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.
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 health practitioners and start children on their reading journey. Bookstart Treasure packs are for every three to four year old. The are gifted from your child's pre-school setting.If you have not received a Bookstart pack please contact your local library for more information or email: bookstart@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
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
Please ask library staff if you would like to receive any of these packs.
Computer Code Clubs
Summer Reading Challenge 2018 Mischief Makers
Last year an amazing 9,826 children joined up to Animal Agents and 6,164 read six library books to complete the Challenge and collected their medal and certificate. We have super readers in Gloucestershire!
Gloucestershire Libraries are calling for children aged 4 - 12 years to sign up to read six books this summer as part of Mischief Makers, Summer Reading Challenge 2018.
The theme for the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge is Mischief Makers, inspired by the much-loved children's title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary.
To take part in Mischief Makers, all children need to do is sign up at their nearest library where they will be given a colourful collector’s map of Beanotown to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey.
Mischief Makers launches in libraries across Gloucestershire on 14th July until 8th September
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
- Children's book sequelsOpens new window
- The Reading Agency - Book Sorter
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!