Child Friendly Warwickshire

Make the most of these warm communal spaces this winter!

For children aged 4-11 years, many libraries across the county are offering free sessions for children to have lots of fun creating Christmas crafts, which they can take home to enjoy during the festive season. The sessions are happening at multiple library locations between 19 – 29 December, and at different times so as many children as possible are able to attend. Majority of the craft sessions are drop-in, with no pre-booking required, however on a few dates where booking is essential this is stated in the event’s online description. You can view the dates, times, and library locations to get involved in Christmas crafts on the Warwickshire Libraries ‘Christmas Crafts for Children’ Eventbrite webpage.  

For children aged 7 – 11 years, there is also the opportunity to get involved in a special Christmas-themed Let's Make sessions. To find out more about other children’s activities that are happening at your local library and how to book, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/childrensactivities.

Adult customers are invited to share their favourite books from 2022, as well as their best Christmas reading recommendations, and to ask about Warwickshire Libraries' future reading groups via email: libraryevents@warwickshire.gov.uk.

Over the festive period, Warwickshire Libraries are also offering Twixmas opening hours so that residents can still visit their local library on the 29, 30, and 31 December in between Christmas and New Year, and this will include access to the full range of library services. To find out local library opening times during the entire winter season, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/findalibrary. Don’t forget Warwickshire Libraries’ digital services are available 24/7 during the Christmas period and beyond, including the eLibrary which hosts a great range of eBooks, eAudio Books from BorrowBox, eMagazines, eNewspapers and eMusic for all residents to enjoy.

Cllr Andy Jenns, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation, said:

“It has been great to see residents returning to Warwickshire Libraries this year, and we welcome both regular and new customers who want to enjoy these warm spaces by reading a good book in a comfy chair, meeting other people, or finding out more from our friendly staff about the great range of activities and support services we have available.

“Warwickshire libraries are great communal spaces to feel safe, well and connected, and, especially with such a wonderful programme of free craft events for children, and our Twixmas opening hours on the 29, 30, and 31 December, our doors will be open and our staff can’t wait to say hello!”

Warwickshire Libraries are also participating venues in the County Council’s Warm Welcome initiative this winter. Residents who are struggling with energy costs, or who are feeling vulnerable or isolated, are invited to attend on their own or with their family or friends, to have a safe and warm place to spend some time. Each participating library will also provide support to help visitors to access advice and guidance from partner organisations such as Citizens Advice. To find out more, including which other facilities are open as Warm Welcome locations across Warwickshire, visit the Cost of Living Hub.

Warwickshire Libraries will be sharing more details about their festive events on social media, including Facebook @warwickshirelibraries and Twitter @warklibraries.

To find out more about the activities available at your local library, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries.

To join your local library for free, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/jointhelibrary.