Holiday activities for children and families
Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat
The Summer Reading Challenge returns to our libraries this summer.
Every child aged 4 and over is invited to join in by reading books and taking part in free activities to collect stickers and rewards, including a medal and certificate.
This year’s theme is ‘read to the beat’ and encourages children to explore the connection between stories and song.
Visit your local library during staffed hours from Saturday 4 July to pick up a free activity bag. The challenge ends on Saturday 12 September.
All libraries except Hawkesbury Upton, Marshfield and Stoke Gifford community libraries are taking part in the challenge.
Activities
Dates and times for sessions in each library are listed below the activity information.
Craft sessions, Lego challenges and junk modelling workshops
Free drop-in activities most suitable for children aged 4 and over. Children must be accompanied by adults. No booking necessary.
West African drumming workshops
Explore the rich traditions of West African culture in these hands-on sessions for children aged 6 and over. The workshop includes:
- live drumming on djembe and dundun drums
- call and response singing and traditional songs
- storytelling rooted in West African heritage
- creative rhythm-building and teamwork
- movement and dance, bringing the rhythms to life
- a joyful, collaborative ‘big performance’ finale
Every child is encouraged to take part, build confidence, and express themselves in a supportive and welcoming environment. You can bring ear defenders for your child or yourself if this will help make it a more comfortable experience.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Younger siblings are welcome to stay with their parents and carers to watch.
Places are limited for this activity. Book your free tickets from 1 July on Eventbrite.
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Bradley Stoke Library
Drumming workshop
Monday 3 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Crafts
Monday 10 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Lego™ challenge
Monday 17 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Junk modelling
Monday 24 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Cadbury Heath Library
Lego™ challenge
Tuesday 21 July, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Crafts
Tuesday 28 July, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Tuesday 11 and 25 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Drumming workshop
Friday 7 August, 2pm to 3pm
Junk modelling
Tuesday 18 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Chipping Sodbury Community Library
Drumming workshop
Tuesday 28 July, 2pm to 3pm
Downend Library
Crafts
Monday 27 July, 10.30am to 11.30am
Drumming workshop
Monday 3 August, 2pm to 3pm
Lego™ challenge
Monday 10 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Junk modelling
Monday 17 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Emersons Green Library
Drumming workshop
Tuesday 4 August, 2pm to 3pm
Lego™ challenge
Tuesday 11 August, 2pm to 3pm
Crafts
Tuesday 18 August, 2pm to 3pm
Saturday 22 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Junk modelling
Tuesday 25 August, 2pm to 3pm
Saturday 29 August, 10.30am to midday
Filton Library
Drumming workshop
Wednesday 28 July, 10.30am to 11.30am
Crafts
Wednesday 5 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Lego™ challenge
Wednesday 12 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Junk modelling
Wednesday 19 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Reading to the Beat
Wednesday 26 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Make some noise at this interactive story session. All children welcome.
Hanham Library
Lego™ challenge
Thursday 23 July, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Drumming workshop
Thursday 30 July, 2pm to 3pm
Crafts
Thursday 6, 13 and 27 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Junk modelling
Thursday 20 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Kingswood Library
Lego™ challenge
Wednesday 22 July, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Drumming workshop
Wednesday 29 July, 2pm to 3pm
Crafts
Wednesday 5, 12 and 26 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Junk modelling
Wednesday 19 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Patchway Library
Crafts
Tuesday 28 July, 10.30am to 11.30am
Drumming workshop
Tuesday 4 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Lego™ challenge
Tuesday 11 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Junk modelling
Tuesday 25 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Scholars Chase Community Library
Drumming workshop
Thursday 6 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Crafts
Thursday 20 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Staple Hill Library
Drumming workshop
Tuesday 28 July, 10.30am to 11.30am
Crafts
Tuesday 4 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Lego™ challenge
Tuesday 11 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Junk modelling
Tuesday 18 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Thornbury Library
Crafts
Wednesday 29 July, 10.30am to midday
Drumming workshop
Thursday 6 August, 2pm – 3pm
Lego™ challenge
Wednesday 12 August, 10.30am to midday
Junk modelling
Wednesday 19 August, 10.30am to midday
Winterbourne Library
Crafts
Friday 24 July, 10.30am to midday
Friday 14 and 28 August, 10.30am to midday
Lego™ challenge
Friday 31 July, 10.30am to midday
Drumming workshop
Friday 7 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Junk modelling
Friday 21 August, 10.30am to 4pm
Yate Library
Crafts
Monday 27 July
Monday 3, 17 and 24 August, 10.30am to midday
Drumming workshop
Thursday 30 July, 10.30am to 11.30am
Lego™ challenge
Thursday 6 August, 10.30am to 11.30am
Junk modelling
Monday 10 August, 10.30am to midday
Lego™ club
Thursday 23 July
Thursday 13, 20 and 27 August, 10.30 to 11.30am
Free drop-ins most suitable for children aged 4 and over
Lego clubs
Lego™ clubs for primary school aged children run throughout the holidays at selected libraries. Visit activities and resources for children and young people for details.
Rhymetime and storytime
Keep babies and toddlers entertained with free pre-school rhymes and stories throughout the holidays at selected libraries. Visit activities for babies and young children for details.