Dyslexia Chatterbooks

We’re thrilled to report that Dyslexia Chatterbooks, our book group for children aged 8- 10, is going from strength to strength.

The next meeting takes place on Tuesday 20th December from 6.00 – 7.30pm in the Central Children’s Library on George IV Bridge.

We’d still be delighted to welcome any new members so if you know any children (p4 – p7) with dyslexia who’d be interested in coming along, or you’d like to find out more about the group, please contact simon.radcliffe@edinburgh.gov.uk

Christmas…a time to be crafty…

…in more ways than one, because it’s also a time when it’s fun to keep wonderful secrets!  Come along to our crafty events at the  children’s library and make a super-secret present for someone special!

On Wednesday, the 7th December, between 2pm and 3:30pm, we need some clever elves to pop in to help us make the children’s library look magical!

The day after, on the 8th December, between 2pm and 3:30pm, come and learn how to make gorgeous Christmas garlands!

Then on Wednesday, 14th December, between 2pm and 3:30pm, join us making Christmas cards AND calendars!  This event is suitable for children aged 5 and up, and it’s a great opportunity to make a unique present for someone!

Finally, our tree is looking very sad without its decorations. Come us help us make it happy again on Friday 16th December from 10.30 – 12.00.

Also, because Santa loves libraries too, he’s asked us to put a very special postbox in the children’s library for all of your letters!  Last post will be collected on December 12th at 5pm – your letters have a very long way to go!

Do you use library internet computers or wifi?

We are currently carrying out some work to improve the performance of the libraries’ Peoples’ Network computers. This means there may be no internet access in some libraries for a time.

We need to carry out this work in order to increase bandwidth and speed up the performance of these machines. This will improve response times for logging in and internet page loading.

If you need to know more please contact your local library for details of People’s Network availability.

Autumn holiday activities for kids

October holidays? Not for us! There are lots of spooky goings-on in libraries during the break – so don’t sit about the house all week;  get out, get down to your local library and get active!

Here’s a selection of what’s going on – contact your nearest library to find out what activities and events they’ve got planned.

Blackhall Library

If you’re aged 6 – 11, come and make your own bat on 21st Oct from 2.30 – 3.30

Collect your tickets from the library beforehand or phone to reserve a place.

Central Library

Witches, warlocks and wizards are all invited to our Monster Mash event featuring spooky stories, creepy crafts and fangtastic face painting.

Come along to the Conference Room on Wednesday 19th October from 2 – 3.30pm for a fiendishly good time!

Corstorphine Library

Zoolab Halloween Workshop
Suitable for 3 – 12 year olds
Wednesday 19th october, 3 – 4pm

Explore learning: Creepy characters workshop
Suitable for 7 – 11 year olds
Thursday 20th October, 11am – 12 noon

Craigmillar Library

Hallowe’en Decorations
Monday 17th from 3-4pm

Scary Masks
Tuesday18th from 3-4pm

Turnip Lantern Designs
Wednesday 19th from  3-4pm

Mallow Crafts
Thursday 20th from 3-4pm

Giant Skeletons
Friday 21st from 3-4pm

Turnip Lantern Carving
Thursday 27th from 3.30-4.30 pm

Monster Face Painting
Friday 28th from 3-4pm

Halloween Party
Monday 31st from 6.00 -7.00pm

For over 8′s (Under 8′s must be accompanied)

Fountainbridge Library

Zoolab will be here on Tuesday 18th October from 2-3pm.

This event is suitable for 8 – 12 year olds. Collect your tickets from the library beforehand or phone to reserve a place

McDonald Road Library

We’ve got Halloween crafts on Friday 28th October from 3-4pm

Moredun Library

Autumn leaf window clings
Mon  17th October, 6.30-7.30pm

Old lady who swallowed a fly
Tuesday  18th October, 2.30-3.30pm

Paper beads jewellery event
Wednesday  19th October, 6.30-7.30pm

Make your own totem pole
Thursday 20th October, 2.30-3.30pm

Bead merrily (hama beads)
Friday  21st October, 2.30-3.30pm

Clay horror heads
Monday 24th October, 6.30-7.30pm

Broomstick book mark
Tuesday 25th October, 2.30-3.30pm

Oxgangs Library

Facepainting
Ages 4 – 11. Monday 17th Oct, 2.30 – 3.30pm

Badgemaking
Ages 4 -11. Tuesday 18th October, 2.30 – 3.30pm

Storytelling with a leafy autumn twist
Ages 2 – 5. Wednesday 19th october, 10.30 – 11am

Write your own scary story or poem
Ages 7 – 11. Thursday 20th October, 3 – 4pm.
You’ll need a ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

“Snip of the tongue” – a Tell-a-Story Day event with fantastic props from the local Patchwork Guild
Friday 28th October, 2.30 – 3.30pm

Treasure Hunt: fancy dress, refreshments, raffle and fun
For children and families (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult). Monday 31st October, 6 – 7pm

Social event for teenagers – free and fun
Ages 11 – 14. Tuesday 1st November, 6.30 – 7.30pm.
You’ll need a ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Teen book group
For S4s. Thursday 27th October, 4 – 5pm

Piershill Library

Fancy making a puppet, mask or a Bookmark? We’re having an Autumn Craft Extravanganza!

Have a Hoot Make an Owl Puppet
Tuesday 18th October 3pm – 4pm

Make an Animal Bookmark
Wednesday 19th October 11am – 12noon

Autumn Animal Collage
Thursday 20th October  3pm – 4pm

Out of This World Alien Mask Making
Friday 21st October 3pm – 4pm

Badge Making – your own design
Friday 28th October 3pm – 4pm

Make a Spooky Halloween Puppet
Monday 31st October 3pm – 4pm

Bonfire Night Frieze
Friday 4th November 3pm – 4pm

See staff for details – No ticket required. Please note children under 8 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 12 years or over.

Ratho Library

Design a Scarecrow Workshop
Wednesday 19th October-  2pm-3pm Age 8+

Tiger Tales invites you to their “Teddy Bears Picnic Lunch”
Thursday 20th October-   12.30-1.30 Age 8 and under.
BYOB (Bring your own bear)

Sighthill Library

Design a Scarecrow Workshop
Monday 17th October-   2pm-3pm Age 8+

Tiger Tales invites you to their “Teddy Bears Picnic Lunch”
Friday 21st October- 2pm-3pm Age 8 and under Sighthill Library
BYOB (Bring your own bear)

South Queensferry Library

Are you ready for Halloween? If not, then you could have a real magical time with the Zoo Lab creepy crawlies. Guaranteed to make every adult feel squeamish but every child will absolutely love them.

A costumed presenter will lead you on a magical journey to meet some special animals and learn some interesting facts about them. Get up close to a giant land snail, a hissing cockroach, a tarantula, a giant millipede, a snake, a toad and a rat.

Come in and join in the fun!

Wednesday 19th October, 1 – 2pm. For more information and to get your FREE ticket, come along to South Queensferry library

Stockbridge Library

Magical Mischief! Halloween crafts and fun for children aged 4 and over. Friday 28th October, 2.30 – 3.30pm

Wester Hailes Library

Friday 28th October 2pm - Once Upon a Spooky time….. Come along if you dare for some spooky stories told in our witches lair.

Ghoulfest 2011, Wester Hailes Libaries’ Halloween Extravaganza! All the usual Halloween games and fun, plus a live performance from a local band. Fancy dress is a must if you want to be in with a chance of winning the Best Costume competition. Monday 31st October 6pm-7.30pm.

Roll up, roll up for Juggling Words!

Our Circus Stars Summer Reading Challenge is in full swing. All over Edinburgh children are having fun and discovering the joys of reading.

Here at Central Library we’re especially looking forward to our exciting Juggling Words event with Lari Don, one of our favourite children’s writers and author of The Rocking Horse War, How to make a heron happy and The Big Bottom Hunt.

Real life circus stars Oli and Gus will be joining in the fun, and there will be lots more activities and surprises on the day.

Juggling Words takes place on Thursday 21 July in Central Library from 11.30am – 1.00pm. Everyone’s welcome, but children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.You can pick up a free ticket from the Central Lending Library or reserve a place by calling 0131 242 8047 or emailing informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk

Roll up, roll up! The circus is coming to your library!

‘Circus Stars’ is our theme for this year’s reading challenge – so there will be lots of clowning about in libraries this summer! Scroll down to see what’s happening at your local library (if it’s  not listed give them a call to find out what’s happening, or ask the next time you’re in).

To find out more about the summer reading challenge take a look at this video or head over to the Circus Stars site.

Balerno Library

Circus Frieze
Thursday 14 July, 3pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Street games
Thursday 21 July, 2pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Badgemaking
Friday 22 July, 3pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Clown hats and bow ties
Wednesday 27 July, 3pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Name Plates
Tuesday 2 August, 3pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Clown Paper Plates
Monday 8 August, 3pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Medal Ceremony
Friday 12 August, 3pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Balgreen Library

Clowning around: face painting and making clown hats
Monday 18 July, 3pm – 4pm
Ages: 5 – 11

Circus themed Bookbug session
Thursday 4 August, 10.45 – 11.30am
Ages: 0 – 3

Circus skills workshop: practice juggling, hula hoops and stilts
Wednesday 10 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 5 – 11

Funny faces: make clown faces on paper plates and take them home or display them in the library
Tuesday 16 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 5 – 10

Blackhall Library

Clown Challenge
Thursday 14 July, 2pm
Ages 6 – 11

Circus Parade
Wednesday 27 July, 2pm
Ages 6 – 11

Big Top Bazaar
Thursday 11 August, 2pm
Ages 6 – 11

This summer we’re also running Comic Life worskhops for 12 – 15 year-olds from 2 – 4pm on Tuesday 12 July, Wednesday 27 July and Monday 8 August. Spaces are limited to 6 per group, so make sure you sign up for a place by contacting the library as soon as possible.

Central Library

Story telling
Wednesday 6th July, 2- 2.45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 0 – 5

The Circus Comes to Town: help us decorate our circus wall frieze with all your favourite circus characters.
Thursday 7th July, 2.00 -3.30pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 4-12

Polish story telling 
Wednesday 13th July, 2.00 – 2-45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages  0 – 5

Crazy Circus Crafts: badge making fun and circus carousel and mobiles to be built
Thursday 14th July, 2.00 -3.30pm in the Conference Room, Central Library
Ages 4 and up

Story telling
Wednesday 20th July, 2.00 – 2-45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 0 – 5

Juggling Words! Books, reading and circus fun with children’s writer Lari Don and circus stars Oli and Gus
Thursday 21 July, 11.30am – 1.30pm
All ages, but children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Free, but ticketed, pick up a ticket from the Central Lending Library or contact informationdigital@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 242 8047 to reserve a place.

Come and Paint all the Fun of the Fair: Join in with some messy fun; help us ‘paint’ our clown mural, no brushes allowed! Aprons will be provided; mums and dads can join in too.
Thursday 21st July, 2.00 -3.30pm in the  Conference Room, Central Library
Ages 6 and up.

Polish story telling
Wednesday 27th July, 2.00 – 2.45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages  0 – 5

Elmer Packs His Trunk and Heads to the Circus: Elmer has lost his patches, help us find them (we’re also making fun clown plates)
Thursday 28th July, 2-3.30pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 4 and up

Story telling
Wednesday 3rd August, 2.00 – 2-45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 0 – 5

Roll Up and Meet the Stars of the Circus: make ringmasters and clowns.
Thursday 4th August, 2.00 -3.30pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages 5 and up

Polish story telling
Wednesday 10th August, 2.00 – 2.45pm in the Central Children’s Library
Ages  0 – 5

Clowning Around: face painting fun and crafts
Thursday 11th August, 2.00 -3.30pm in the Conference Room
Ages 5 and up

Colinton Library

Street Games
Wednesday 13 July, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

Circus Stars Workshop
Thursday 21 July, 11.30am – 12.30pm
Ages 6 – 12

Circus frieze
Friday 15 July, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

Mask making
Wednesday 20 July, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

Badgemaker
Friday 29 July, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

“Carousel”
Wednesday 3 August, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

Medal Ceremony
Thursday 11 August, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

Corstorphine Library

Introducing Corstorphine’s big top: come along and help create a 3d wall frieze
Monday 11 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 5-12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Zoolab Circus Workshop: meet nature’s very own contortionists, acrobats, clowns and weight -lifters
Monday 18 July, 11.00am  – 12 noon
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Explore Learning Circus Stars Workshop
Thursday 21 July, 4.00 – 5.00pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

The biggest little show on earth: create a miniature ‘ant’ circus and bring it to life
Monday 25 July, 11.30am – 12.30pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Clowning around: make a clown head and dress up with fun clown accessories
Monday 1 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus party: all the fun of the circus! Dress up and win a prize for the best costume
Monday 8 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Bookbug Rhymetimes will carry on as normal throughout the summer

Craigmillar Library

Paper Lanterns
Monday 4 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus Decorations
Tuesday 5 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Pop up clown puppet
Wednesday 6 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Big Top Friday
Friday 8 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus Decorations
Monday 11 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus Decorations 2
Tuesday 12 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Make a clown puppet
Wednesday 13 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Clown and tiger face painting
Friday 15 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Toffee apple making
Monday 18 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus cookie decorating
Wednesday 20 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Origami
Tuesday 19 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Carnival Games
Friday 22 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Meet the guide dogs
Tuesday 26 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Paper plate clown mask
Wednesday 27 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Magic tricks
Thursday 28 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Learn mime
Friday 29 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Carnival Masks
Monday 1 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Clown Hats
Tuesday 2 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus in a jar
Wednesday 3 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Tiger masks
Thursday 4 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Sponge throwing
Friday 5 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Puppet cannonball
Monday 8 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Coconut shy
Tuesday 9 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus fridge magnets
Wednesday 10 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Giant snakes and ladders
Thursday 11 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Puppet making
Monday 15 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Make a puppet show
Tuesday 16 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Currie Library

Circus Frieze
Wednesday 13 July, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

Badgemaker and paper plates
Thursday 21 July, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

Street Games
Monday 25 July, 1pm
Ages 5 – 12

Name plates
Thursday 4 August, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

Medal Ceremony
Thursday 11 August, 2pm
Ages 5 – 12

Fountainbridge Library

Circus-themed bookbug session
Friday 30 June, 10.30 – 11.00am
Ages: 0-3

Circus collage: help make a circus themed collage to display in the library
Monday  4 July, 3.00 – 4.30pm
Ages: 5 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Clowning around: face painting and making clown hats
Friday 15 July, 3.00 – 4.30pm
Ages: 5 -11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Zoolab Circus Workshop: meet nature’s very own contortionists, acrobats, clowns and weight -lifters
Monday 18 July, 3.00 – 4.00pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus skills workshop: practice juggling, hula hoops and stilts
Wednesday 27 July, 2.30 – 4.00pm
Ages: 5 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Comic Life: use the Comic Life computer programme to make a circus-themed comic book
Thursday 4 August, 2.30 – 4.00pm
Ages: 10 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus Felt: make a huge clown’s face to display in the library
Thursday 11 August, 3.00 – 4.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus themed Bookbug session
Friday 26 August, 11.00 – 11.30m
Ages: 0 – 3

Gilmerton Library

Roll up, roll up! Reading challenge launch including registration, quizzes and a treasure hunt
28 June – 1 July
Ages 4- 12

Clown around: make a start at creating the library’s circus clown
Friday 5 July, 2.00 – 2.30pm
Ages 4- 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Juggle and read aloud: tell a joke while juggling pom-poms
Thursday 21 July, 11.00 – 11.30am
Ages 4- 12

Big feet: cut out, colour in and stick up big clown feet round the library
Monday 8 August, 2 – 3pm
Ages 4- 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Celebrity circus carnival
Friday 19 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages 4 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Kirkliston Library

Clown biscuits and door hangers craft event
Friday 1 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 8  – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Circus rhymes and crafts
Friday 15 July, 10.30 – 11.30am
For under fives

Storytelling
Thursday 28 July, 11.30am – 12.30pm
Ages 5 – 8

Clown hats and badgemaking
Thursday 9 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 10
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Popcorn bags and balloon decorating
Tuesday 16 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 7 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Leith Library

Clowning around for under fives – stories, rhymes and a snack!
Every Monday throughout July and August, 10.30 – 11.15am

Box of tricks! Circus-themed items to play and dress up with from the Darroch Centre PLUS colour-ins, quizzes, word searches and more
Every Friday throughout July and August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 10

Tricky Ricky the Magician (and Bingo the Dog!)
Thursday 14 July, 2pm
Ages 5 – 10
Contact the library 2 weeks beforehand to book a place

Giant Big Top Collage – have fun making a collage to decorate the library
Tuesday 26 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 – 10

Zoolab Circus: meet nature’s very own contortionists, acrobats, clowns and weight-lifters
Wednesday 3 August, 3.30 – 4.30pm
Ages 5 – 12
Free but ticketed. Call Leith library on 0131 529 5517 to book a place

McDonald Road Library

We’ve got lots of Circus Crafts events this summer:

1st  July  Come and help us decorate the library for the Summer Reading Challenge

8th July  Make your miniature circus tent

15th July Create a clown hat

22nd July  Design a huge clown tie

29th July   Design a picture of your favourite circus book

5th August  Make animal masks

12th August  Design a poster for your dream circus coming to town

19th August  Make a circus tiger

26th August  Elephant competition

All these events start at 3pm and finish at 4pm

Ages: 4 – 12

It’s Showtime: Circus Stars Party
Sunday 31 July, 2.30 – 4.00pm
Ages: 6 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus Stories for the under fives
Tuesday 12 and 19 July, 3.30 – 4.00pm
Ages: 2 – 5

Moredun Library

Create your own circus
Tuesday 5 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Paper bag lion and ringmaster
Tuesday 12 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Balloon Animals
Tuesday 19 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Circus Face Painting
Tuesday 26 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 5 – 12

Magic Invisible Writing
Ttuesday 2 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages: 5 -12

Outdoor Storytelling
Fridays, 8, 15, 22 and 29 July and 5 and 12 August, 11am – 12 noon
Ages: Families

Morningside Library

All our Circus Stars events will take place in Morningside Parish Church Hall in Cluny Gardens – this is because the library is currently closed for refurbishment.

Circus Stars Bookbug
Thursday 7 July, 10.30 – 11.00am
Ages: up to 3 years

Horrid Henry afternoon: stories and games featuring Horrid Henry and friends
Thursday 28 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 -10

Circus Stars storytime and teddy bears picnic
Tuesday 12 July, 10.30 – 11.30am
Ages 3 – 5

Street games of days gone by (peever, jacks, whip and peerie…)
Friday 22 July, 2.15 – 3.45pm
Ages five and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Musical Animal Extravaganza
Thursday 11 August, 11.00 – 11.30am
For under fives

Zoolab Circus Workshop
Tuesday 9 August, 3.00 – 4.00pm
Ages 4- 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Newington Library

Big Top Frieze
Thursday 7 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages 5 to 10
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Musical Animal Extravaganza
Tuesday 12 July, 11.00 – 11.45am
Ages 5 and under

Circus crafts
Friday 15 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 and over

Be a clown
Monday 18 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 to 10
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus hats, masks and beards
Friday 29 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 to 10
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Be a clown
Sunday 31 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 5 to 10
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Seaside Circus
Thursday 4 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 8 to 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Animal Picnic
Wednesday 10 August 11.00 – 11.45am
Ages 5 and under

Animal Picnic
Wednesday 10 August 1.45 – 2.30pm
Ages 5 and under

Circus Drop-in
Friday 12 August, 2.00 – 4.30pm
Ages 5 and over

(Bookbug Rhymetimes will carry on as normal throughout the summer)

Oxgangs Library

Strangebird Zirkus – live acrobatic performance
Friday 1 July, 2.00 – 3.30pm
All children and families welcome

Clown face painting
Wednesday 6 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 3 – 11

Circus stars badgemaking
Thursday 14 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 4 – 11 (and families)

Zoolab circus workshop
Tuesday 19 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ages 4 – 11 (and families)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Creative writing workshop with Explore Learning
Thursday 21 July, 10 – 11am
Ages 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus Frieze arts and crafts
Sunday 24 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
All children and families welcome

Tricks with award-winning showdog Flora
Two shows onTuesday 24 July: 2.00 – 2.30pm AND 3.30 – 4.00pm
All children and families welcome
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Street games of days gone by (peever, jacks, whip and peerie etc…)
Monday 1 August, 10.30 – 12.30pm
For children over 5 and their families

Oxgangs’s Got Talent party
Thursday 11 August, 2.30 – 4.00pm
Ages 4 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event, and entrants must register beforehand. Contact the library for details.

Arts and crafts
Every Friday starting 8 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
All children and families welcome

Circus Storytelling for children
Wednesdays, 10.30 – 11.00am

Tiger tales
Saturday 9 July and 6 August, 2.30 – 3.30pm
For children aged 4 -8 and their parents

Piershill Library

Make a clown puppet
Thursday 14 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus themed colour-in competition
Tuesday 19 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)

Pin the nose on the clown
Wednesday 20 July, 11am – 12pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus cookie decorating
Thursday 21 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Paper plate clown masks
Tuesday 26 July, 11am – 12pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus box
Wednesday 27 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Build a clown car from recycled rubbish
Thursday 28 July, 3 – 4pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus biscuit decorating
Tuesday 2 Aug, 3pm – 4pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus themed colour-in competition
Wednesday 3 Aug, 11am – 12pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus craft event
Thursday 4  August, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus Costumes
Tuesday 9  August, 11am -12pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

ECFI healthy eating to make you strong
Wednesday 10  August, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Circus fridge magnets
Thursday 11 August, 3 – 4pm
Ages 8 and up (under 8s to be accompanied by a carer over 12)

Portobello Library

Marvellous Model Circus – Make your big top
Monday 4 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Marvellous Model Circus: Week 1 – Ringmasters
Thursday 7 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Crazy Clown Hats
Monday 11 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Clown Puppet Making
Tuesday 12 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Marvellous Model Circus: Week 2 – Clowns
Thursday 14 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Zoolab Circus Workshop
Friday 15th July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Make your own juggling balls
Monday 18 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Circus cookie decorating
Tuesday 19 July, 2 – 3pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Marvellous Model Circus: Week 3 – Animals
Thursday 21 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Balloon workshop with Magic Ian
Friday 22 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Mad Strongman Moustaches
Monday 25 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Marvellous Model Circus: Week 4 – Horses
Thursday 28 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Circus Smoothies with Edinburgh Community Food
Friday 29 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

The Amazing Paper Plate Elephant
Monday 1 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Marvellous Model Circus: Week 5 – Monkeys
Thursday 4 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Circus Story Adventure with Beth Cross
Saturday 6, Sunday 7 and Saturday 12 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Circus Face Painting
Monday 8 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Circus Fridge Magnets
Tuesday 9 August, 2 – 3pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Circus Skills with Jim Balloch
wednesday 10 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Marvellous Model Circus: Week 6 – Acrobats
Thursday 11 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Circus in a jar
Tuesday 2 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 and over (under 8s welcome if accompanied by a carer over 12)
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details

Ratho Library

Facepainting workshop
Tuesday 5 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!
Thursday 7 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 – 8
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Clown around
Tuesday 12 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7- 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Sweet Treats
Wednesday 13 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Badgemaking
Friday 15 July, 1.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 6 and up

Badgemaking
Monday 18 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up

Elmer’s elephants
Wednesday 20 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: under fives
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Big top crafts
Monday 25 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Fairgound Food
Thursday 28 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus costume design
Monday 1 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Crazy creatures
Wednesday 3 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

The Cube
Tuesday 9 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

My little circus pony
Tuesday 9 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 – 8
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Sighthill Library

Facepainting workshop
Monday 4 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Lions and tigers and bears oh my!
Wednesday 6 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 – 8
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Clown around
Monday 11 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Harry Potter Day Drop-In Event
Thursday 14 July, 11am – 4pm
Ages: 8 and up

Badgemaking
Tuesday 19 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up

Elmer’s Elephants
Thursday 21 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: under fives
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Fairground Food
Monday 25 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Big top Crafts
Tuesday 26 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

‘All the fun of the fair’ afternoon
Friday 29 July, 1pm – 4pm
Ages: 7 – 11

Circus costume design
Ttuesday 2 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 7 – 11
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Crazy Creatures
Thursday 4 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 and up
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

The cube
Monday 8 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 8 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

My little circus pony
Tuesday 9 August, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages: 5 – 8
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

South Neighbourhood Library

Circus star gazing: colour in and cut out your favourite circus performers and animals
Tuesday 28 June, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

American Circus Razzmatazz: mix the stars with the stripes at our circus carnival
Monday 4 July, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Big nose: can you stick the nose back on the clown’s face with your eyes closed?
Tuesday 19 July, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

There’s an elephant in my bedroom: decorate your own ‘do not disturb’ door handle sign
Friday 5 August, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Crazy circus bookmarks
Tuesday 23 August, 3.00 – 3.45pm
Ages 4 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

South Queensferry Library

Circus Frieze
Tuesday 12 July, 11am – 12noon
Ages 3 – 10
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus Zoolab
Tuesday 19 July, 12noon – 1.00pm
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Badge making
Wednesday 20 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Storytelling
Wednesday 27 July, 2.00 – 3.00pm
Ages 5 – 8
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Clown facepainting and bunting
Tuesday 2 August
Ages 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Reading challenge award ceremony
Friday 12 August, at 2pm

Stockbridge Library

Big Top Fun
Thursday 21 July, 11am – 12 noon
Ages: 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

The Ringmaster Presents…
Thursday 28 July, 11am – 12 noon
Ages: 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Clowning around
Thursday 4 August, 11am – 12 noon
Ages: 5 -12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Circus finale
Saturday 13 August, 11am – 12 noon
Ages: 5 – 12
You’ll need a (free) ticket for this event. Contact the library for details.

Wester Hailes Library

All our events are mainly for anyone aged 8 – 12. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by a parent or carer over 12.

Circus School: each week we’ll learn a new circus skill and on the last day we’ll bring our skills together to put on a talent show
Monday afternoons from 4 July until 15 August

Funny walking clowns – craft event
Friday 1 July, 2pm

Story time
Wednesdays at 2pm from 6 July until 10 August

Clown costume making
Tuesday 12 July, 2pm

Circus Creative Writing with Explore Learning
Thursday 21 July, 2pm

Spin the Wheel craft with Ewelina
Thursday 28 July, 2pm

Tony’s Tight Roping Men – craft event
Friday 29 July, 2pm

Easter holidays and Royal nuptials

Just a quick reminder that libraries will be closed on Good Friday (22nd April) and Easter Monday (25th April).  However, during the Easter weekend, libraries will be open on Saturday 23 April and Sunday 24 April if they are usually open on a Sunday.

We’ll also be closed for the Royal Wedding on Friday 29th April. To set the mood take a look our Royals in Edinburgh exhibition, featuring pictures of city streets and buildings festooned in decorations and bunting to welcome kings and queens to Edinburgh.

See the crowds thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of their monarch and check out some lovely pictures of a community in Gorgie celebrating the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 with a street party and dancing. There are also earlier images of the Queen, when as Princess Elizabeth, she visited the city with her parents in September 1945 to celebrate the victorious end of World War Two.

Easter at your local library

We’re busy planning lots of craft events for kids this Easter. Keep your eye on this page as we’ll be adding more events in the next few days and weeks…

Balgreen Library

Daffodils craft event: Thursday 7th April, 3:15 – 4:15pm,

Easter craft event: Tuesday 12th April, 3 – 4pm

All events are suitable for children aged 5 – 11. Tickets available from the Library

Blackhall Library

Easter crafts, Friday 15 April, 2.30 – 3.30pm, ages 5 – 11. Ask the library to reserve your place.

Central Children’s Library

Easter Bonnet Crafts on Wednesday 13th April from 2 – 3.30pm, suitable for ages 7 – 12

Easter stories and colour-ins on Thursday 14th April from 2 – 3pm, suitable for ages 3 – 6

Bunny Bonanza on Wednesday 20th April from 2 – 3.30pm, suitable for ages 7 – 12

Easter stories in Polish and colouring-in, suitable for ages 3 – 6. Thursday 21st April from 2 – 3pm

Corstorphine Library

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory workshop” Explore Learning Literacy Workshop for 5-11 year olds. Come along and design your own chocolate bar complete with magical powers and wrapping design. Places limited, to book a place contact the Library. Tuesday 12th April 5.00pm-6.00pm

“Spring Songs and Rhymes”. Join us for Bookbug Sessions for 0-4 year olds (Drop in event). Thursday 14th April 10.30am-11.30am or 2.00pm-2.30p

“Spring stories” for under 5′s (Drop in event). Saturday 16th April 10.00am-10.30am

“Crafty Cards and Bonkers Baskets” Easter crafts event for 5-11 year olds. Places limited, to book a place contact the Library. Tuesday 19th April 2.30pm-3.30pm

Craigmillar Library

All our events are suitable for over 8 eight year olds. No tickets required, just turn up on the day:

Puppet Rabbits: Monday 11th April 2pm

Chicks v Bunnies: Fill up our Easter Frieze and answer the age old question. What is cuter, Bunnies or chicks? Tuesday 12th April, 2pm

I’m A Celebrity, Guess Me Out of Here: A celebrity book quiz, spot the celeb from readings from their autobiography: Wednesday 13th April, 2pm

Great Spring Quiz: Thursday 14th April, 2pm

Easter Card Making: Friday 15th April, 2pm

Taste of Summer Smoothies: with Edinburgh Community Food Initiative: Monday 18th April, 2pm

Cake Decorating: Tuesday 19th April, 2pm

Egg Painting: Wednesday 20th April, 2pm

Easter Treasure Hunt: Thursday 21st April, 2pm

Currie Library

All our events are suitable for 5 – 10 year olds

Bunny Treasure Hunt, Tuesday 19th April at 11am

Easter Egg Decoration, Wednesday 20th April at 2pm

Easter Storytime, Thursday 21st April at 11am

Fountainbridge Library

Mother’s Day craft event: Friday 1st April, 3 – 4pm

Daffodils craft event: Thursday 14th April, 3 – 4pm

Easter craft event: Thursday 21st April, 3 – 4pm

The three above events are suitable for children aged 5 – 11. Tickets are available from the Library.

We’re also holding a couple for babies and toddlers – no ticket required for these, just come along:

Mother’s Day Story Time: Saturday 2nd April, 10:30 – 11am

Easter Story Time: Saturday 23rd April, 10:30 – 11am

Gilmerton Library

Myths, Stories & Mysteries: Re-staging the Easter Drama: Monday, 11 April until Friday, 22 April

Easter Frieze Craft Session - paint a rainbow, tree blossom, bunnies & butterflies, flowers & frogs: Monday, 11 April @ 2.00 pm until 2.30 pm (ask the library for a ticket for this event)

Eggstravaganza  - design a giant Easter Egg, go on an eggword hunt, make bookmarks and egg door handles, pin the tail on the bunny: Friday, 15 April @ 11.15 am until 12.00 pm (ask the library for a ticket for this event)

Daddies, Mummies and Bunnies Come for Afternoon Tea – enjoy a selection of egg cressheads, choco cupcakes, egg sandwiches.  Also easter egg colouring-in competition: Thursday, 21 April @ 3.15 pm until 3.45 pm

Kirliston Library

Easter Bookbug Session on Friday 15th April, 10.30 – 11am (0-4 year olds)

Easter craft activities for 5 – 10 year olds on Tuesday 19th April from 2-3pm

Leith Library

Cute and cool Easter baskets – have fun making and filling! Friday 15th April, 2.45-3.30pm, ages 5 – 10

Bunny Jewellery – design and make your own bracelets and necklaces – colour-ins and Easter quizzes too! Thursday 21st April, 2.30 – 3.30pm, ages 5 – 10

McDonald Road Library

Make a beautiful bunny basket to fill with goodies on your Easter Egg hunt! Friday 15 April from 3 – 4pm, ages 3 – 7

Moredun Library

Stop Motion Animation: Get involved in this exciting stop motion project and help to make your own short film!
Mondays 11th, 18th and 25th April (2.30pm) Age range: 7 – 12

Fluttering Finger Bugs: Learn how to make your own fluttery finger bug puppets at Moredun library
Tuesday 12th April (2.30pm)
Age range: any

Cube Craft: Colour in and make your own rabbit and chick cube craft models
Wednesday 20th April (6.30pm)
Age range: any

Oxgangs Library

Charlie and the chocolate factory – design your own magical cholocate bar: Tuesday 12th April, 11am – 12noon, ages 5 – 11

Share a story, Wednesday 13th April, 10.30 – 11am, ages 2 – 5

Recycling Elmer: create your own elephant collage, Thursday 14th April. 2.30 – 3.30pm, ages 4 – 11

Design your own Easter Cards: Friday 15th April, 2.30 – 3.30pm, ages 5 – 11

Badgemaking: Wednesday 20th April, 2.30 – 3.30pm, ages 5 – 11

Storytelling at Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre: Tuesday 19th April, 11 – 11.30am, ages 4 – 11

Silly songs for children – listen and create your own, Thursday 21st April. 2.30 – 3.30pm, ages 5 – 11

Easter egg hunt: Saturday 23rd April, all day, ages 3 – 11

Piershill Library

Easter Eggstravaganza: come along and join in one of the many FREE craft events at Piershill Library this Easter. Ask staff for more details

Make an Easter Bonnet (boys you can make a crown!): Tuesday 12th April, 3-4pm

Come and make an Easter Card: Wednesday 13th April,  11am – 12 noon

Our Great Big Easter Colouring and Drawing Competition with Prizes!: Thursday 14th April,  3-4pm

Storytime and Easter Egg Hunt with Jim (for children aged 0-4): Friday 15th April, 10.30– 11.30am

Decorate an Easter Egg: Tuesday 19th April, 11am – 12 noon

Come and make an Easter Card: Wednesday 20th Apri,l 3 -4pm

Eggciting Easter Egg Hunt: Thursday 21st April,  3– 4pm

All events are for children aged 4 to 12 years old except for Friday 15th April’s Storytime

Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent/carer over 12 years

Portobello Library

Our Easter activities and events suitable for 5 and over, under 8′s must be accompanied by an adult.  Tickets are available from Portobello library, please ask staff for details.

Crafts for Easter, make something fun for Easter:  Wednesday 13th April, 3.30pm

Special Easter Storytime: Thursday 14th April, 3.30pm

Easter Badgemaking Fun: Tuesday 19th April, 3.30pm

Children are also invited to contribute to our Easter Frieze over the holiday period with a special prize for the best picture!  Ask staff for details.

There will also be a special Easter Bookbug Rhymetime on Saturday 16th April at 3.30pm for under 5′s and their parents/carers.  All welcome, no ticket required.

South Neighbourhood Office and Library

Hunt for Bunny – treasure hunt for young explorers: Monday, 11 April

Bunny Masks and Floppy Ears – craft session: Wednesday, 13 April @ 3.00 pm until 3.45 pm (ask the library for your ticket)

Easter Egg Hunt & Colouring-in competition: Wednesday, 20 April

South Queensferry Library

Easter Cards & Easter Baskets, Mon 18th April, 2-3pm (4 – 10yrs olds)

Easter Face Painting & Crafts, Thu 21st April, 2-3pm -  (4 – 10yrs olds)

Easter Bookbug session, Sat 23rd April,11-12:30 –  (0-4yr olds)

Gingerbread decorations and the Snowball Olympics

As usual we’ve got tons of activities for all the family in the run up to Christmas and over the holiday period. Find out what’s happening at yourlocal library…

Continue reading

Boo! Halloween fun at a library near you

Blackhall Library

Creepy crafts (ages 5 – 10) Friday 29 October, 2.30 – 3.30pm. Tickets available from the library.

Central Children’s Library

Face painting, crafts and stories: Halloween fun for 4-12 year olds.

2.00 – 3.30pm, Wednesday 20 October, Central Library.

Tickets are available now from Central Lending and the Central Children’s Library.

Corstorphine Library

Corinne Davies and El Ashfield, author and illustrator of the ‘Ralph’ books will be running a ‘Vampire Workshop’ at Corstorphine library between 3.00 and 5.30pm on Thursday 28th October.

Parents and children are all invited to join in the fun with craft activities, tattoos, edibles, face painting and a workshop in how the book was actually created. Any children feeling brave enough to read their favourite part of the text aloud will qualify for a further vampire treat!

The author and illustrator will also be signing copies of this new latest Ralph adventure, which has been highly commended by the Scottish Booktrust and School Library Association.

Halloween attire very welcome, so come along and join in the fun….IF YOU DARE!!

Ralph is (not) a Vampire is currently nominated for four literary awards. Copies are available for purchase /signing on the day at £5.99.

Craigmillar Library

Craigmillar library is running a ghastly week of Halloween events. Are you brave enough to take part?
Monday 18th October. 3.00: Help scare people with a nervous disposition by decorating the libary with all sorts of ghoulish things, including a giant spiders web.
Tuesday 19th October. 3.00. Test out your knowledge of the supernatural with our Halloween quiz. Who is the Headmaster of Hogwarts? Is Caspar a friendly ghost? Which is the cat, Meg or Mog?
Wednesday 20th October. 3.00. Help fill our walls with wizards, witches and magical creatures that send a shiver up your spine. We are making a Frieze and need some brave children to help us complete it.
Thursday 21st October. 3.00. Quite possibly the most horrific event we have ever done at Craigmillar. Skull Making. Come and join in this disgraceful event.
Friday 29th October. 3.00. Halloween Party. Dooking for apples, Mummy wrapping, Doughnut dangling and other spooky happenings. Join our Fancy Dress party.
Saturday 30th October 10.30-11.30. Craigmillar Books for Babies October Rhymetime: Halloween Fun! With Storyteller Eric Brennan.

Fountainbridge Library

Halloween Bookbug Session, Friday 29 October, 11-11.30am. For babies, toddlers and their carers (no tickets required)

Funny bones: Halloween Craft Activity, Friday 29 October, 3-4pm. For children aged 5-11 (tickets available from the library)

Scary Songs and Stories! Saturday 30 October, 10.30 – 11am. For children ages 2-6 (no tickets required)

Leith Library

Hair Raising Halloween – fun and crafts on Friday 22 October from 3-5pm (ages 5 and over)

McDonald Road Library

Spooky stories (ages 3 – 5) on Wednesday 20 October from 2.30 – 3.00pm. No need to book, just turn up and be prepared to join in!

Halloween Party on Sunday 31 October from 2 – 4pm. most suitable for ages 4 – 8, but all welcome. We’ll have crafts, games and stories… and a few spooky surprises! Tickets available from the library.

We’re also having a special event as part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival: Under the harvest moon – songs and stories from near and far to welcome in the Autumn. Most suitable for ages 3 – 8, but all welcome. Tickets available from the library.

Newington Library

On Friday 29th October we are going to have a Halloween party with storytelling, dooking for apples and cakes on string. We’ll also be painting Halloween papier mache balloon heads, which we are going to use as piñatas for kids to smash. Its going to be from 2-3pm and tickets are available from the library.

Oxgangs Library

This Sunday  (17th Oct) from 2-3pm we’ll be making spooky paper lanterns - bring the whole family!

For older children and teenagers we’re hosting a Spooky Sparkly Nails art and craft event. This one’s on Friday 22nd Oct from 2.30 – 3.30pm.

2-5 year-olds can come along to our Share a story: Spooky Tales event on Wednesday 27th from 10.30 – 11am then we’ll round things off with a party on Friday 29th from 2.30  – 3.30. If you’re aged between 4 and 11 come along but remember to pick up your ticket from Oxgangs Library beforehand

Piershill Library

Make your own Halloween Mask! Thursday 21 October, 3.30 – 4.30pm. For children aged 4 – 12. You can also come along to our craft session next Monday – 18th October – and make your own ‘do not disturb’ door hanger. For children aged 3 – 12.

Please note, for both Piershill events, children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 12 years old. Tickets available from the library.