One of the major events in the library calendar is the Summer Reading Challenge and this year it’s bigger and more inclusive than ever before! It’s aimed at children and provides impetus to maintain and improve their reading skills over the six-week summer holiday. The theme this year is the Story Garden, and children can tap into a world of imagination and fun by understanding the link between nature and storytelling. The challenge runs between 5th July & 6th September and is open for ages 4-12 years. This year under 4’s can take part in their own Mini Challenge too. Children will register at the library and receive a sticker leaflet, by reading 6 books over a few visits they’ll receive other rewards and stickers, eventually culminating in a certificate, medal and a seed plantable bookmark. We’ve already been invited to our local school, Danemill, to promote and register children so we are certainly ready. A bonus is that on production of the sticker booklet children get free entry to Bosworth Battlefield and the 1620’s House and Garden if they take a full paying adult. So, let’s get as many children involved as possible over the holidays and keep up their reading interest.
Still about children, and following on from the successes of our Easter and half term play and craft events we are holding 5 activity sessions over the summer linking with the “garden” theme. (And yes, children have already told us they’re super interested in LEGO gardens, skull gardens, pirate gardens etc!). Dates for these are Wednesday afternoons 16th and 23rd July and 6th, 13th, 20th August. There will be a selection of building toys, jigsaws and games as well as an appropriate themed craft activity. Prices are £2 per child with proceeds going towards the library.
A couple of our special events to tell you about now. Firstly, on Saturday 26th July 2.30-4pm we are holding an afternoon tea to celebrate all things Jane Austen as this year is the 250th anniversary of her birth. Tickets are £10, available from the library, and will include a full afternoon tea and some Austen themed gentle activities. Secondly, Saturday 23rd August sees Dave Andrews (of BBC Radio Leicester fame) present “100 years of the BBC”. Dave is a seasoned and entertaining speaker and always a popular host. Tickets are £5 and include light refreshments.
Our regular groups continue throughout the summer. Busy Hands, Monday afternoons; Over 60’s games group, first Wednesday in the month; Creative writing, the last Saturday of the month; adult social crafting 12th August and Tots Playtime 30th July and 27th August. Our next coffee morning is Saturday 12th July where you can feast on homemade goodies and catch up over a cuppa. Don’t forget that our pre-loved books are available whenever the library is open, so whether you are off away or planning a staycation, stock up on your summer holiday reading – we have a great selection!
