Arts and reading fun at Sandwell Libraries
Sandwell Libraries celebrate in style this summer
with both Sandwell’s Arts Festival and the Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge. There are lots of fun activities including author events, storytelling, children’s theatre, dance performances and much more at Sandwell libraries this summer. For younger audiences, all libraries will be holding interactive Play, Talk, Read sessions and some may even get to see Sandwell’s very own Sandy Bear as he tours around the libraries.
Children aged 4 to 11 can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge in their local library where they will receive a joining pack. The Challenge encourages them to discover fantastic books, collect stickers and earn a medal and certificate if they complete it! The theme of this year’s challenge – Marvellous Makers – is all about getting creative! Music, junk-modelling, photography, dancing, story writing – the possibilities are endless!
Some of the many activity highlights in our libraries this summer include: Aardman Animations, yes Aardman Animations, will be visiting Wednesbury Library on Friday 2 August with a real-life animator who will show you how to sculpt your own Aardman model. Make Mollie from Chicken Run at 10.30am, Gromit at 12.30pm and Feather McGraw at 2.30. Booking is essential via Ticketsource Meet a real-life author whilst enjoying the magic of reading. We have Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face Author John Dougherty on Monday 29 July, Professor Black debuting his new Mischief Makers books on Tuesday 30 July.
Famous author extraordinaire Bali Rai visiting libraries on Thursday 1 August, and Local writer and illustrator Uncle Brow Brows will be making a book to print and publicise on Saturday 2 August. Curiosity Productions will be bringing their brand-new theatre show, Sleeping Seeds, to Tipton Library on Friday 23 August at 10.30am. Perfect for families with children under 5 and supported by Black Country Touring – booking essential.
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “Reading is a skill that unlocks a world of knowledge. We can learn about science, history, people and places and enter amazing fictional worlds across space and time. I hope children will be inspired by the books they read as part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. “We have some fantastic summer holiday activities lined up and I want our communities to enjoy our summer of fun at Sandwell Libraries.”
For those on social media, search ‘Sandwell Libraries’ on X (@sandwelllibs) or search ‘SandwellLibraries’ on Facebook. The Sandwell Arts Festival is made possible thanks to support of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund.