Inspire Nottinghamshire Libraries, including those across Mansfield, Ashfield and Sherwood, have many activities taking place for the school holidays.

The Summer Reading Challenge, an annual programme run by The Reading Agency, is already under way.  It encourages children to
read during the school break and this year has the theme Marvellous Makers, with a focus on reusing and recycling materials.

Libraries in Ashfield have a range of activities, including a visit from the Dog’s Trust and associated pet activities at Kirkby Library and Learning Centre, and an array of crafts using recycled materials at Sutton Library. Smaller libraries in Huthwaite and Skegby and Stanton Hill are also getting involved with activities including junk modelling and dolly peg Merry Men, part of a countywide series of events to celebrate this year’s Nottinghamshire Day.

Origami crafts are among the activities at Ravenshead Library, while there will be bead bugs and  a visit from local author Yishebah Baht Gavriel, hosting an interactive story session, at Edwinstowe; making photo frames from natural materials at Warsop; and butterfly suncatchers at Mansfield Woodhouse.

Mansfield Woodhouse Library 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 Library sessions are set to include paper weaving and mosaic picture frames.

Ollerton Library is celebrating different genres of art with themed craft sessions – sculpture building with Lego, and a surrealist mix-and-match monster activity.

In addition to family craft events, three libraries will be hosting family fun days and markets with free entry to visitors. Visit Mansfield Library on Saturday, 10th August for its Fun Day, which is due to include a magician, guide dog puppy meet and greets, and a reading session with a friendly reading dog. Activities will feature making bird feeders and badge-making, a cinema screening of Kung Fu Panda 3, and coding with interactive Code-A-Pillars.

On Thursday, 15th August, Sutton Library hosts its 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 12noon for budding adult crafters, and a cream tea for £1 available from 1pm until 3pm.

Families can join two craft activities, making a jolly octopus followed by Inspire Learning’s family session ‘Count on us for… Olympic Fun’ – a series of sport-themed challenges led by the learning team, such as making a paper javelin and modelling the Eiffel Tower.

At Kirkby Library and Learning Centre on Tuesday, 20th August, from 10am to 2pm, its fayre will see stallholders selling gifts and garden
ornaments, crafts for younger visitors, and a chance to explore the newly-refurbished upstairs area, including computers with Photoshop and
animation software to enhance digital skills.

The Greatest Robot Ever, presented by KnottedHawk Productions, following robots Glitch and Shift as they embark on an adventure of fun and self-discovery, is aimed at three to eight-year-olds. It is touring 12 Inspire libraries from Saturday 17th to and Thursday, 22nd August.

Peter Gaw, chief executive at Inspire, said “I’m delighted by the range of events happening in our libraries this summer, and proud to be welcoming more families into our friendly and comfortable spaces. The next month is full of excitement and fun for families across Nottinghamshire as we encourage our youngest visitors and their families to read, learn and, enjoy cultural experiences in
their communities.”

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