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.
‘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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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)
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
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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…
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
Easter crafts, Friday 15 April, 2.30 – 3.30pm, ages 5 – 11. Ask the library to reserve your place.
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
Make a beautiful bunny basket to fill with goodies on your Easter Egg hunt! Friday 15 April from 3 – 4pm, ages 3 – 7
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
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
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
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.
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
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)
Join Donny O’Rourke for a song-filled session tomorrow afternoon at Currie Library and experience the power and pleasure of words set to music.
Listen to Donnie’s own songs, join in the favourite songs of yesterday and find out what makes a good song great. And don’t forget to bring along your own favourite song. A Let’s get Lyrical event.
Currie Library, Friday 4th February: 2-3pm, free
Donny O’Rourke is a poet, songwriter, translator, journalist, teacher, editor (of Dream State: the New Scottish Poets) and broadcaster.
His collections include The Waistband and other poems (Polygon, 1997) and On a Roll: a Jena notebook (Mariscat, 2001), and with Richard Price he published a pamphlet of versions of modern French lyrics, Eftirs/Afters (Au Quai, 1996). He has spent some time in Nuremberg, having received the Hermann Kesten Stipendium, and a dual language collection of poems resulting from his time there was published in 2005, Aus dem Wartesaal der Poesie/From Poetry’s Waiting Room (Spätlese Verlag, Nürnberg). His most recent collection is One Light Burning (Bonny Day, 2007).
Our colleagues from Waste Services are visiting libraries across the city to tell us all about the Love food, hate waste campaign and discuss how we can all cut down on the amount of waste we create.
Wheres and whens:
Monday 22nd November, 2-5pm: Piershill Library
Monday 22nd November, 10-12pm: Central Library
Tuesday 23rd November, 2-4pm: Leith Library
Wednesday 24 November, 2-4pm: Gilmerton Library
Thursday 25th November, 2-4pm: Kirkliston Library
Friday 26th November, 12-2pm: Craigmillar Library
Friday 26th November, 2-4pm: Portobello Library
Friday 26th November, 2-4pm: Currie Library
You can find out loads more about the week of action at Waste Aware Scotland.
Meet Scottish Crime writers in your neighbourhood library!
Crime novels are the most borrowed books in Edinburgh City Libraries and this is your chance to meet Scottish crime writers and discuss crime writing at a library near you. The free Crime in the City events are open to all with plenty of time for discussion and questions in a relaxed informal setting.
Events already confirmed:
Karen Campbell: Tuesday 2nd March- 6.30-8, Portobello Library
Karen Campbell is the author of After the Fire. “A writer on the brink of huge success” (Daily Express) “The plot is wonderful… the author does not shy away from examining the less palatable aspects of relations between the police and the public.” (Guardian) To book email portobello.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone 0131-5295558.
Aline Templeton: Wednesday 3rd March- 6.30-8, Currie Library
Aline Templeton is the author of the DI Marjory Fleming series of novels. About what attracts her to Crime Fiction, Aline enjoys “constructing the puzzle, but that isn’t my starting point, because my plots spring from character… There is a very dark side to human nature which we all have to some degree, but we’re also good at not showing it. A shocking event, like murder, strips away the mask and it intrigues me to see what happens then.” To book email currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone 0131-5295609.
Tony Black: Monday 8th March, 6.30pm-8pm. Corstorphine Library
Tony Black is the author of “Loss” and “Paying for it” and is one of the Scotland’s most exciting new crime writers. Tony’s gritty, hard edged stories featuring private investivator Gus Dury has drawn comparisons with Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh and Denise Mina. Black is “a compelling and convincing portrayer of raw emotions in a vicious milieu”. (The Times)
To book, email corstorphine.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone 0131-5295506
Clio Gray: Tuesday 9th March- 6.30-8. Leith Library
Clio Gray is the author of the Whilbert Stoop series which started with “Guardians of the Key“. “Her novels have established her as a writer of highly original, intricately plotted crime fiction, which has depth as well as pace.”(Susan Mansfield, The Scotsman), “Clio is that rarest of finds, a natural writer…she has an incredible flair for atmosphere, imagery, setting and description.” (Alan Bissett) To book email leith.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone 0131-5295517
Helen Fitzgerald: Monday 15th March, 6.30-8, Moredun Library
Helen Fitzgerald is the author of “The Devils Staircase“, “Bloody Women” and “My Last Confession“. Helen’s darkly comic thrillers were picked by many as highlights in end of 2009 polls and christmas recommendations. “Funny, moving, horrifying and compelling.” (Times Literary Supplement) To book email moredun.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone 0131-5295652
Caro Ramsay, Tuesday 16th March, 6.30-8, Newington Library
Caro Ramsay is the author of Absolution which was shortlisted for the 2008 CWA New Blood Dagger award. Her new book, Singing the Dead, starts with an investigation into the disappearance of two young boys before a fire turns into a full scale murder hunt… To book email newington.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone 0131-5295536
Allan Guthrie and Helen Fitzgerald: (joint event) Saturday 20th March 2.30-3.30pm Wester Hailes
Allan Guthrie is one of Scotland’s most popular crime authors; he writes dark (occasionally comic) crime fiction. “those who enjoy the darkers side of the genre are in for some serious thrills…” (Laura Wilson, The Guardian) This event, alongside Helen Fitzgerald, promises to be an entertaining afternoon laced with black humour and sparkling insight into what inspires two of Scotland’s brightest talents. To book email westerhailes.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or phone 0131-5295667
Crime in the City events are jointly funded by the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature programme and Edinburgh City Libraries.
Our newest book group will hold its first meeting this Wednesday (4th November) at 7pm in Currie Library. Contact Currie Library for more details, or go to our web site to find out more about a book group near you.
Remember you can join in the book discussions on our Facebook page: what are you reading at the moment, and would you recommend it?
If you are between S1 age and 25 and living in Edinburgh, then why not vote for the people who can act as your voice on the issues you care about in the Scottish Youth Parliament elections? Polls are open all week from 7-11 September at schools and libraries throughout Edinburgh. Check out the candidates at www.youngedinburgh.org. Go on – make yourself heard! You can vote at these libraries:
| Library | Constituency |
| McDonald Road Library | Central |
| Stockbridge Library | Central |
| Central Library | Central |
| Fountainbridge Library | Pentlands |
| Balgreen Library | Pentlands |
| Colinton Library | Pentlands |
| Sighthill Library | Pentlands |
| Currie Library | Pentlands |
| Ratho Library | Pentlands |
| Balerno Library | Pentlands |
| Oxgangs Library | Pentlands |
| Wester Hailes Library | Pentlands |
| Newington Library | South |
| Moredun Library | South |
| Morningside Library | South |
| Gilmerton Library | South |
| Kirkliston Library | West |
| Corstorphine Library | West |
| South Queensferry Library | West |
| Blackhall Library | West |
