Families looking for affordable ways to keep children entertained during the October 2026 half-term break are in for a treat, with Isle of Wight libraries serving up a packed programme of spooky stories, creative crafts and hands-on activities.
From Halloween-themed workshops and monster creations to bat encounters and storytelling sessions, libraries will be offering a range of free and low-cost events designed to spark young imaginations throughout the school holiday.
Crafts and creativity in Newport
Lord Louis Library in Newport will kick off the festivities with a silly sock puppet craft session on Monday 19th October.
The library will then host a series of seasonal activities, including Halloween rock painting and sugar skull mask making.
Spooky storytelling in Cowes and Ventnor
Meanwhile, children visiting Cowes and Ventnor libraries can enjoy spooky story time events guaranteed to send a few shivers down their spines.
Ventnor Library will also welcome back popular storyteller Salty Simon, who delighted audiences during the summer Fringe Festival with his seaside tales.
This time, however, he will be swapping sea creatures for ghostly goings-on in a special Halloween storytelling event.
At Cowes Library, the spooky stories will be followed by a portrait craft activity, giving youngsters the chance to create their own eerie masterpieces.
Monsters and clay foam in Sandown
Sandown Library is joining the fun with a monster-themed junk modelling session suitable for children of all ages, alongside a Halloween clay foam workshop for children aged four and over.
Meet the Bat Hospital in Ryde
Animal lovers will have the chance to meet some fascinating nocturnal creatures when the Bat Hospital visits Ryde Library.
Families can learn all about bats and see some of the animals up close. For those who prefer their bats a little less real, the library will also host a Halloween story time and bat-themed craft session on Saturday 31st October.
Book-making in Freshwater
Freshwater Library will offer a miniature book-making Halloween craft during the first week of the holiday, followed by a creative decoration-making workshop using recycled books.
Something for all ages
Louise Emery, development librarian, said,
“Our libraries are about so much more than borrowing books. These events give children and families the chance to learn new skills, enjoy time together and discover everything their local library has to offer.
“We’ve put together a fantastic programme of Halloween-themed activities across the Island, with something to suit a wide range of ages and interests. We look forward to welcoming families along for some spooktacular half-term fun.”
Find out more
For more information about the half-term events programme, as well as the regular activities and groups available at Island libraries throughout the year, visit the website or follow @IWLibraries on Facebook.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
