Westmorland and Furness Libraries
Westmorland and Furness Libraries
Launch Event Summer Reading Challenge@ Barrow Library
Saturday 4 July 2026
Come along and join us for the launch of "Read to the Beat" Summer Reading Challenge 2026.
Sign up your child to read four books over the Summer holidays and they will received incentives and a medal at the end of the challenge.
Drop in anytime between 10am-3pm.
Please not your child can sign up to the challenge anytime in July/August.
Barrow Library
Summer Fun @ Roose Tempoary Library
Between Monday 20 July 2026 and Monday 31 August 2026
Come along and join us for a FREE fun Summer Reading Challenge event.
Every Monday during the school summer holiday period
20 July - Junk Modelling Musical Instruments
27 July - Camera QR Quest
3 August - Board Games
10 August Superheroes Treasure Hunt (dress up optional)
17 August - Paint your own picture frames
24 August - Toilet Rolls - Musical Stars
Drop in any time between 10am-3pm and enjoy a self led activity. Our colleagues will be on hand if you need any help.
Don't forget to sign up to the Reading Challenge and borrow some wonderful books.
Roose Temporary Library
She ran away to the Circus @Walney Library
Monday 20 July 2026
To celebrate this year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, “Read to the Beat,” Sally Ann Staunton (known locally to the children as Fairy Peaseblossom) will be performing for the library her interactive storytelling performance She Ran Away to the Circus — a lively, rhyme filled, music driven show perfect for families and young readers.
About the Show She Ran Away to the Circus is a high energy storytelling experience performed entirely in spoken word, rhyme, and rhythm, with live interactive music woven throughout. Children become part of the performance as they clap, chant, move, and help bring the circus world to life.
‘She ran away to the circus’ tells the story of a little girl called Lilly whose a little bit wild. Tired of not feeling she belongs in the world around her she goes in search of a exciting adventure in the hope to find her ‘happy’ place.
When the circus comes to town Lilly cant wait to go join the fun. The adventure inside the Circus tent sees Lilly meeting all the Circus acts. The ringmaster, Mr Strongman, snake charmer and a clown who tell Lilly how they came to join the circus. But will it be the place she has been looking to run away too?
‘It doesn’t matter if your different, passionate a little wild
You’ll find your place in this world in time little child.’
This original story is bursting with poetic narration, live music, catchy songs, silly dancing and sensory theatre. An immersive show that gets to the heart of finding our ‘happy’ place and how running away from our sadness won’t solve our problems but how talking to people can.
Performer: Sally Ann Staunton
Writer: Sally Ann Staunton
Technical Production: Damo Rose
Walney Library
She ran away to the Circus @ Barrow Library
Monday 20 July 2026
To celebrate this year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, “Read to the Beat,” Sally Ann Staunton (known locally to the children as Fairy Peaseblossom) will be performing for the library her interactive storytelling performance She Ran Away to the Circus — a lively, rhyme filled, music driven show perfect for families and young readers.
About the Show She Ran Away to the Circus is a high energy storytelling experience performed entirely in spoken word, rhyme, and rhythm, with live interactive music woven throughout. Children become part of the performance as they clap, chant, move, and help bring the circus world to life.
‘She ran away to the circus’ tells the story of a little girl called Lilly whose a little bit wild. Tired of not feeling she belongs in the world around her she goes in search of a exciting adventure in the hope to find her ‘happy’ place.
When the circus comes to town Lilly cant wait to go join the fun. The adventure inside the Circus tent sees Lilly meeting all the Circus acts. The ringmaster, Mr Strongman, snake charmer and a clown who tell Lilly how they came to join the circus. But will it be the place she has been looking to run away too?
‘It doesn’t matter if your different, passionate a little wild
You’ll find your place in this world in time little child.’
This original story is bursting with poetic narration, live music, catchy songs, silly dancing and sensory theatre. An immersive show that gets to the heart of finding our ‘happy’ place and how running away from our sadness won’t solve our problems but how talking to people can.
Performer: Sally Ann Staunton
Writer: Sally Ann Staunton
Technical Production: Damo Rose
Barrow Library - Summer Reading Challenge for children
Summer Fun @ Walney Library
Between Tuesday 21 July 2026 and Tuesday 1 September 2026
Come along and join us for a FREE fun Summer Reading Challenge event.
Every Tuesday during the School Summer Holiday
21 July - Junk Modelling Musical Instruments
28 July - Camera QR Quest
4 August - Board Games
11 August Superheroes Treasure Hunt (dress up optional)
18 August - Paint your own picture frames
25 August - Toilet Rolls - Musical Stars
1 September - Lego Day
Drop in any time between 10am-3pm and enjoy a self led activity. Our colleagues will be on hand if you need any help.
Don't forget to sign up to the Reading Challenge and borrow some wonderful books.
Walney Library
Rucksack of Rhymes@ Ulverston Library
Tuesday 21 July 2026
For children aged 0-5 years and their parent/carers
Perk up your ears as we listen for the human and natural sounds of a busy summer. We will use songs, activities, and our imagination to learn about William and Dorothy Wordsworth's writing. travel with them across woods, towns and the seaside by day and night, encountering noisy and quiet as we go.
Please book a space for each child attending.
Ulverston Library
Off on an Adventure @Ulverston Library
Tuesday 21 July 2026
For Children age 5 -11 years and their parents/carers
A session of crafts and creative writing about journeys and adventures for primary age children exploring the writing of William and Dorothy Wordsworth and their lives more than 200 years ago.
Please book a ticket for each child attending
Ulverston Library
Summer Party - Crafts and Activities @Barrow Library
Tuesday 21 July 2026
For families with children of all ages
Come and celebrate a sunny summer with drop in crafts and creative writing with our friends from Wordsworth Grasmere. Make your own summer kite and decorate postcards, enjoy games and play.
Drop in - no need to book
Barrow Library - Summer Reading Challenge for children
Summer Fun @ Barrow Library
Between Wednesday 22 July 2026 and Wednesday 2 September 2026
Come along and join us for a FREE fun Summer Reading Challenge events.
Every Wednesday during the School Summer Holiday
22 July - Junk Modelling Musical Instruments
29 July - Camera QR Quest
5 August - Board Games
12 August Superheroes Treasure Hunt (dress up optional)
19 August - Paint your own picture frames
26 August - Toilet Rolls - Musical Stars
2 September - Lego Day
1 September - Lego Day
Drop in any time between 10am-3pm and enjoy a self led activity. Our colleagues will be on hand if you need any help.
Don't forget to sign up to the Reading Challenge and borrow some wonderful books.
Dates
Barrow Library - Summer Reading Challenge for children
Summer Fun @ Askam Library
Between Thursday 23 July 2026 and Thursday 3 September 2026
Come along and join us for a FREE fun Summer Reading Challenge event.
Every Thursday during the School Summer Holiday
23 July - Junk Modelling Musical Instruments
30 July - Camera QR Quest
6 August - Board Games
13 August Superheroes Treasure Hunt (dress up optional)
20 August - Paint your own picture frames
27 August - Toilet Rolls - Musical Stars
3 September - Lego Day
Drop in between 2pm-5pm and enjoy a self led activity. Our colleagues will be on hand if you need any help.
Don't forget to sign up to the Reading Challenge and borrow some wonderful books.
Askam Library
Summer Fun @ Ulverston Library
Between Friday 24 July 2026 and Friday 4 September 2026
Come along and join us for a FREE fun Summer Reading Challenge event.
Every Friday during the School Summer Holiday
24 July - Junk Modelling Musical Instruments
31 July - Camera QR Quest
7 August - Board Games
14 August Superheroes Treasure Hunt (dress up optional)
21 August - Paint your own picture frames
28 August - Toilet Rolls - Musical Stars
4 September - Lego Day
Drop in between 10am-5pm and enjoy a self led activity. Our colleagues will be on hand if you need any help.
Don't forget to sign up to the Reading Challenge and borrow some wonderful books.
Ulverston Library @ The Coro
Hungry Caterpillar Music Workshop (Age 5-7) @Penrith Library
Monday 27 July 2026
Inviting all children 5-7 years old (KS1) as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, character building and a whole lot of fun!nviting all children 5-7 years old (KS1) as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, character building and a whole lot of fun!
Penrith Library
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Music Workshop (Age 8-11) @Penrith Lib
Monday 27 July 2026
Inviting all children 8-11 years old as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026. Children will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, world building and a whole lot of fun!
Penrith Library
Hungry Caterpillar Music Workshop (Age 5-7) @Kendal Library
Tuesday 28 July 2026
Inviting all children 5-7 years old (KS1) as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, character building and a whole lot of fun!nviting all children 5-7 years old (KS1) as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, character building and a whole lot of fun!
Kendal Library
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Music Workshop (Age 8-11) @Kendal Lib
Tuesday 28 July 2026
Inviting all children 8-11 years old as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026. Children will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, world building and a whole lot of fun!
Kendal Library
Hungry Caterpillar Music Workshop (Age 5-7) @Barrow Library
Wednesday 29 July 2026
Inviting all children 5-7 years old (KS1) as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, character building and a whole lot of fun!nviting all children 5-7 years old (KS1) as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, character building and a whole lot of fun!
Barrow Library - Summer Reading Challenge for children
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Music Workshop (Age 8-11) @Barrow Lib
Wednesday 29 July 2026
Inviting all children 8-11 years old as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge 2026. Children will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ through the lens of music with accomplished musician Olivia Dacre (Cando FM, BBC Introducing) and the GILIL team (award-winning gigs in libraries outfit). Expect noise, music, world building and a whole lot of fun!
Barrow Library