Summer Reading Challenge 2024: Marvellous Makers
Children can get creative with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers!
The Summer Reading Challenge is a FREE holiday activity for children. It’s all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children’s reading skills and confidence.
The Challenge runs every year throughout the summer holidays, and all children aged 4-11 are welcome to take part!
Children can read anything they like (really – anything!) and collect free rewards for their reading.
This year’s Challenge is all about creativity. From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone! Children will be able to find new reads linked to their favourite creative arts, and access free activities at the library. We can’t wait to get creative!
The Challenge launches in Hammersmith & Fulham on Saturday 6 July.
Fulham library Summer Reading Challenge events
Thursday 25 July, 11am
Story Hunt with John Kirk
Join professional storyteller John Kirk for this interactive Story Hunt session!
For ages 4+
To book your free place, please email fulhamlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Monday 29 July, 2:15pm-3:15pm
Mermaid Making Craft
Create a Mermaid or Merman from recycled egg boxes!
For ages 4+
Friday 2 August, 11am
Story Creators with ZooLab
Join ZooLab, for an inspiring and engaging hands-on animal encounter! In this choose-your-own-adventure tale, you’ll have decisions to make, friends to meet, and different paths to take. ZooLab are ‘the UK’s #1 for ethical animal encounters’.
For ages 4+
To book your free place, please email fulhamlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Tuesday 6 August, 2:15pm-3:15pm
Fishy Tales
Wool weaving fish craft made with all natural, recycled materials!
For ages 4+
Wednesday 7 August, 11am
Create a Superstar Animal Story with Children's Author, Terrie Chilvers!
Join children's author Terrie Chilvers for a chapter reading of her book about a mind-reading sausage dog, followed by a creative workshop where children will get the chance to create their own superstar animals!
Michael The Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog' tells the story of an ambitious sausage dog called Michael with a rare talent…mind reading! Michael dreams of becoming a global superstar, but even with his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog, by his side, things don’t always go to plan as he tries to convince his fellow inhabitants of Snuffles-by-Sea to recognise his amazing talent.
For ages 5+ (parents and carers welcome)
To book your free place, please email fulhamlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Wednesday 14 August, 2:15pm-3:15pm
Hanging Felt Froggy Craft
Come and make your own felty frog to hang up in your room – all recycled materials!
For ages 4+
Wednesday 21 August, 10:30am
Storytelling Show: The Jasmine Sneeze
Using storytelling, character play, puppetry and song, professional storytellers Cat and Hutch will bring Haroun’s story to life in their interactive adaptation of ‘The Jasmine Sneeze’ by Nadine Kaadan. The show includes a craft session afterwards.
For ages 3-7
To book your free place, please email fulhamlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Thursday 22 August, 2:15pm-3:15pm
Float the Boat
Make your own sailing boat from recycled materials and ‘float your boat’ at home!
For ages 4+
Wednesday 28 August, 2:15pm-3:15pm
Woolly Owl and Doll Craft
Have fun making your own woolly owl or doll from all natural materials!
For ages 4+
Monday 2 September, 2:15pm-3:15pm
Mini Lid Banjo Craft
The final Summer Reading Challenge craft to make your own jam-lid Banjo!
For ages 4+
Hammersmith library Summer Reading Challenge events
Tuesday 23 July, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Bouncing Baby Octopus
Amazing underwater craft event!
For ages 4+
Friday 26 July, 11am
Story Creators with ZooLab
Join ZooLab, for an inspiring and engaging hands-on animal encounter! In this choose-your-own-adventure tale, you’ll have decisions to make, friends to meet, and different paths to take. ZooLab are ‘the UK’s #1 for ethical animal encounters’.
For ages 4+
To book your free place, please email hammersmithlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Tuesday 30 July, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Stirring Spoon Puppets
Create your own crazy cutlery characters!
For ages 4+
Wednesday 31 July, 2pm
Create a Superstar Animal Story with Children's Author, Terrie Chilvers!
Join children's author Terrie Chilvers for a chapter reading of her book about a mind-reading sausage dog, followed by a creative workshop where children will get the chance to create their own superstar animals!
Michael The Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog' tells the story of an ambitious sausage dog called Michael with a rare talent…mind reading! Michael dreams of becoming a global superstar, but even with his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog, by his side, things don’t always go to plan as he tries to convince his fellow inhabitants of Snuffles-by-Sea to recognise his amazing talent.
For ages 5+ (parents and carers welcome)
To book your free place, please email hammersmithlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Tuesday 6 August, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Sun Wheels
Make a super spinning sun wheel!
For ages 4+
Friday 9 August, 11am
The Spirit Dog: stories, songs and activities
The Spirit Dog is a heartwarming and true story about a mysterious dog who adopts author Steve Bonham and his friend Moha as they journey through the High Atlas Mountains towards the Sahara Desert. Through the heat, rocky mountains and deep valleys, encountering deserted kasbahs, streams of salt water, remote villages, a young snake and packs of wild dogs, this is an enchanting and haunting tale of adventure and companionship. Join storyteller Steve and friends for stories, songs and activities, exploring the adventure!
For ages 5+
To book your free place, please email hammersmithlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Tuesday 13 August, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Flower Fairies
Create your own flowery characters!
For ages 4+
Thursday 15 August, 2pm
Drama Workshop: If I were Prime Minister
Imagine being the Prime Minister! What would you do? Wear your favourite shoes every day? Give everyone in the country a dog? Fill the ocean with special water that gobbles up all the plastic so the fish can swim happily again? Using drama games, materials and crafts, professional storytellers Cat and Hutch as travel through the mind of a young boy who dreams of being Prime Minister and asks the question; what would you do if you were Prime Minister?
For ages 4-7
To book your free place, please email hammersmithlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Friday 16 August, 11am
Story Hunt with John Kirk
Join professional storyteller John Kirk for this interactive Story Hunt session!
For ages 4+
To book your free place, please email hammersmithlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Tuesday 20 August, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Butterflies!
Design a beautiful butterfly suncatcher.
For ages 4+
Tuesday 27 August, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Magical Masks
Make a beautiful mask for the carnival!
For ages 4+
Tuesday 3 September, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Pretty Polly Parrot
Use the colours of the rainbow to make a spectacular parrot!
For ages 4+
Shepherds Bush library Summer Reading Challenge events
Saturday 13 July, 2pm-3:30pm
Summer Reading Challenge Launch Party
Join us for an afternoon of fun activities to celebrate the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge.
For ages 3+
To book your free place email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Tuesday 23 July, 3:45pm-4:45pm
3D Fish
Join the craft team to make your own little friend.
For ages 3-11 (limit of 20 children)
Thursday 25 July (2 sessions available, 11am-11:45am and 2:30pm-3:15pm)
Slime event
Join Chloe and Liv to make your own slime to take home.
For ages 5-11
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Friday 26 July, 10:30am-11:30am
Creative Writing for children with Write London
Are you a budding author or poet? Join Write London at Shepherds Bush Library for a fun creative writing workshop.
For ages 7+ (Limit of 15 children)
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Friday 26 July, 2pm-3pm
Story Creators with ZooLab
Join ZooLab, for an inspiring and engaging hands-on animal encounter! In this choose-your-own-adventure tale, you’ll have decisions to make, friends to meet, and different paths to take. ZooLab are 'the UK’s #1 for ethical animal encounters'.
For ages 4+
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Tuesday 30 July, 2:30pm–3:30pm
Paper Bracelets
Join Chloe and Liv to design and make your own paper bracelet.
For ages 3-11 (20 children max)
Wednesday 31 July, 11am-12pm
Create a Superstar Animal Story with children's author Terrie Chilvers!
Join children's author Terrie Chilvers for a chapter reading of her book about a mind-reading sausage dog, followed by a creative workshop where children will get the chance to create their own superstar animals!
For ages 5+
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Thursday 1 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm
DIY Dream Catchers
Join Chloe and Liv to make your own Dream Catcher.
For ages 3-11 (limit of 20 children)
Tuesday 6 August, 11:30am-1pm
SCS Railway STEM Workshop
Come build a bug hotel or trainline and learn about engineering.
For ages 5-11
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Tuesday 6 August, 2:30pm–3:30pm
Pin Wheel
Join Chloe and Liv to make your own pin wheel.
For ages 3-11 (20 children max)
Wednesday 7 August, 11am-12pm
Manga drawing sessions with local artist Richard T
Join us for a friendly 60-minute session where you will be able to create your own Manga character from scratch, step by step. You will learn helpful tips and tricks for making your characters come to life! All materials are included, all you need is your own creativity.
For ages 8-12
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Wednesday 7 August, 2pm-3pm
Manga drawing sessions with local artist Richard T
Join us for a friendly 60-minute session where you will be able to create your own Manga character from scratch, step by step. You will learn helpful tips and tricks for making your characters come to life! All materials are included, all you need is your own creativity.
For ages 12+
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Thursday 8 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm
DIY Picture Frame
Join John and Chloe to design and make your own picture frame.
For ages 3-11 (limit of 20 children)
Friday 9 August, 10:30am-11:30am
Creative Writing for children with Write London
Are you a budding author or poet? Join Write London at Shepherds Bush Library for a fun creative writing workshop.
For ages 7+ (limit of 15 children)
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Saturday 10 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Design your own mug craft for World Animal Day
World Animal Day takes place every year on 4 October and aims to improve the lives of animals worldwide. Join us for an afternoon of fun. Design your own mug to celebrate World Animal Day. Your design could feature on the official celebration mug. (Details of how to submit your entry will be provided.)
For ages 3-11 (limit of 20 children)
Tuesday 13 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Paper Plate Bees
Join the craft team and have loads of fun as you create your own bee friend!
For ages 3-11 (20 children max)
Wednesday 14 August, 11am-12pm
Drama Workshop: If I were Prime Minister
Imagine being the Prime Minister! What would you do? Wear your favourite shoes every day? Give everyone in the country a dog? Fill the ocean with special water that gobbles up all the plastic so the fish can swim happily again? Using drama games, materials and crafts, professional storytellers Cat and Hutch as travel through the mind of a young boy who dreams of being Prime Minister and asks the question; what would you do if you were Prime Minister?
For ages 4-7 (limit of 20 children)
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Thursday 15 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Badges and Bookmarks
Join the craft team to have loads of fun personalising your own badges and bookmarks!
For ages 3-11 (limit of 20 children)
Friday 16 August, 2pm-3pm
John Kirk Storytelling session
This summer join storyteller John Kirk for a live storytelling experience like no other as scavenger hunting collides with folk tales in 30 minutes of fun for the family. This year, John invites audience to be marvellous storytellers as we make up stories in the moment to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge.
For ages 4+
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Tuesday 20 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Paper Hand Fans
Join the craft team and make your own fan to keep cool this summer!
For ages 3-11 (20 children max)
Thursday 22 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Pencil Pot Holders
Join the craft team to design your own pencil pot!
For ages 3-11 (limit of 20 children)
Tuesday 27 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Summer Beach Craft
Join the craft team to make your own beach.
For ages 3-11 (20 children max)
Wednesday 28 August, 11am-12pm
Stemazing Structures
Do you want to know more about STEM? Come to our Stemazing Summer Club held at Shepherds Bush Library. Free sessions with all materials provided. Every attendee will receive a certificate!
For ages 7-10
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Thursday 29 August (2 sessions available 11am-11:45am and 2:30pm-3:15pm)
Slime event
Join Chloe and Liv to make your own slime to take home.
For ages 5-11
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Thursday 29 August, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Pencil Pot Holders
Join the craft team to design your own pencil pot!
For ages 3-11 (limit of 20 children)
Friday 30 August, 10:30am-11:30am
Creative Writing for children with Write London
Are you a budding author or poet? Join Write London at Shepherds Bush Library for a fun creative writing workshop.
For ages 7+ (limit of 15 children)
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
Friday 30 August, 11am-12pm
Stemazing Structures
Do you want to know more about STEM? Come to our Stemazing Summer Club held at Shepherds Bush Library. Free sessions with all materials provided. Every attendee will receive a certificate!
For ages 7-10
To book your free place, email shepherdsbushlibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.