Families looking for free and affordable ways to keep children entertained over the summer holidays are being invited to take part in a packed programme of activities at Isle of Wight libraries.
A musical summer
This year’s programme has a strong musical theme to coincide with the Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, which is running in libraries across the Island until September and encourages children to keep reading throughout the summer with rewards, prizes and certificates on offer.
Children can enjoy a variety of music-inspired crafts and activities, including making rain sticks, castanets, bell shakers and spin drums, as well as decorating musical instruments and taking part in music-themed story times.
Highlights across the Island
The summer programme got underway at Cowes Library last Saturday with a Lego Music Day where youngsters can help create life-sized musical instruments out of Lego.
Other highlights include bird wind chime making at Ventnor Library, music-themed story and craft sessions at Ryde Library, and musical story times at Cowes Library.
Louise Emery, development librarian, said,
“Our libraries are at the heart of the community and we are delighted to be offering such a varied programme of free and low-cost activities for families this summer.
“By linking many of our events to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, we hope to inspire children to discover the joy of reading while having fun, getting creative and making new friends.
“The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to keep young minds active during the school holidays, helping to build confidence, imagination and literacy skills.
“Whether families are borrowing books, joining a craft session or taking part in one of our special events, our libraries provide welcoming spaces where everyone can learn, explore and enjoy time together.”
Beyond the music
There is also a wide range of non-musical activities on offer throughout the holidays.
Children can get creative with milk bottle minibeasts, paper plate crafts, driftwood and pebble creations, flower lanterns, monster magnets and pottery workshops.
Sandown Library will host a free screening of The Magic Faraway Tree on Saturday, 15th August, while youngsters in Ryde can create their own carnival headpiece at a special workshop led by Island Craft Works on 19th August.
Something for teenagers too
Older children and teenagers have not been forgotten, with dream catcher workshops at Lord Louis and Sandown libraries, as well as rock painting and pin badge-making sessions at Lord Louis Library.
Most activities are free, although some workshops carry a small charge and some require advance booking.
How to find out more
For more information about summer activities and everything else the library service has to offer, visit the website or follow @IWLibraries on Facebook, where a full list of events can be found.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
