Stacks of fun events in Swansea’s libraries this summer

WEIRD science events, dinosaur days and fancy dress competitions are among the catalogue of exciting activities taking place in Swansea libraries this summer.

Swansea Library Service has organised a huge variety of entertainment and educational workshops at libraries across the city to get as many people as possible through the doors and introduce them to the dynamic and modern library service on their doorstep.

Learning how to be a space explorer, joining in Minecraft mayhem or building a Lego robot are among the other activities being held.

Swansea Council’s library staff are also celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland’s publication with a series of Mad Hatter’s tea parties this summer.

Events like job clubs, family history workshops and cooking demonstrations have been organised for adults.

Help will also be available for people looking to learn how to use smartphones, tablets and computers. This is especially useful for anyone who wants to pack light for their holidays by downloading e-books and e-audio books.

Over 120 free e-magazines including titles like Elle, Runner’s World, Total Film and Amateur Photographer are also now available.

Libraries in Gowerton, Gorseinon, Morriston, Llansamlet, Clydach, Brynhyfryd, Pontarddulais and St Thomas are among those joining in the fun. There’ll also be plenty to do at Swansea Central Library in the Civic Centre.

Children are invited to take up the Summer Reading Challenge and read six books during their summer break from school for the chance to win prizes. Tens of thousands of young people from across the UK are taking part.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “There’s so much going in our libraries nowadays. A huge variety of events and activities has been organised at libraries across the city this summer to cater for children of all ages and interests. When the weather isn’t great, they’re ideal places for parents to take their children along to because there’ll always be something to do or get involved in.

“The added benefit of going along to a library is that it introduces children to a world of books and reading that will no doubt boost their literacy skills and help their development. Plenty of events have been organised for adults too, ranging from expert family history hunting tips to book clubs and job clubs. Libraries are very much facilities for all the family that can also prove considerably less expensive than shops and the internet if you’re looking for books, CDs or DVDs to keep yourself or the children entertained.”

Rhyme time sessions and jewellery-making are just two of the hundreds of other activities being held in Swansea’s libraries this summer.

Go to www.swansea.gov.uk/libraries for more information, follow Swansea Libraries on Facebook or Twitter, or call 01792 636464.