South Gloucestershire Libraries

30/08/2026

Hanham Library are delighted to be hosting a talk from bestselling novelist Ben Kane. Ben's latest novels, Land Aflame (book 4 in the Hannibal series was published in July 2026) and Cannae : The Longest Day is coming out in September 2026.

Ben will be explaining how he researches the historical settings for his books and comes up with the stories, and with 25+ titles published this should be a fascinating talk. https://benkane.net/the-author/

Tickets can be found at sglibraries.eventbrite.com.

28/08/2026

⭐🏅 Have you finished this years Summer Reading Challenge? Don't forget to visit your local library to collect your Summer Reading Challenge Medal and Certificate! 🏅⭐

Come along and get a picture with the Read to the Beat Summer Reading Challenge Trophy! 🏆🎉

To find your nearest library visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries/find-a-library/

For more information on our library activities visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries/library-activities-events/

28/08/2026

A former fashion journalist Jo Leevers became fascinated with the life stories of people that she interviewed in that role. Jo is now creating her own fascinating characters in her novels, the latest of which is The Museum of Second Chances, which comes out in July.

Jo would love to tell you more about her stories, so come and join her at Yate Library to hear more.

Tickets for this event and other author talks across South Gloucestershire Libraries can be found at sglibraries.eventbrite.com.

https://www.joleevers.com/

25/08/2026

🎵📚 Join us for Last Chance Crafts at Thornbury Library! 📚🎵

Come and get creative! 🌈✂️🎨
Free drop-in fun for primary school aged children.

📅 Wednesday 26th August
⏰ 10:30am - 12:00pm
📍 Thornbury Library

For more information on our activities at a library near you, visit: https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/holiday-activities/



Read to the Beat illustrations by Harry Woodgate and © The Reading Agency 2026

24/08/2026

17/08/2026

Looking for something Fun and Free to do with the kids this summer? 🥳🤩📚

➡️🌟Read to the Beat is happening in all South Gloucestershire Libraries - pop in to your local library to find out how you can join in the fun!

Collect stickers and rewards - and don't forget your free activity bag when you join! 🌞🤩

We also have lots of Summer Activities happening across all branches - find out more on our Holiday Activities Page: https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/holiday-activities/

Illustrations © Harry Woodgate 2026. Read to the Beat © The Reading Agency 2026, registered charity number 1085443 England and Wales.

Every child aged 4 and over is invited to join in by reading books and taking part in free activities to collect stickers and rewards, including a medal and certificate.

17/08/2026

Preparing right now for another lovely visit from Echo the Pets as Therapy Dog in Yate Library!

Pop in today from 10:30-11.30am in Yate library - and if you can’t make this week, you can always catch us next Monday for Echo’s last visit of the summer.

Reading out loud to animals helps children boost confidence and literacy skills 😁📚❤️

17/08/2026

⭐🎧🎸 Look at these amazing Read to the Beat Lego creations from the children at Thornbury Library! 🎸🎧⭐

We have loads of exciting activities this Summer Holidays. Why not join this years Summer Reading Challenge, and collect stickers by reading and attending library events. 😊

For more information on our activities at a library near you, visit: https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/holiday-activities/

15/08/2026

🩵🤩We are so excited to have the Wardrobe Ensemble's production of The Deep Sea Seekers at Yate Library this September 26th! 🤩🩵

Join Alph, Betty and Gammo for an enchanting, interactive journey across the seven seas where you take the steering wheel! 🐙

The Deep Sea Seekers is a deep dive adventure family show for 3-8 year olds from The Wardrobe Ensemble. 🐟

Tickets available:

Saturday 26 September • 11 AM - 12 PM
Saturday 26 September • 2 PM - 3 PM

Alph, Betty and Gammo need the Seekers to help them complete their latest mission and answer one of the greatest questions of all time – what is a humpback whale’s favourite song? 🐳🎧

Book your tickets at our Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-theatre-yate-library-the-deep-sea-seekers-tickets-1996977161447?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&_gl=1*nv0ygg*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTgwMzgwODYxMC4xNzg2NzAxOTQ1*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3ODY3MDE5NDQkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODY3MDE5NDQkajYwJGwwJGgwJGRpOTRxTE5TaTFnaG0xRzFKRldEbWRBTXo2TUM4X1BqYXR3

14/08/2026

🤩🪘 We had a fabulous time with and his West African Drumming Workshop at Thornbury Library! 🪘🤩

Thank you so much to Batch for providing such fun and engaging workshops for the children, and thank you to all the families that joined in with the drumming this summer. 💛

Here's what families had to say:

⭐ "Helped my child’s confidence shine. He loved this workshop."

⭐ "Both boys really enjoyed the drumming workshop. It was something neither of them have ever done before. What an experience. Thank you."

⭐ "We loved it! My daughter was engaged from beginning to the end! Please do more drum sessions."

⭐ "Fantastic workshop! Great engagement for all children and super observant of needs. Brilliant!"

For more information on our other Summer Holiday activities, visit: https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/holiday-activities/