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/ National Storytelling Week / / Women’s History Month / / Children’s Mental Health Week / / Mini Gardening Festival / A dvance booking required for most events
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JANUARY National Storytelling Week
FEBRUARY 27TH JANUARY - 4TH FEBRUARY
VALENTINES DAY
Join us at your local library for our regular story time sessions suitable for children and their families. Discover the joy of sharing stories, listening and making new friends. Check your local library for specific times/dates.
Candle Painting Workshops
Kirsty Hartsiotis
Antony Nanson
Jane Springham
Legends of the Gloucestershire Wilds
Share a Tale with Jane Springham
Join Fire Springs storytellers Kirsty Hartsiotis and Anthony Nanson for a journey into Gloucestershire's legendry otherworld. We’ll venture into the wilder reaches of the county to discover the fairies, ghosts, and other mysterious beings and goings-on out there in the woods and wolds and waterways and on the edges of the imagination. Kirsty’s and Anthony’s books include, among others, Gloucestershire Folk Tales, Gloucestershire Ghost Tales, Gloucestershire Folk Tales for Children, Wiltshire Folk Tales, and Storytelling and Ecology. Age suitability 14+ years.
Come and join storyteller Jane Springham to hear a Gloucestershire tale or two. Listen to some local folktales that connect with the Gloucestershire landscape – and maybe share one of your own stories (either your favourite fictional tale or a real memory/ story about Gloucestershire that you’d like to share). Age suitability 14+ years.
Cheltenham Library:
Monday 29th January, 17:45 – 18:45
Cirencester Library:
Tuesday 30th January, 17:45 – 18:45
Gloucester Library:
Thursday 1st February, 17:45 – 18:45
Tuffley Library:
Tuesday 30th January, 14:30 – 15:30
Longlevens Library:
Tuesday 30th January, 16:15 – 17:15
Discover the art of candle painting with this fun and creative workshop. Learn the art of candle painting while enjoying a glass of prosecco and indulging in delicious cupcakes. During the workshop, you will learn how to create your own beautifully unique tapered dinner candles. These handmade candles make perfect treasured keepsakes or thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. You don't need any prior experience as our workshop is suitable for all abilities. Ages 18+. Longlevens Library:
Wednesday 7th Feb, 19:00 – 20:30
Prestbury Library:
Tuesday 13th Feb, 19:00 - 20:30 Tickets: £15 each
VALENTINES DAY
Willow Crafting Workshops Willow is a fantastic natural and sustainable resource. Here is your chance to explore the wonders of willow and learn all about this amazing plant and it’s uses. Come and join Linda (from Tump Willows) in this fun and relaxed session where you can create and play. We will be making hearts and flowers ready for that special person in your life on Valentines Day. If you’re not one for celebrating Valentines Day, we can find a project you engage with regardless and make something fun with willow. Suitable for ages 16+. Cirencester Library:
Saturday 3rd February, 11:00 – 13:00
Charlton Kings Library:
Saturday 10th February, 10:00 – 12:00
Hucclecote Library:
Saturday 10th February, 13:30 – 15:30
Tickets: £10 each
Candle Painting Workshops
Mindful Movement with Shift
CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK: 5TH – 11TH FEB
Mindful Movement with Shift Move, feel good, let go of your worries, stretch it out and relax. In this session we will teach you about the science behind yoga and what effect it's having on your body and mind and teach you mindfulness tools that you can easily use in your day to let go of worries, sleep better at night and feel more confident. Sessions are suitable for ages 8 – 13. Newent Library:
Monday 5th Feb, 16:30 – 17:30
Matson Library:
Tuesday 6th Feb 16:00 – 17:00
Tewkesbury Library:
Tuesday 6th Feb 16:30 – 17:30
Up Hatherly Library:
Thursday 8th Feb 16:00 – 17:00
Winchcombe Library:
Friday 9th Feb 16:00 – 17:00
Stroud Library:
Friday 9th Feb 16:30 – 17:30
Mindfulness Mandala Project 1ST – 12TH FEBRUARY 2024 Join us for Childrens’ Mental Health Week and create a petal for our Mindfulness Mandala. Draw something that makes you happy or use one of the provided templates to colour in. Add to our collaborative project and watch the mandala grow! Drop in and take part in one of the following library sites: Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud
Worry Box Project Take part in this interactive and continuous display for children during Children’s Mental Health Week. Write down your worries and feed it to our cardboard worry box: a safe place for children to write down anything and not have it ‘discovered’. The worry box will hold your worries for you. Lydney, Coleford, Cinderford and Newent Libraries are taking part in this initiative.
EASTER HOLIDAYS :
Mini Gardening Festival
MARCH
(For Children and Families)
World Book Day
Join Lee Connelly, widely known as the Skinny Jean Gardner, for an action-packed session to explore the world of gardening. Each activity will take you on a journey to learn more about the natural world and how you can grow more for nature back at home.
7TH MARCH 2024 Swap an old costume for a new one this World Book Day! Take part in The Library Costume Swaps 19th February – 7th March. Donations are welcome and there’s no need to swap to take one home.
Interactive Seed Sowing & Claw Machine Game (Sow & Grow)
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Open Arts Evenings Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. Throughout history, women have used art to express their experiences, advocate for rights and challenge societal issues. Come and join us in the Library this March for a female-led ‘WHM Open Arts Evening’ where artists will be sharing their creative work through different art mediums. Listen to the voices and stories that champion women, and we hope you are encouraged to think, laugh, emphathise and celebrate. Expect a pick-and-mix event of creative offerings - So sit back, relax, eat cake, drink wine and enjoy. Gloucester Library:
Friday 8th March, 19:00 – 20:30
Stroud Library:
Saturday 16th March, 19:00 – 20:30 Pay What You Choose Tickets
Our Histories, Our Stories and How They Empower Us Join artist, Sophia Spooner in a series of creative writing and mapping workshops that will examine our relationships to our life histories and the women in them. Where they began, what stories were passed down and what we have learned from ourselves during the course of our own life histories. Cheltenham Library:
Saturday 16th March, 10.30 – 12.30
Cirencester Library:
Saturday 30th March, 10.30 -12.30
Learn how to plant seeds whilst playing our fun and interactive claw machine game – where you’ll have the chance of winning some exciting gardening goodies.
Build a Bug Hotel An opportunity for young gardeners to design and construct miniature shelters for insects, whilst also learning about the importance of biodiversity in our gardens.
Gardening Library Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of stories, learning about the magic of plants, the wonders of pollination, and the adventures of curious garden explorers. This space nurtures curiosity and a love for reading while imparting valuable gardening knowledge and is a quiet zone of the festival.
Colouring Zone
The Colouring Zone is a haven for budding artists and children can let their creativity flow. Children can express their imagination and turn festival designed sheets into vibrant gardens of their own.
Selfie Area Families can capture joyful moments surrounded by blooming flowers and playful garden-themed props. By sharing these experiences, families not only create lasting memories but also inspire others to explore the wonders of gardening.
Music Played by Plants This innovative zone merges technology with nature, allowing children to witness the harmonious relationship between plants and music. By interacting with plants that create melodies, children learn about plant responsiveness, learning a sense of wonder and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. Book on to one of our three time slots (10:00 – 11:45, 13:00 – 14:45 or 15:00 – 16:45) at the following libraries: Churchdown Library:
Tuesday 2nd April
Fairford Library:
Wednesday 3rd April
Quedgeley Library:
Thursday 4th April
New Beginnings Clothes Swap and Upcycling Sessions (Teens and Adults)
Gloucester Library:
Monday 25th March, 17:15 – 18:45
Longlevens Library:
Wednesday 27th March, 17:30 – 19:00
Bring your old items of clothes along to this pop up session run by JOLT Studios Artist, Sam Bates (Vintage Nemo Art). You can swap with others or give old items a new lease on life with fabrics or old jewellery. This session is for all ages, genders and experience.
Stroud Library:
Monday 1st April, 17:00 – 18:30
Cheltenham Library:
Wednesday 3rd April, 17:15 – 18:45
If you enjoy the session you are welcome to attend the New Beginnings regular sessions hosted every second Thursday, from 17:30 – 19:00 at Jolt Studios.
OTHER REGULAR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Tuffley Library:
Monday 25th March, 10:30 – 12:30
Hucclecote Library:
Monday 25th March, 13:30 – 15:30
Wild and Green Outdoor Learning Sessions
Prestbury Library:
Thursday 28th March, 10:30 – 12:30
Bishops Cleeve Library:
Thursday 28th March, 13:30 – 15:30
Get stuck in as a family with a range of outdoor craft activities. The team from Wild & Green will be hosting a range of Springtime activities in the following libraries:
Tewkesbury Library:
Thursday 4th April, 11:00 – 13:00
Charlton Kings Library:
Thursday 4th April, 14:30 – 16:30
OTHER REGULAR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Share a Poem Share a Poem is a relaxing way of making new friends in an informal group. There is poetry inspired conversation about life in general and you don’t need to love poetry to love Share a Poem! We currently have Share a Poem groups in Cirencester, Tewkesbury, Longlevens, Bishops Cleeve and Quedgeley Libraries. Please check your local library for further details.
Nature Club – Tetbury Library Supported by Feoffees of Tetbury Nature Club is a free hour-long monthly club where children and families can learn about different animals and the natural world, and ways they can help wildlife and the environment. These sessions are suitable for children aged 4+ years.
Library Club A social activity for people who would otherwise struggle to access library services themselves. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help people to choose reading/listening materials or use a library computer. This club is held monthly, everyone is welcome to attend and refreshments are provided.
Dementia Information Sessions
Transport is also provided if needed but does need to be booked a few days in advance to guarantee you a place on the community minibus. Please contact your local library to find out more details.
One Gloucestershire are providing dementia awareness sessions in a number of libraries across the county. These provide information such as:
Book Club
What is Dementia, Common Types of Dementia Prevention / Reducing your risk of dementia How to get a diagnosis, who to contact for support How you can help: joining local DAA and also becoming a CDL Also an opportunity to speak to people who work with or support people living with dementia Upcoming Dates and Locations: Hesters Way Library:
15th January, 10.30 – 12.30
Coleford Library:
26th February, 13.30 – 15:00
Nailsworth Library:
19th March, 13.30 – 15.00
Don’t see your local library? Check out our website or pop into your library for more information on events and activities near you.
A monthly club with the chance to read and discuss a chosen book and share your favourite reads. The library supplies books in a variety of tastes and styles, in normal print or large print, and audiobooks are also available. Clubs run by the library are currently being held at the following locations: Moreton, Newent, Stow and Tuffley. Please contact the library to find out more details.
Climate Corner – Nailsworth Library Come and chat with local environment expert Richard Erskine about climate change. Conversations around a range of topics are discussed and resources are shared within the group for further reading and research. The event take place on the first Friday of each month between 10.30am - 12:30pm at Nailsworth Library. Suitable for all ages.
Teen Only Evening – Charlton Kings Library Drop in and enjoy a safe, teen only space with the following activities on offer: board games, book group, crafting table, mindfulness colouring.
Over 60s Group This is an informal social group who meet regularly in the library and take part in a range of activities including poetry readings, local history talks, art activities and more. The group decides on the activities they would like to see at upcoming meetings and the team at the library facilitate them. These groups are currently running in Cheltenham Library, Stonehouse Library and Nailsworth Library. Please contact the library directly for further information.
Murder Mystery Club – Lydney Library Do you have what it takes to crack the clues and solve the case? Play detective in this gripping murder mystery game and bring the criminal to justice. Work together as a group to solve this case. This event is suitable for ages 14 and above.
Poetry Café This event happens on a monthly basis and everyone is welcome to attend. Guest poets make appearances to perform their work and there are also slots for you to share your own work or read a poem. These groups currently take place at Gloucester Library and Cheltenham Library.
LAB Events Campden Chipping LAB Events Welcome to The Lab at Gloucestershire Libraries. Friendly community spaces, offering accessible digital skill development for all ages and abilities. Take your creativity to the next level by taking part in one of our Lab events.
Cheltenham LAB Events 3 D Printing 101: A Lab Introduction Cheltenham Lab
Age 14+
Our friendly Lab Tech will teach you all about the basics of 3D Printing, from sourcing a model design all the way through to printing the final product. 12th January, 13:00 – 14:00 16th February, 13:00 – 14:00 15th March, 13:00 – 14:00
Video Tape Transfer 101: A Lab Introduction Cheltenham Lab
Age 14+
Do you have precious memories stuck on VHS, Video8 or DV tape? Come and see how being a member of the Lab could help you transfer these memories to digital with a free demonstration of our equipment. 18th January, 13:00 – 14:00 29th February, 13:00 – 14:00 14th March, 13:00 – 14:00
Video Editing 101:
A Lab Introduction Cheltenham Lab
Age 14+
Learn the basics of video editing using Adobe Premier Pro in this beginner's workshop where we will go through how to import, edit and export video. 26th January, 13:00 – 14:00 22nd February, 13:00 – 14:00 22nd March, 13:00 – 14:00
Podcasting 101: A Lab Introduction Cheltenham Lab
Age 14+
Basics of Working with Digital Images Chipping Campden Lab
Age 11+
Have you ever dreamt about making your own podcast but have no idea where to start? From recording, to editing and publishing, we’ll cover it all in this session.
In this workshop, learn about digital images – how to use image files, edit photos, and prepare files for printing.
14th February, 13:00 – 14.30
20th January, 11:30 – 12:30
17th January, 18:00 – 19:00
6th March, 13:00 – 14.30
Lab Taster Session Chipping Campden Lab
Age 11+
This is your chance to visit the lab and try out our amazing high-tech equipment. Design and print a model using our 3d printer or a 2d model using our laser-cutter. Bring a physical object to scan into a digital model or try drawing with our high-end digital stylus. Record a podcast, use our full Adobe software suite, learn about coding and so much more..
Visual Block Coding For Everyone Chipping Campden Lab
Age 11+
Come and learn the basics of computer programming with visual block coding. This is suitable for everyone, whether you are a complete beginner, or already have some experience, this is a great chance to learn. We will use the BlocksCAD visual coding system to create a 3D model that can be printed using the lab's 3d printer or laser-cutter. 31st January, 17:30 – 18:30 9th February, 17:00 - 18:00
Design & Make A Custom Valentine's Day Gift Digital Fabrication Chipping Campden Lab
Age 11+
24th February, 11:30 – 12:30
Looking for a unique way to express your love this Valentine's Day? Unlock your creativity at the Lab by creating a custom Valentine's Day gift! Print your own design using the Lab’s 3D printer or laser-cutter.
9th March, 11:30 – 12.30
2nd February, 17:30 – 18:30
27th January, 11:30 – 12:30 10th February, 11:30 – 12:30
7th February, 17:30 – 18:30
Easter Decorations using the Laser Cutter Chipping Campden Lab
Age 7+
Come into the Lab and use the laser-cutter to make Easter decorations and paint them afterwards! All equipment and materials will be provided. 22nd March, 16:30 – 17:30 23rd March, 11.30 – 12.30
Gloucester LAB Events Lego Inventors
Coleford
Gloucester LAB
LAB Events Bringing Stories to Life: Stop motion basics. Coleford LAB
All Ages
Animation is for everyone, regardless of age or ability. If you’ve ever wanted to get started, but weren’t sure how, this workshop is for you. Bring simple characters to life, create a story and make a short animation in an hour! 2nd February, 17:15 – 18:15
An introduction to creating Vtuber puppets Coleford LAB
Age: 14+
This workshop is hosted in 2 parts and both dates should be attended. Create your own 2D animated avatar using Adobe CC’s fresco, photoshop in this lightning fast introduction to character animator. You must be comfortable navigating a computer using both a mouse and a stylus/pen. You don’t need any prior knowledge of digital art, but it would be helpful as these sessions will be fairly fast paced. First Session 23rd February, 17:30 – 18:30 This will focus on creating our puppet, including: looking at the software that we will use to create your avatar, understanding how to use layers to assist in rigging the puppet later on, and how to group puppet elements for efficient animation. Second Session 1st March, 17:30 – 18:30 This will focus on rigging the puppet; how to set animation and physics behaviours; setting up a scene; how to lip sync using pre recorded clips, and finally on recording and exporting the scene.
Code Camp Challenge (All day) Coleford LAB
Age: 12 - 16
Up for a challenge this Easter break? Sign up for Code camp at Coleford Lab.
Age 7 - 14
Age 7-14
26th January, 13:00 – 14:00
26th January, 16:00 – 17:00
2nd February, 13:00 – 14:00
7th March, 16:00 - 17:00
8th March, 16:00 – 17:00
Code a Valentine's Card in Scratch
Make a Mother's Day Gift with 3D pens
22nd March, 16:00 – 17:00
Gloucester LAB
9th February, 16:00 – 17:00
Tell a story in Scratch
Price: £15
Gloucester LAB
12th January, 16:00 – 17:00
Where will you fit in the team – concept artist, designer, coder, tester, or maybe production manager? Find out what it’s really like to work in game dev and walk away with a real product in your portfolio.
Duration: 8 Hours, 10:30 – 18:30
For teens and adults, 16+
In celebration of National Storytelling Week, learn how to use the Python programming language to create a program that tells a randomised story, based on user input! This is an entry-level introduction to Python.
23rd February, 16:00 – 17:00
Participants must book a ticket and have permission from a parent or guardian.
Gloucester LAB
Animate a poster in Scratch
Learn how to overcome obstacles and solve problems around different themes using LEGO Spike Education Kits and Scratch. We’ll provide everything you need to get started and our friendly Lab Technician will be on hand to help. This is a fun and creative way to develop practical and digital skills.
Bring your sandwiches, snacks and lots of enthusiasm because we’ve only got 8 hours to form a game studio and build a 2D platformer in Godot Engine 4.
The perfect experience for budding game designers.
Generate a story in Python
Gloucester LAB
Age 7 - 14
In celebration of National Storytelling Week, learn how to use the Scratch programming language to create a program that tells an interactive story – with pictures, animations, and sound effects! We’ll look at how to start using Scratch to create a simple story and teach you the building blocks for taking your creation further at home. 24th January, 16:00 – 17:00 31st January, 16:00 – 17:00
Age 7 - 14
You'll create a customised card that opens when clicked, containing an animation or surprise – this time we’ll be looking at a Valentine’s theme, but the project is suitable for other holidays or celebrations too. This is an absolute beginner's course in the Scratch programming language. 7th February, 16:00 – 17:00
Model a 3D Valentine's gift in Scratch Gloucester LAB
Age 16+
Learn to use Autodesk’s TinkerCAD in this hands-on workshop where we’ll introduce the basics of 3D design. We’ll be focusing on designing a Valentine’s gift in this session, but the same practice can be applied to make nearly anything. 14th February 13:00 – 14:00
In celebration of World Book Day, join us in creating a poster in Scratch and using code to make animations, movement and sound effects to bring it to life! The poster can be about your favourite book, play or story. This is an absolute beginner's course in the Scratch programming language, aimed at younger learners.
Gloucester LAB
Age 7-14
Come and make your own gift for Mother’s Day at the Lab using 3D Pens! Use one of our templates or make your own. Learn how 3D Pens work, and by the end of this session you’ll have a gift to take home. 9th March, 14:00 - 15:00
Make an Easter Decoration with 3D pens Gloucester LAB
Age 7-14
Come and make your own decoration for Easter at the Lab using 3D Pens! Use one of our templates or make your own. Learn how 3D Pens work, and by the end of this session you’ll have a decoration to take home. 29th March, 15:30 - 16:30
Stroud LAB Events Lego Inventors
Laser Cutting Workshop
Stroud LAB
This workshop is hosted in 2 parts and both dates should be attended.
Age: 7-14
Learn how to overcome obstacles and solve problems around different themes using LEGO Spike Education Kits and Scratch. We’ll provide everything you need to get started and our friendly Lab Technician will be on hand to help. This is a fun and creative way to develop practical and digital skills. 26th January, 16:30 – 17:30 9th February, 16:30 – 17:30 23rd February, 16:30 – 17:30 8th March, 16:30 – 17:30
Stroud LAB
Age: 18+
Dive into the art and precision of laser cutting at our 2-part workshop. Unleash your creativity as you learn to transform ideas into intricately cut designs using state-of-the-art laser technology. Craft, design and bring your visions to life in this hands-on laser cutter experience. Great for small business or hobbyist. You will have a friendly Lab Technician on hand to help and support and all equipment and materials will be provided.
Brilliant Blocks Coding Stroud LAB
Age: 7-14
Come visit The Lab and learn the basics of using block code. No previous code knowledge is required. 16th February, 15:30 -16:30
Excellent Easter Coding Stroud LAB
Age: 7-14
Come visit The Lab for an easter themed code club. Have a go at coding your very own easter bunny using block code. No previous code knowledge is required 22nd March, 15:30 -16:30
Session One: 5th February, 12:00 – 14:00 Session Two: 12th February, 12:00– 14:00 Price: £5 per session
Event booking is required. Scan QR code or visit gloslibraries.uk