
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:
- Secret vegetable garden – decorate your own plant pot and get a green thumb planting a vegetable to take home and grow.
- Secret mini garden – design and create a miniature 3D book nook style garden or a 2D garden collage.
- 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
- 9.30am–11.30am – Alkrington Library, Middleton
- 1pm–3pm – Heywood Library and Customer Service Centre, Heywood
Thursday, 24 July 2025
- 9.30am–11.30am – Smallbridge Library, Smallbridge
- 1pm–3pm – Norden Library, Rochdale
Friday. 25 July 2025
- 1pm–3pm – Littleborough Library, Littleborough
Monday, 28 July 2025
- 9.30am–11.30am – Castleton Library, Rochdale
- 1pm–3pm – Junction Library, Middleton
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
- 9.30am–11.30am – Spotland Library, Rochdale
- 1pm–3pm – Milnrow Library, Milnrow
Wednesday, 30 July 2025
- 9.30am–11.30am – Middleton Library and Customer Service Centre, Middleton
- 1pm–3pm – Rochdale Central Library and Customer Service Centre, Rochdale
Thursday, 31 July 2025
- 9.30am–11.30am – Balderstone Library, Rochdale
- 1pm–3pm – Smithy Bridge Library, Littleborough
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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