Gloucestershire Libraries

24/08/2026

📢 Last Chance to See Roots & Reflections at Chipping Campden Library!

There are only a few days left to visit the Roots & Reflections exhibition at Chipping Campden Library before it moves to Cheltenham Library from 1-30 September.
If you're interested in Gloucestershire's social history, this is a wonderful opportunity to listen to and explore personal stories shared by people from communities across the county. Through memories, experiences and reflections, the exhibition brings everyday history to life and celebrates the voices that have helped shape Gloucestershire.

📍 Chipping Campden Library until 27 August
📍 Cheltenham Library: 1-30 September
📍 Coleford Library: 5 October-5 November
📍 Stroud Library: 9 November-10 December
📍 Bishops Cleeve Library: 4 January-18 February
📍 Gloucester Library: 22 February-31 March
✅ Free to visit during library opening hours
✅ Everyone is welcome

Find out more about the project, supported by Arts Council England through the Let's Create programme:
Visit https://gloslibraries.uk/ageing-creativity

You can also explore the project's archive record at Gloucestershire Archives:
https://catalogue.gloucestershire.gov.uk/records/D1745
Alternatively, you can visit the main Gloucestershire Archives catalogue and search for the project
https://catalogue.gloucestershire.gov.uk
Simply enter “D17451” or “Roots and Reflections” in the search bar to locate the record.

24/08/2026

Warning: contains terrible toilets and truly disgusting history...

We're sharing history-themed reads available through BorrowBox, supporting your child to complete their Borrow tasks and work towards Gold in The Library Challenge! Not convinced by knights and castles? That's fine too. The Library Challenge is designed to be completed your child's way, whatever their age, interest, or ability.

We couldn’t talk history for kids without mentioning the GOAT series that is Horrible Histories! So this week's recommendation is Measly Middle Ages by Terry Deary.

Inside you'll discover:

🤮 Revolting remedies
🚽 Medieval hygiene disasters
⚔️ Horrible punishments
🍽️ Questionable meals

If your child loves weird facts more than stories, this could be the perfect fit. Reading doesn’t have to be serious!

Find it in our catalogue as:

✅ eBook
✅ Print book

👉 Borrow now: https://gloucestershire.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBWRKENQ?ENTRY=measly+middle+ages&ENTRY_NAME=BS&ENTRY_TYPE=K&SORTS=SQL_REL_WRK&GQ=measly+middle+ages&NRECS=10&QRY=&QRYTEXT=Full+catalogue&_SPQ=2

The library catalogue has a huge range of Horrible Histories and other fun, gross, fact packed non-fiction for all ages, available as traditional print books, eBooks, eAudio, and even some great eMagazine options!

The Library Challenge 2026: Tales Through Time
Any child age 3+ can join for free at any Gloucestershire Library now until 12th Sept. Complete a range of activities, chosen by your child, to collect rewards and work towards Gold!

22/08/2026

What's on next week🌟

The fun isn't over yet! We've got another fantastic line-up of events taking place across the county this week. Whether you're already taking part or thinking about joining, there's still plenty of time to get involved.

You can sign up for the Library Challenge until 12 September, so don't miss out on the fun, activities and prizes!

This is just a selection of the events we have going on next week, visit our website to book your space and see all of what is on next week 📚

https://gloslibraries.uk/event-list?keywords=&library_field=All&month=All&audience=All&category=The+Library+Challenge

21/08/2026

Come to our DROP-IN LAB OPEN DAY at Dursley Library next Friday. We would love to see you 😍

As part of our summer outreach programme, at this family-focused event, we'll be demonstrating some of the kit we work with in our LABs to learn about:

This is a DROP-IN OPEN DAY.

• Building digital musical instruments,
• Programming LEGO to move and respond, creating 3D models, making games and computer programs,
• Drawing and illustrating in digital art, and more!

This is an excellent opportunity to experience the digital-creative side of technology with the help of our friendly Lab Techs, and to learn more about what our Libraries offer in this space.

Want to keep the fun going? There's still time to sign up to The Library Challenge (TLC) and complete even more activities and challenges throughout the summer. Not a library member yet? Joining is quick, free and gives you access to TLC and much more.

21/08/2026

🛠️ Bank Holiday = DIY Time! 🛠️
Got a project you’ve been meaning to tackle? Make it happen with the Library of Things! Borrow toolkits, drills, sanders and more for £5 or less — perfect for giving your home a refresh without the cost of buying new tools.

📍 Available at:
Charlton Kings, Quedgeley & Up Hatherley Libraries


🔗 Browse the catalogue:
https://gloucestershire.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?QRY=SVL(LOT202602)&SORTS=SQL_RANDOM&QRYTEXT=The%20Library%20of%20Things

20/08/2026

There's still time to get tickets for this! 🎫

If you're interested in writing or reading, then come along for a thoughtful and welcoming event at Stroud Library next Thursday 27 August at 2pm.

On the panel of speakers will be Robin Mukherjee who writes for film, TV, radio and theatre, Franny Moyle who is a biographer, mainly with a historical focus, and Rebecca Tantony who writes poetry and non-fiction.

The panel will explore the questions 'How does writing change the writer', and there will be time for audience discussion and questions. We'd love you to join us!

Tickets are £3, which will go towards supporting future library events.

https://gloslibraries.uk/event/stroud-library-collected-live-how-does-writing-change-writer-27-08-2026

20/08/2026

Local Legend Talk ⭐

Perfect for curious young minds, this engaging session will introduce children to the life of John Moore, his love of the natural world, and the lasting impact he had on Tewkesbury and the surrounding countryside. Through stories, local history, and inspiring insights, children will discover how Moore's observations of wildlife and rural life helped capture the character of Gloucestershire for future generations.

A fun and educational event for children and families who enjoy nature, history, and exploring the stories behind their local community.

Suitable for children aged 6+. Younger siblings welcome to join. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Visit our website to book you space now: https://gloslibraries.uk/library/tewkesbury-library

19/08/2026

Ready for October, season of thrills? 🚨🔪

Join crime authors L.J. Shepherd and Alis Hawkins in conversation at beautiful Lydney Library as they discuss Shepherd's latest legal thriller 'One of Your Number.' A murder trial, a chemical attack, a locked courtroom, jurors with dark secrets... what more could you ask for!

These relaxed and informal events always feel more like a friendly chat than an interview, with the audience welcomed into the conversation. Why not join us?

Author Talk: L.J. Shepherd
📍Lydney Library
📆Thursday, 1 October, 18:00
🎟 Tickets: £3

Space is limited, book now at https://gloslibraries.uk/event/lydney-library-author-talk-lj-shepherd-1-10-2026

Alis Hawkins

19/08/2026

🎵 Mix and Mash is back at Lydney Library 🎵

Join us for inclusive live jam sessions on 26 August and 9 September.

Delivered in partnership with The Music Works, Mix and Mash is a creative space for young people aged 7 to 25, particularly those with additional needs, to explore music in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.

🎸 No experience needed
🥁 Try out instruments
🎤 Make music and have fun

Lydney Library
Wednesdays, 2pm to 5pm

Find out more: https://gloslibraries.uk/space-to-create

The Music Works - Gloucester

19/08/2026

Experience history through music at five libraries in Gloucestershire next week. 🎶🎻🎺

Two professional musicians from will give us a taste of music from different time periods and then support children with exploring and creating with sound.

🪖Blitz Beats
Longlevens Library
Thursday 25 August, 11:00
Trace the musical journey of an evacuee to the countryside during WWII, learn morale-boosting songs, and create soundscapes of the blitz.

🎩Victorian Voices
Matson Library
Thursday 25 August, 14:15
Experience the music of the Victorians and create your own Victorian street cry!

✈Music Takes Flight!
Fairford Library
Wednesday 26 August, 11:30
Explore iconic tunes associated with flight.

🫅Royal Rhythms
Hucclecote Library
Friday 28 August, 10:30
Taste the music of royalty through the ages and create a royal fanfare!

⏳Journey Through the Ages
Hesters Way Library
Friday 28 August, 14:15
Time travel through music as you enjoy music from many different time periods.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Book here: https://gloslibraries.uk/event-list?keywords=music+through+time&library_field=All&month=All&audience=All&category=The+Library+Challenge