Archive for the ‘Children’s Events’ Category

2
May
2012

A Canny Jubilee celebration in Princess Square

To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Newcastle Libraries are offering a
range of royal themed events.

On Friday 1 June we will launch the ‘Sixty Glorious Years’ exhibition on the level 4 book gallery at City Library and there will also be archive film footage of the Queen’s first visit to the region in the early 1950s. Drop in any time between 12noon and 5pm to watch this.

The focus of our celebrations will be the Canny Jubilee gala event which will be held outdoors in Princess Square on Saturday 2 June from 1pm – 4pm. The outdoor gala, which has been supported by Marks and Spencer, will see vintage hair and make-up demonstrations, live music, Lindy Hop dancing and an interactive ‘you have been crowned’ photo booth! Work created by community groups in the run up to the celebrations will also be on show.

Following the street party there will be an historic royal fashion show by Julia Soares-McCormick from 6.30pm at City Library.

There are also Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at our community libraries. View a full listing of Diamond Jubilee events at Newcastle Libraries.

26
Apr
2012

Spring time creations at City Library craft club

An update from Linda Routledge, Library and Information Assistant…

At the recent arts and crafts club at City Library we had great fun making a 3D spring flower arrangement and Origami jumping frogs.  We started the session with some jokes from the book ‘Silly Jokes and Giggles’ by Philip Yates which broke the ice and with the new members of the group.  It was great to have a mixture of boys and girls attending, with ages ranging from six to fourteen. We all agreed that the next session cannot come quick enough.  The only thing missing was time, which we ran out off, so as the saying goes time flies when you’re having fun!

Ask at your local library to find out about your nearest free craft session, or alternatively phone 0191 2774100 or email information@newcastle.gov.uk.

24
Apr
2012

Poetry, forensics and more at the Jesmond Festival

 

The Jesmond Community Festival 2012 starts with a grand opening concert on Friday 27 April and lasts until Sunday 13 May. There is something for everyone, from toddlers to pensioners, including choral concerts, poetry readings, family activities, walking tours, music, a fair and much more!

As well as a Jesmond photograph exhibition and children’s treasure trail, the events below will be taking place at Jesmond Library.

Tyne Rhyme and Wine
Thursday 10 May, 6:15 – 7:45pm
A lively evening of readings by popular local poets Marilyn Longstaff, Sheree Mack and Chris Robinson.  Glass of wine and nibbles on arrival. Advance booking is required by phoning 0191 277 4100 or ask at any library.

Lunchtime Recital
Friday 11 May, 12:30 – 1:30pm
Jesmond Library, St George’s Terrace
Join us for an entertaining festival of music with local musician Mary Mooney. Refreshments available. No need to book.

Ian Gillard’s Forensic Workshop for Children
Saturday 12 May, 2pm – 3:30pm
 Jesmond Library, St George’s Terrace
Calling all budding young detectives! Find out how to investigate fingerprints, DNA and so much more at this fascinating workshop suitable for all children of school age. Advance booking is required by phoning 0191 277 4100 or ask at any library.

For more information visit the Jesmond Community Festival webpage.

11
Apr
2012

Book signing with author of ‘The Gruffalo’

Julia Donaldson, Children’s Laureate and author of ‘The Gruffalo’, is visiting City Library to meet her young fans.

3pm – 3.45pm
Friday 13 April 2012
City Library

This is a free event and there is no need to book in advance.

2
Apr
2012

Children’s Easter crafts at Newburn Library

Children, parents and even library assistants had fun at Newburn Library last Saturday morning when they did some colouring in and made Easter baskets and crowns! One imaginative girl even made a bracelet and brought her own jewel to decorate her basket.

All who attended had fun and made new friends.  And the baskets will make great Easter decorations filled with small eggs or jelly beans. The best thing of all is we’re going to do it all again this Saturday, so you haven’t missed out!  Why not come along and join us?

Free Easter crafts
Saturday 7 April, 2:30pm
Newburn Library

Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

9
Mar
2012

Little owls get crafty at City Library

We recently held the first session of the new Sunday arts and crafts club started in City Library.  This was the first time we had had the crafts on a Sunday.  At 2:30pm prompt the doors opened and to my surprise there were nine children already eagerly waiting to join the club!

After some quick introductions to each other, we enjoyed the story of the owl who was afraid of the dark. We then made an owl using lambs wool, which came all the way from Sky in Scotland (kindly donated by a member of staff) some twigs, leaves and a lot of imagination.


After some wonderful creations of barn owls and tawny owls, we had time left over to make a pot-pourri cup, decorated with ribbon and diamantes, for each of the children’s mums as a Mother’s Day gift. A lovely afternoon was had by all!

The FREE children’s arts and crafts club is the last Sunday of every month at 2:30pm, following the regular children’s story time, and is suitable for ages 8 and above (under 8s can be accompanied by an adult). The next session is on 25 March 2012.

Written by Linda, Library and Information Assistant at City Library.

1
Mar
2012

Halcyon and Tenderfoot comic to launch at City Library

Comic book publishers and workshop facilitators, Art Heroes, will launch their superhero comic, Halcyon and Tenderfoot, at City Library on Saturday 31 March. Be one of the first readers to buy a copy of the new comic!

10:30am – 12:30pm: Quick Comics workshop
A fun workshop for young people who like comics, drawing, writing or just want something to do on a Saturday morning. No previous experience is needed. The workshop is aimed at 8 to 16 year olds and free to attend, but with places limited to just 30 young people, booking early is advised. Followed by the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the comic. Book by phoning 0191 2774100 or email information@newcastle.gov.uk.

1:30pm – 3:00pm: signing and sketching
The main opportunity of the day to pick up a signed copy of Halcyon and Tenderfoot, meet the creators and buy a unique sketch by the artist of the comic book.

3:00pm – 4:00pm: talk – ‘How to Make Comics the Art Heroes Way
The Art Heroes team behind Halcyon and Tenderfoot reveal their process for creating the comic book – from initial idea, to drawing techniques, to printing and promotion – and everything in between! Perfect for people wanting to make their own comics, or anyone with an interest in comic books or artistic processes.

4:00pm – 4:30pm: Signing and sketching
The last chance to get your hands on a signed copy of Halcyon and Tenderfoot or a unique sketch.

Visit the Art Heroes website.

2
Nov
2011

Dream a little dream at the Northern Children’s Book Festival

The Gala Weekend festival finale will be held over two days for the first time ever! Children can get creative in the many arts and crafts sessions taking place and storytellers and other performers will be dropping in throughout the weekend.

This year’s Northern Children’s Book Festival is based around the theme ‘Dream a Little Dream’ which captures the creativity and imagination involved in reading. Everyone likes to read before bed and the dreams we have are heavily influenced by the stories we read in our favourite books. ‘Dream a Little Dream’ sums up the unicorns, magic carpets, castles and witches we’ve all discovered in the land of nod.

Gala Weekend
10am – 4pm
19 – 20 November
Benfield School, Newcastle upon Tyne

Find out more about the Gala Weekend.

The Northern Children’s Book Festival brings together 12 local authorities in the North East and is also partnership between all the library services in the region.

10
Oct
2011

Ever made a smoothie with a bike?

It’s the Olympics next year (in case you hadn’t realised!) so there’s no better time to start getting fit and active. Drop in to City Library to try out something a bit different – there’s something for the whole family including dance mats, Zumba, inflatable football (weather dependant), Wii sports and rowing challenges. Plus use your pedal power to make a rewarding and delicious smoothie!

The Active Newcastle Roadshow
10am – 3pm
Friday 14 – Saturday 15 October 2011
City Library

No booking is necessary. Simply turn up on the day and get active!

Find out about regular activities such as archery, skateboarding, step aerobics and gymnastics. Visit the Active Newcastle website.

5
Oct
2011

Tricks and treats for all the family this Halloween

Arts and crafts at City Library

Halloween themed crafts for the over 8s will take place at City Library at 2:30pm – 3:30pm on Saturday 15 October. No need to book, just come along.

Denton Dene glowing lantern walk

Join us for a bright and glowing lantern walk through Denton Dene on Friday 28 October 2011. Remember to dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes! We’ll begin the walk at 5:30pm at Denton Burn Library and get back at around 6:15pm for refreshments and fun activities in the library until 7:30pm. Suitable for all the family but children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book.

Lantern making crafts

Make your very own lantern for the walk above at one of our workshops:

West End Library
2pm – 5pm, Tuesday 25 October

Denton Burn Library
2pm – 5pm, Thursday 27 October

Booking details below.

Martin’s Halloween Magic Show

Don’t fancy a walk?  There will be scares and thrills galore courtesy of the magic spells of Martin the wizard. For children aged 7 to 12 years.

Newbiggin Hall Library
2:30pm, Tuesday 25 October

West End Library
2:30pm, Thursday 27 October

Children’s Halloween party

Get spooked at Fenham Library’s Halloween part on Monday 31 October from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Events will include a story time and Halloween games. There’s a prize for the best Halloween costume. Suitable for children aged 5 to 11.

To book your place at any of the events phone 0191 2774100, email information@newcastle.gov.uk or ask at any library. Events are suitable for all the family but children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

5
Oct
2011

Half term events for young trolls

This year’s Big Juice Read is ‘The Wrong Pong’ by Steven Butler. The story follows Neville who goes down the toilet to the land of Under where he meets a family of trolls. Fans of Horrid Henry or Roald Dahl will love this stinky story! Author Steven Butler will be visiting City Library to talk all things trolls and smells – including crafts and prizes. Come dressed as a troll too!

Meet Steven Butler
2pm – 4pm
Sunday 23 October 2011
City Library

Book your place by phoning 0191 2774100, emailing information@newcastle.gov.uk or ask at any library.

Watch a trailer for the book below.

There will also be activities at all our branch libraries over half term – ask in your local library for details or phone 0191 2774100.

There are loads of other fantastic events for children as part of this years Juice Festival such as the Big Monster Day at the Laing Art Gallery and Big Bugs at the Great North Museum: Hancock. Find out more about Juice Festival 2011.

30
Aug
2011

My Voice – looking for volunteers aged 11-19

If you’re aged between 11 and 19 and want your voice to be heard, then sign up for My Voice in Newcastle. This fabulous three year project is in partnership with The Reading Agency – have the freedom to be involved for the whole three years or dip in and out to suit you.

- Create your own space where you can host events.
- Meet artists, writers and musicians.
- Work with creative professionals.
- Brand and market your ideas.
- Be trained in creating editorial content, podcasts and vodcasts.
- Set up a My Voice digital reading group.
- Create a memorable event in your community.

This project is ideal to gain work experience in event management, marketing and digital technologies. We need a small group of about twelve young people to set the wheels in motion. For more information contact Jen Brown on 0191 2774100 or email jen.brown@newcastle.gov.uk.

5
Aug
2011

Zombie science with Dr. Austin

Dr. Austin teaches teenagers how a zombie outbreak might occur, its effect on humans and how to stop it!  Enrol now for a spoof lecture featuring a multi-media presentation and live demonstrations. There are several sessions to choose from:

Saturday 20 August
2pm – 3pm and 4pm – 5pm

Sunday 21 August
12noon – 1pm and 3pm – 4pm

Suitable for children aged 13 and over. To book your free place phone 0191 2774100, email information@newcastle.gov.uk or ask at your local library.

Find out more about the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies.

28
Jul
2011

Meet two award winning children’s authors

Both Sara Fellows and Peter Keane won the Northern Star writing competition to produce a children’s book and have had their entries successfully published.

On Monday 1 August from 2pm – 3pm Sara will be visiting City Library to talk about her book ‘The Nine Lives of Oscar the Cat’.

Then on Monday 15 August from 2pm – 3pm Peter will visit City Library to read excerpts from ‘Standing Stone’.

Both events are suitable for children aged 8 and over. To book your free place phone 0191 2774100, email information@newcastle.gov.uk or ask a member of staff ay your local library.

20
Jul
2011

Circus Stars – the Summer Reading Challenge

Roll up!  Roll up!  Roll up! Looking for a challenge this summer?  Circus Stars is the theme of the national Summer Reading Challenge for 2011.  Sign up for free at your local library.

Meet the most marvellous, the most monstrous, the most magical, the most mysterious characters in all the world!  Read all about them when you visit your library, ‘the big top of books’, this Summer!  Circus Stars runs from Saturday 23 July until Sunday 4 September. All children aged 5-12 are encouraged to join in the fun.

The challenge is to read six books over the summer holidays to receive a Circus Stars certificate and wristband.  Schools could win the new Starbucks Summer Reading Challenge Trophy which will be awarded to the school with the most children who complete the challenge, so get your friends reading!

Be entertained by performers and magicians and get creative at craft sessions at most Newcastle Libraries.  Events are free but must be booked unless otherwise stated.  Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.  To find out more ask at your local library, phone 0191 2774100 or email information@newcastle.gov.uk. Also take a look at the events in green for the month of August in our events calendar.

You can find more fun and games from your favourite authors on the Circus Stars website.