

The result is a raw, heartfelt album that finds humour and humanity in isolation. “It’s not a vanity project—it’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t expire,” said Christophers. “These men transformed their lives into music that will strike a chord with anyone who’s ever felt left on the shelf.”

The project shines a light on the role of creativity in tackling loneliness, and celebrates the enduring power of community art. Lonesome Library is set for release on all digital streaming and download platforms on 27th August 2025. 

“We only meant to borrow a book—turns out we checked out a whole new chapter.”