Facilities and activities for children
pens new windowBaby Bounce & Rhyme
Many of our libraries have Baby Bounce & Rhyme times for babies and toddlers. As well as helping your child's development, it's also a great way for you to meet other parents and carers.
List of Baby Bounce & Rhyme sessions
Story times
Many libraries hold regular story times aimed at children under five.
Library Events - Eventbrite
Search for library and see what is on offer! All Gloucestershire Libraries are closed due to Corvid-19 as of 23 March 2020
Bookstart
Bookstart is a national scheme for pre-school children; it aims to help families discover the fun and excitement of sharing books together. Bookstart Baby packs are for every child before their first birthday. They are gifted by Registrars when parents register a new born, and they start children on their reading journey. Bookstart Treasure packs are for every three to four year old. They are gifted from pre-school settings and libraries.
Bookstart for every child, in addition there are also packs for children who need extra support to develop a love of books and reading:
- Booktouch - for children aged 0-5 who are blind or partially sighted
- Bookshine - for children aged 0-5 who are deaf or hearing impaired
- Bookstart Star - for children 3-5 who have a condition or disability that impacts on their fine motor skills
Bookstart also supply packs to support dual language learners.
If you have not received a Bookstart pack please contact your local library for more information or email: bookstart@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
Computer Code Clubs
Summer Reading Challenge 2020 Silly Squad
Our 2020 Challenge will be a celebration of funny books, happiness and laughter and will be called ‘Silly Squad’.The story will be set in a fun house and will feature a team of mad-cap animals who love to make people laugh. But be warned: a mysterious baddy is hoping to ruin their fun!
Summer Reading Challenge 2019 - successes
We had a fabulous out-of-this-world Space Chase - Summer Reading Challenge 2019 an amazing 9,262 children signed up for the Challenge to read a minimum of 6 books over the summer and 5,653 children completed the Challenge receiving a medal and certificate.
Over 10 weeks, children across our County read a staggering 226,614 books - what super readers we have in Gloucestershire, well done!
Coming soon to a library near you!
Arts Award Supporter 
Gloucestershire Libraries is an Arts Award Supporter; young people who take part in arts activities in our libraries such as the Summer Reading Challenge can obtain the Arts Award Discover.
Arts Award Supporter Gloucestershire LibrariesOpens new window
Choosing books
Reading Hack
Why not join the Reading Hack? This is a programme led by young people aged 13 -24 who do reading activities and volunteering called hacks to gain skills and experience Reading Hack. Check out the website and sign up, pop into your local library to tell us your ideas!