Libraries summer events for children
There are crafts, sports themed activities, author readings and a trip back in time to Ancient Egypt at borough libraries this summer.
The Summer Reading Challenge has launched. Children who register and read six books get a medal, certificate and DVD loan voucher. As part of the challenge libraries are running craft activities, juggling workshops, lego clubs, coding workshops, sports themed crafts, treasure hunts, badge and t-shirt making, rattle and rhyme sessions, teddy bear tea parties, author visits and much more. Check out the Dudley section of the GLL website for a week by week listing.
Celebrated author Will Mabbitt will be touring libraries this summer with his action-packed, children’s book, ‘The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones’. The story – which is aimed at kids aged 7 – 11 - is a fantastic, swashbuckling tale of pirates who sail the seas on a ship entitled, ‘The Feroshus Maggot’. He’ll be at Stourbridge Library on Tuesday 1 August from 1-2pm.
Come and meet Juggling Jim when the circus comes to town this summer. Jim will perform and kids can get involved too. Children can try different skills including plates spinning juggling and balancing. He will be at Lye library on Monday 31 July from 2 until 3pm and at Kingswinford library on Friday 11 August from 2 until 3pm.
Author Giles Trigg creator of scruff the pooch will be at Stourbridge library on Saturday 12 August at 10.30am. Admission is free. Bring along your pooch book and get it signed. There is also the opportunity to make your own scruff the pooch posters and cards. Ideally suited for babies toddlers.
The Queen of Hearts will be searching for her jam tarts, someone has stolen them and she’s furious. Join in the hunt at Sedgley library at 11am on Thursday 17 August before she heads over to Gornal library in the afternoon at 2pm.
On Friday 18 August at Dudley library at 10.30am and 1.30pm hosts a gothic themed tea time tragedy with ‘heads will roll’ suitable for ages 8+. A crime has been committed at the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Is the Queen of Hearts to blame? Help us solve the mystery.
Back at Stourbridge on Saturday 19 August at 10.30am and 1pm, join Wolf Blackheart and the Sharks of Blood Bay – pirate adventures with Professor Black. Are the sharks man-eaters or is there something else going on. For ages 5+. Book on 01384 812945.
At Kingswinford library on Monday 21 August at 11am and 2pm come and join Professor Black as he looks at the animals celebrated by ancient Egyptians as magical creatures. With stories, games, crafts and activities. Suitable for ages 5 plus. Booking essential on 01384 812740. He’s then heading to Wordsley library with the same show on Wednesday 30 August at 11am and 2pm.
Halesowen library is hosting a children's film club in the Shenstone theatre every other Saturday. For more information call 01384 812980.
The service has also got 150 sports activity sacks for families to borrow, just like a book. The sacks, which have been funded by the Commonwealth Games Legacy Funding, are aimed at children aged between 6yrs – 11yrs and contain a skipping rope, bean bags, a frisbee/flying disc, an ankle skip set, soft foam balls, a mini play bat and floor dot markers. They also include an activity sheet packed with creative ideas for summer holiday fun.
Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member for public health, responsible for libraries, said:
There is so much to do at libraries this summer. Alongside the Summer Reading Challenge there are a host of other free activities too. There are sports themed crafts, lego clubs, juggling classes, films, author visits, toddler time and even an event about the magic of Ancient Egypt. It’s really worth checking out what your local library has to offer.
Stephanie Rhoden, Better partnership manager for Dudley Libraries said:
If you’re struggling for somewhere to take the kids, why not bring them to the library where they can take part in some of our free activities and even take a book or DVD out to keep them entertained at home.
If you want to get out in the fresh air, why not borrow one of our activity sacks to keep the kids entertained at home, in the garden or the park while you relax with a good book?