Arnold Library

The Summer Reading Challenge, an annual programme ran by The Reading Agency, officially began on Saturday 6 July. The challenge encourages children to read during the break, avoiding the dip in reading levels while encouraging a love of books through prizes and incentives. This year’s theme, Marvellous Makers, offers the perfect opportunity to get crafty. Take part in sessions across the county as libraries make, model and get messy – this year with a particular focus on reusing and recycling materials.

Libraries in Ashfield have a range of activities on offer, including but not limited to a visit from the Dog’s Trust and associated pet activities at Kirkby in Ashfield Library and Learning Centre, and an array of crafts using recycled materials at Sutton in Ashfield Library. Smaller libraries in Huthwaite and Skegby & Stanton Hill are also getting involved too with activities including junk modelling and dolly peg Merry Men, part of a county-wide series of events to celebrate this year’s Nottinghamshire Day.

In Bassetlaw, try something new with crafts including Japanese Kipper-kites at Retford Library, paired with a Pug-casso themed treasure hunt to keep families engaged all summer long.

Broxtowe families will be delighted by the range on offer with crafts on selected dates at Beeston Library throughout. Capers include comic strip design, bookmark-making and huff-a-baloo, a Three Little Pigs storytime for under 5s and their families.

In Gedling, families will be spoilt for choice with origami crafts at Ravenshead Library and a superhero mask session at Arnold Library, plus a range of cardboard tube makes at Gedling Library. Unlock a range of new ways to repurpose them into bird feeders, colourful butterflies, windsocks, and even biodegradable seed planters.

Those in Mansfield will be delighted by their libraries’ offerings, which include Edwinstowe’s bead bugs, Warsop’s photo frames made from natural materials, and Mansfield Woodhouse’s butterfly suncatchers. The latter will also be hosting two bookable storytime sessions presenting children’s favourites Eileen Browne’s Handa’s Surprise and Michael Rosen’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Mansfield Central Library will be a hive of activity with sessions including paper weaving and mosaic picture frames, perfect for showing off your summer memories after the break.

Over in Newark and Sherwood district, Ollerton Library are celebrating different genres of art with themed craft sessions with sculpture building with Lego, and a surrealist mix-and-match monster activity. There are also weekly sessions taking place at Collingham Library, which include badge-making, dragon models, and Elmer-themed crafts to keep little hands busy all through the break.

Keyworth Library in Rushcliffe will be busy hosting a series of Marvellous Maker mornings on Thursdays, each with a different theme. From cartoon characters to rhythm and rhyme, there will be a session for every little one as the summer progresses. Bingham Library will be repurposing materials from around the home with robot junk modelling, as well as a session where children can make their own paint brushes from natural materials. Families in Edwinstowe can enjoy various activities and events, not least with a visit from local author Yishebah Baht Gavriel who will be hosting an interactive story session.

In addition to family craft events, three of our libraries will be hosting family fun days and markets with free entry to visitors. Visit Mansfield Central Library on Saturday 10 August for their Fun Day which is due to include a magician, guide dog puppy meet and greets, and a reading session with a friendly reading dog. There will be lots of activities to take part in including making bird feeders and badge-making, a cinema screening of Kung Fu Panda 3 and little ones can dive into the fun of coding with interactive Code-A-Pillars.

On Thursday 15 August, the team at Sutton in Ashfield Library will be hosting their first Summer Fayre, showcasing local makers, bakers, and crafters. Vendors will include Aarlotte Designs for cards and ceramic keepsakes, Wizards Den with sweet treats, and recent Open Studios artist CB Arts & Crafts. There will also be a gift box making workshop from 11am until 12pm for budding adult crafters, and a cream tea for just £1 available from 1pm until 3pm. Families will be delighted by not one, but two craft activities as they can make a jolly octopus followed by Inspire Learning’s family session ‘Count on us for… Olympic Fun’. Enjoy a series of sport-themed challenges led by their learning team such as making a paper javelin and modelling the Eiffel Tower, encouraging the use of simple mathematics between parents and their children. Find more Olympic Fun sessions happening around the county.

Head to Kirkby in Ashfield Library and Learning Centre on Tuesday 20 August between 10am and 2pm for their fayre, with stallholders selling gifts and garden ornaments to brighten your summer. Young visitors will have a great time with drop-in crafts throughout the day – haven’t had chance to visit in a while? Don’t forget to explore the newly-refurbished upstairs area, including computers with photoshop and animation software to enhance your digital skills.

If that isn’t enough to keep you buzzing all summer long, check out The Greatest Robot Ever presented by KnottedHawk Productions, an exciting performance following robots Glitch and Shift as they embark on an adventure of fun and self-discovery. The show is perfect for ages 3-8 and their families, and is bound to get them up on their feet! The Greatest Robot Ever tours 12 Inspire libraries between Saturday 17 August and Thursday 22 August.

With all those activities happening in libraries across Nottinghamshire, being bored isn’t an option. This summer more than ever, our libraries show that whether you are 5, 15, 50 or anywhere in between - your local library has something for you.

A full list of library events and activities can be found at inspireculture.org.uk/summer-events.