Special Events

Stoneleigh Community Library hosts many different events and activities.  Please keep an eye on our Social Media accounts, and this website, for information about what's on.

There is also information about What's On in other Surrey Libraries on the Surrey Libraries Website.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

Launch date: Saturday 6th July 2024

SummerReadingChallenge2024poster.jpg

Attention all young bookworms! The eagerly awaited Summer Reading Challenge is back, and it's more exciting than ever! Developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with the UK's public library network, this nationwide programme aims to keep children engaged with reading during the long summer holidays.

Children aged 4-11 are invited to embark on a thrilling reading adventure, setting their own goals and collecting fantastic rewards along the way. The best part? It's completely FREE to participate! Whether you choose to take part in your local library or online, the Summer Reading Challenge promises to be an unforgettable experience.

This year's theme, "Marvellous Makers," has been developed in collaboration with Create, a charity dedicated to bringing creative arts to those in need. The Challenge aims to ignite children's creativity and storytelling abilities through the power of reading. Get ready for a summer filled with exciting activities, from junk modelling and arts & crafts to music and more!

At Stoneleigh Community Library, we're thrilled to support our young readers in this incredible initiative once again. Bring your children along to sign up for the Challenge, receive their very own Challenge poster, set a reading goal for the summer, and borrow any books that catch their eye. As they progress through the Challenge, they'll collect special stickers and rewards to celebrate their reading achievements!

For more information from the Reading Agency, visit https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make reading a fun and rewarding experience for your child this summer!

SUMMER READING MINI CHALLENGE

This programme runs from 6th July to 14th September, alongside the main Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge. It is specifically designed for toddlers and pre-school children under 4 years old. It aims to encourage parents and carers to share the joy of reading with their little ones from an early age.  It's a fantastic way to introduce young children to the world of literature and foster a lifelong love of reading.

MiniReadingChallenge.pngThe Mini Challenge features a special collector booklet tailored for younger participants. For every book shared, children can choose a sticker to add to their booklet, with a gold sticker and certificate awaiting those who complete the challenge.

In a move to further encourage participation, the Friends of Stoneleigh Library are offering a free book for each child to take home and keep upon completion.

To join the challenge, families need a Surrey Library card.  Membership of the library is free for anyone who lives, works, or studies in Surrey, and the challenge is also offered at no cost.

For more information or to sign up, families can just visit the library.

MARVELLOUS MAKERS STORY AND CRAFT SESSIONS

Calling all young adventurers and creative minds! Stoneleigh Community Library invites children aged 4-7 to embark on a magical journey of storytelling and crafting this August. Our "Marvellous Makers Story and Craft Sessions" promise to ignite imaginations and spark creativity in a fun-filled hour of enchantment.

Picture yourself nestled in our cosy children's library, transported to far-off lands through captivating tales. Then, let your artistic spirit soar as you craft your very own masterpiece inspired by the stories. These free sessions are the perfect opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, and create lasting memories.

Mark your calendars for Monday 5th August and Monday 19th August, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Parents and carers are welcome to join in the fun too! Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on this chance to become a Marvellous Maker.

FREE places for the 5th August and the 19th August sessions can be booked on the Eventbrite website up to 14 days in advance of each event.

Join us at Stoneleigh Community Library for a summer of wonder and creativity. Who knows what marvels you might make? Book your spot now and let the adventure begin!

MARVELLOUS MAKERS CRAFTY CREATORS

Calling all young inventors, artists, and dreamers! Stoneleigh Community Library is set to unleash your creativity this August with our "Marvellous Makers Crafty Creators" sessions. If you're aged 8-12 and bursting with imaginative ideas, this is your chance to shine!

Books on their endsJoin us on Thursdays from 10:30 am to 11:30 am for a whirlwind of artistic adventures. On 1st August, transform plain tiles into dazzling masterpieces to proudly display at home. Get ready to fold and craft on 8th August, as we turn ordinary books into adorable hedgehogs and playful pooches. Then on 29th August, channel your inner architect with our Lego Masterbuilders session, where your wildest structural dreams can come to life!

These FREE sessions are sure to be popular, so don't miss out! Spaces are limited, and bookings can be made here for the 1st August Tile Painting Event and are now open for the 8th August Book Folding Event on the Eventbrite website. Be quick to secure your spot in this creative extravaganza!

Whether you're a budding Picasso, an origami enthusiast, or the next great engineer, there's something for everyone at Stoneleigh Community Library this summer. Get ready to craft, create, and let your imagination soar!

FREE SUMMER READING WORKSHOP

Stoneleigh Community Library is set to welcome young readers for a free educational workshop as part of this year's Summer Reading Challenge. The event, scheduled for Thursday, 22 August, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, aims to engage children aged 5-11 in a fun-filled learning experience.

Titled "The Festival Challenge", the workshop will be led by expert tutors from Explore Learning, sponsors of the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge Library Zone. The hour-long session promises to take children on an adventure, incorporating maths and English skills to solve puzzles, create poetry, and spark imagination.

Participants will embark on a quest to locate "The Grand Festival's" prized trophy, tackling various challenges along the way. The workshop, designed to align with this year's "Marvellous Makers" theme, aims to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Child reading looking up at cameraExplore Learning, a well-established maths and English tuition provider has crafted the workshop to blend professional tutoring with innovative learning tools. This marks the third consecutive year the company has offered free themed workshops to local libraries as part of the Summer Reading Challenge.

This FREE workshop will surely be popular, so don't miss out! Spaces are limited, and bookings are now open for the 22nd August Workshop on the Eventbrite website. Be quick to secure your spot in this creative extravaganza!

LEGO AND DUPLO FUN DAY

Attention all young builders and creative minds!

Stoneleigh Community Library is thrilled to announce an exciting event just for you. On Thursday, 29th August, we're hosting a special Lego and Duplo Fun Day in the main library, and the best part is - no booking is required! Just show up with your parents or carers and get ready to let your imagination run wild.

We'll have a wide variety of Lego and Duplo sets available for children of all ages to explore and build with, and the equipment will be accessible all day long. Whether you're a seasoned architect or just starting your building adventures, there will be something for everyone. Create towering skyscrapers, design your own magical castle, or construct a world of your own. The possibilities are endless!

Lego bricksOur friendly library staff will be on hand throughout the day to offer guidance and encouragement as you bring your creations to life. It's a fantastic opportunity to bond with your family, make new friends, and develop important skills like problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork.

Don't miss out on this fun-filled day of building and exploration. Join us at Stoneleigh Community Library on Thursday, 29th August, and let your imagination soar! The Lego and Duplo sets will be available all day, so feel free to drop in at any time that suits you. We can't wait to see what amazing creations you'll come up with!

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE FINISHERS' EVENT

Saturday 21st September 2024
4.30 pm to 5.30 pm

Congratulations to all the children who complete the Marvelous Makers Summer Reading Challenge!
We hope you will join us at the library on 21st September, with your parents/carers and siblings, to celebrate your achievement.
As well as fun challenges there will be a very special guest attending the occasion. Clair Rossiter is a Marvellous Maker, award-winning illustrator, and designer of Friends of Stoneleigh Library merchandise. Clair will hold a Q&A session and give demonstrations of her illustration and drawing skills, and she will be available for signing illustrations.
We will have refreshments including biscuits and cake.
Your places can be booked via Eventbrite from 1st September.  Don't forget to wear party clothes - and your medal!

ACCLAIMED AUTHOR TO VISIT STONELEIGH LIBRARY

Louise HareWe are set to host an exciting literary event soon, featuring the acclaimed author Louise Hare. The "In Conversation" session, scheduled for Wednesday, 9th October 2024, promises an engaging evening for book enthusiasts and aspiring writers alike.

Hare, a London-based author whose debut novel "This Lovely City" garnered widespread recognition, will discuss her work and creative process. Her Canary Club Mysteries series, including the recently CWA Dagger-shortlisted "Harlem After Midnight", has firmly established her as a rising star in the crime fiction genre.

The event, running from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, will offer attendees the rare opportunity to pose questions directly to the author. Book signings will also be available, allowing fans to purchase personalised copies of Hare's works.

Louise Hare Books

While admission is free, the volunteer-run library suggests a £4 donation to support its community services. Interested parties can secure their place via email or in person at the library. However, organisers cheekily warn that late arrivals may miss out on the complimentary biscuits!

This unmissable event for crime fiction aficionados!