Summer Reading Challenge - Story Garden Family Activities

Illustration for the 'Summer Reading Challenge: Story Garden' featuring children engaged in gardening activities such as watering plants, planting seeds, observing insects, and looking at colorful flowers. Artwork by Dapo Adeola.

Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Location: see individual event for details

Cost: Free

About this event

Celebrate the launch of the school holidays and the Summer Reading Challenge, and join Lori across the borough for crafts, stories and other activities.

  • Who is this event suitable for? Children between the ages of 3–11 years old and their families.  You don’t need to be members of the library.
  • Booking required: No, you can just drop in. Activities are free and offered on a first come, first served basis.
  • Contact: Library.Servce@rochdale.gov.uk
  • Event organiser: Rochdale Borough Council

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is ‘Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors’. 

Drop in at your local library to take part in:

  1. Secret vegetable garden – decorate your own plant pot and get a green thumb planting a vegetable to take home and grow.
  2. Secret mini garden – design and create a miniature 3D book nook style garden or a 2D garden collage. 
  3. Secret sensory garden – make a nature inspired mobile or windchime using pieces of fallen nature and other sensory materials.

Event dates, times and locations

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Thursday, 24 July 2025

Friday. 25 July 2025

Monday, 28 July 2025

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Wednesday, 30 July 2025

Thursday, 31 July 2025

Friday, 1 August 2025

  • 9.30am–11.30am – Darnhill Library
  • 1pm–3pm – Langley Library

Join the Summer Reading Challenge

This year’s challenge encourages children to explore the connection between storytelling and nature.

Through reading, children will uncover magical creatures, vibrant plants, and enchanting landscapes brought to life by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola.

Libraries will be transformed into immersive gardens of adventure where children’s imaginations can flourish, supported by free activities and resources. 

Disclaimer

Events and activities are not organised by Rochdale Borough Council unless stated otherwise. Neither is Rochdale Borough Council responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. If you are under 18, ask your parent/guardian before taking part in any event or activity.

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