Jules Marriner
© Isle of Wight Literary Festival

Free family fun at Isle of Wight libraries this May half-term with lively activities

There are exciting free activities for families planned at local libraries during the May half term.

Pirates will be taking over Newport Library for the week with the opportunity to make a parrot on a stick, a pirate spoon puppet a treasure map and a pirate hat. There will be pirate tales and a fancy-dress competition. Contact Newport library to find out the dates, times and book your small pirates a place.

Meet children’s author Jules Marriner
At Sandown Library there is a chance to come and meet children’s author Jules Marriner (pictured above) for a special puppet show, story time and craft session.

Places are limited for this interactive event, please contact Sandown Library to find out more.

Animal crazy
There is an animal theme occurring at other Island libraries, Ryde library there is an Elmer the Elephant story and craft session, Cats Protection will be visiting Sandown Library and there will be Froggie Craft at Freshwater and snake making at Ventnor library. 

The library activities are all free but booking may be required so please contact your local library to find out more.

Meanwhile, there are also fun interactive family activities at Newport Museums during half term.

Museum of Island History
At the Museum of Island History to accompany the new display of Landscape Pictures, families will be able to create their own artwork with a time traveller twist. There will also a be photo hunt around the gallery – can you spot the items which may have time travelled to the past?

The Museum is open on Tuesday 28th May and Thursday 30th May, 10am – 1pm and entrance and all activities are £1 for adults and 50p for children.

Newport Roman Villa
Newport Roman Villa we will be hosting a ‘Build it like a Roman’ Clay Day on Friday 31st May (10am – 2pm). Visitors can be inspired by the skill of Roman builders and make their own unique tile to take home.  Entry to the Villa on this day will be £1 each.

Booking is not required and visitors are welcome to drop in and explore these incredible sites as well as taking part in the craft activities.

Heritage Service
The museum events are organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Heritage Service.

Museum of Island History, Guildhall, High Street, Newport, PO301TY – 01983 823433

Newport Roman Villa, Cypress Road, Newport, PO301HA – 01983 529720


News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed