Fun family activities for Hertfordshire Libraries’ centenary weekend at Bishop’s Stortford Library on June 7 and 8
To celebrate Hertfordshire Libraries’ centenary year, Bishop’s Stortford Library is hosting a Join the Library Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, writes library manager Elizabeth Basey.
Our aim is to sign up 100 new members across the two days. So, if you are new to the area or have just never got around to getting your own library card, come along and explore our many services and resources.
The weekend will kick off with a Baby Rhyme Time at 10.15am on the Saturday, followed by a children’s craft activity at 11am.
Families can enjoy a drop-in 100-piece Lego Challenge from 1pm to 3pm and all are welcome at our Poetry Workshop from 2pm.
Budding writers will be encouraged to write an 11-word poem in 11 minutes or a black and white poem. Those feeling brave enough will be able to share their work or a favourite poem at our open mic, starting at 4pm.
Ever fancied learning a new skill? Join our knowledgeable staff, from 11am to 3pm, who will be on hand to teach crochet or maybe even finger knitting!
St Michael’s School Choir will be serenading us at 2.30pm and we will also be welcoming our friends from the Bishop’s Stortford Museum, who will have handling boxes and old photos to explore, plus local organisations will have information available for residents.
On the Sunday, a Poetry Workshop will start at midday and we will read some classic family favourite stories at 2pm, followed by a craft activity.
There will be board games and puzzles available to play and a special Dungeons and Dragons event from 2pm.
Our volunteer Digital Champions will be available from midday to 4pm to offer advice on tech and showcase the online library resources and our Hublets.
The Bishop’s Stortford Ukulele Society will be entertaining us at 12.30pm and 1.30pm on the Saturday and will open proceedings on the Sunday at midday.
Families and teams of up to six will be able to Escape the Library with our escape room in a box. With various time slots available over the weekend, you will have one hour to solve puzzles and codes to unlock padlocks and find the missing library card. £10 per team, please book online or in the library. Recommended for ages 8+.
Visitors to the library will be able to view the Through the Decades short film and exhibition created in celebration of the centenary of Hertfordshire Libraries.
Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help with the sign-up process and we are encouraging adults to sign up in advance with our online form. Then you can just pop in with your proof of address to collect your library card.
In true Blue Peter style, we have a totaliser! Each new member, or those renewing their membership, will be able to colour in a book on the bookshelf to help us keep track of our new members and reach our 100 target.
If you are already a member of the library, we would love to see you with friends and family enjoying our activities. We will have sweet treats to give away to the first 50 through the door each day courtesy of Tesco and Waitrose, so come one come all and join the library on our special birthday weekend!