What's On During the Summer Holidays?

 

We've got loads of fun things for kids happening in our libraries this summer! Why not get involved with our fun challenges or pop along to an event or two?

 

 

 

Challenges

 

 

The Summer Reading Challenge

 

The Summer Reading Challenge is back again for another year! Meet this year’s characters, the Marvellous Makers, and get creative with them this summer!

 

Children will be challenged to read 6 books over the holidays, helping the Marvellous Makers find their missing objects and collecting stickers as they go. Collect them all and save the day! Plus, receive a certificate and medal once they’re done.

 

Sign up in any Essex Library for free until 7 September.

 

 

The Ready... Steady... Go To School! Challenge

 

A fun challenge for children starting school for the first time to help them feel ready, with plenty of fun activities to do solo or with family! Collect stamps along the way and a certificate at the end. Running in every library until 7 September! Sign up and join in for free.

 

Little ones starting school in September are also invited to our Big School Meetups. Meet other families going to your school and enjoy a storytime and activities in a relaxed environment. Happening in local libraries until September. Find a Big School Meetup near you!

 

 

 

Special Events

 

 

Summer Read on the Road

 

Join us at different fairs, fun days, and venues around Essex this summer as we tour the county with the Summer Reading Challenge! Sign up for the challenge, discover amazing holiday reads, and meet this year’s Marvellous Makers!

 

Check out our list of locations and meet us there!

 

 

Crazy Colin Magic Shows

 

Does your little one love magic and fun tricks? Join Crazy Colin for his hilarious magical performances linked with the Summer Reading Challenge!

 

It’s high energy fun for all the family, so don’t miss out!

 

Shows will take place at various times on Thursday 22 August and Friday 23 August. Join us at Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Witham or Colchester Library.

 

Book your spot at one of our Crazy Colin events.

 

 

Family-Friendly Drama Performances and Workshops

 

This year we’re working with some amazing theatre companies and drama experts to present a fun-filled summer of shows just for you!

 

Join us in our libraries for:

 

 

Mrs Armitage on Wheels

 

An interactive adaptation of Quentin Blake’s classic tale. When Mrs Armitage goes out for a ride with her trusty dog Breakspear, she decides her bicycle needs improvement. With a new horn, a picnic hamper…and a sail, will Mrs Armitage manage to keep her bicycle in one piece, or will her crazy contraption prove too much to handle? Presented by Scoot Theatre and Farnham Maltings.

 

 

Peter, Sally and the Sea

 

An enchanting tale, delivered by a captivating storyteller, about the power of the ocean to soothe worried minds, and a reminder that a little drop of kindness can make a big difference! Presented by Heather Burton and Applause.

 

 

The Library at the Edge of the World

 

A magical pop-up interactive show and writing experience with quality puppetry and theatrical magic, celebrating the power of stories to reconnect us to the world around us. Presented by TouchedTheatre and Applause.

 

 

Book your place for these incredible performances throughout the summer holidays!

 

 

Summer Craft, Key Ring Making & Storytime

 

Join us at Loughton library to make a summer key ring, get creative with a summer craft and enjoy some stories. Book your place now!

 

 

Adopt a Toy Pet

 

Meet and take home your new best furry friend at Loughton Library! Design and decorate your own pet carrier to take them home, along with a certificate to say they’re all yours. Book your spot now.

 

 

 

Craft Events

 

We've got a huge variety of different craft events during the summer, from Olympics themed to Marvellous Makers, as well as our usual clubs. Find a craft event in a library near you.

 

 

 

Regular Events

 

Don't forget to keep an eye on our regular schedule of events over the summer holidays to keep your little ones entertained! Join us for Baby and Toddler Rhymetimes, Block Builders Clubs, and Games Clubs!