Families across the Isle of Wight are being invited to enjoy a range of free Halloween-themed events at libraries during the October half term, with crafts, workshops and spooky stories on offer for children of all ages.
Activities include magic wand making, bat crafts, monster drawing, glitter tattoos and family story times. For older children aged 11 to 18, creative workshops will be run in partnership with New Carnival, covering macrame, dreamcatchers, zine-making and more.
Alongside the Halloween fun, a new reading challenge is launching. Children’s Book Bingo encourages young readers to take part in themed book challenges using mystery scratch cards. Each completed card earns a certificate, and children can take part as many times as they like.
The activity is free and suitable for all ages.
Louise Emery, Development Librarian for the Isle of Wight Council’s Library Service, has said:
“We are excited to connect with our community in new ways and share all the wonderful things happening in our libraries.
“Half term is a great opportunity for families to discover what’s on offer and get involved in creative and inspiring activities.”
For more information and booking, visit www.iow.gov.uk/thelibrary. New members can register for a library card at https://iow.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/JOIN. Updates are also available via @IWLibraries on Facebook.
HALF TERM EVENTS
Lord Louis Library, Newport
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Saturday (18th October), 14:30 – Magic wand making (ages 5+, booking essential)
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Tuesday (21st October), 10:00 – Family story time
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Thursday (23rd October), 10:00-16:00 – Drop-in monster drawing gallery (all ages)
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Saturday (25th October), 14:30 – Meet the bats talk (booking essential)
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Monday (27th October), 14:30 – Bat craft (ages 3+, booking essential)
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Tuesday (28th October), 10:00 – Family story time
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Thursday (30th October), 14:30 – Halloween macrame workshop (ages 11-18, booking essential)
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Friday (31st October), 14:30-15:30 – Free spooky glitter tattoos
Ryde Library
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Saturday (25th October), 10:30-12:00 – Owl craft (all ages)
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Monday (27th October), 14:00-16:00 – Halloween dreamcatcher workshop (ages 11-18, booking essential)
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Wednesday (29th October), 10:30-12:00 – RNLI water safety drop-in
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Friday (31st October), 10:30-12:00 – Halloween story time and craft
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Saturday (1st November), 10:30-12:00 – Firework bookmark craft (all ages)
Sandown Library
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Tuesday (28th October), 14:00-16:00 – Halloween macrame workshop (ages 11-18, booking essential)
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Friday (31st October), 13:30-15:30 – Free Halloween face painting (first come, first served)
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Saturday (1st November), 10:00-10:45 – Leaf picture craft (ages 3+, booking essential)
Ventnor Library
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Friday (24th October), 14:00-16:00 – Halloween dreamcatcher workshop (ages 11-18, booking essential)
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Saturday (25th October), 10:30-11:30 – Spooky bat chain craft
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Wednesday (29th October), 10:30-11:30 – Children’s colouring competition to win an air fryer
Cowes Library
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Friday (31st October), 14:00-16:00 – Halloween macrame workshop (ages 11-18, booking essential)
Please note: There are currently no toilet facilities at this library.
Freshwater Library
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Wednesday (22nd October), 14:00-16:00 – Woodland creature nature craft (drop-in, all ages)
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Wednesday (29th October), 14:00-16:00 – Halloween dreamcatcher workshop (ages 11-18, booking essential)
Edward Edwards Library, Niton
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Tuesday (21st October), 14:00-16:00 – Halloween zine book workshop (ages 11-18, booking essential)
East Cowes Library
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Wednesday (29th) & Thursday (30th October), 10:00-12:00 – Comic workshop with Adam (ages 11-16, booking essential)
