Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November
Check out what’s on in our libraries this October Half Term, from autumnal crafts to spooky science, author workshops to seasonal stories, and more!
Browse these categories below:
- Halloween Themed Events: Crafts, Stories, Costumes, and Games!
- Science Events
- Books, Storytimes, Authors, and Writing Events
- Gaming Events
- Dog-tastic events!
- Wellbeing and Education
- Regular Events
Halloween Themed Events: Crafts, Stories, Costumes, and Games!
Teen Craft Week at Witham Library, all week
Witham Library is the place to haunt, with a whole week of Halloween crafts for teens! With a different theme each day, workshops will feature spooky macrame skeletons, ghost friends, autumnal wood slice painting, crochet pumpkin plushies, and string art Halloween cards.
Potion Commotion! at South Woodham Ferrers Library, Tuesday 28 October
Children can invent their very own enchanted potions using delightfully strange ingredients, use their wonky witchy/wizarding skills to create a range of spooky crafts, and take part in spellbinding games and activities, all tied together by the chaotic and colourful world of Winnie the Witch.
Is There Room On The Broom? at Rayleigh Library, Friday 31 October
Join the witch on her broomstick adventure in a storytime, help the witch make her potion, and even make your own wand! Booking required.
Science Events
Spooky Science with Author Sandra Beale at Saffron Walden Library, Saturday 25 October
Saffron Walden author and BBC STEM freelancer Sandra Beale makes a welcome return visit to Saffron Walden Library to offer spooky, science inspired fun for 2 to 6 year old children. Among the delights on offer are pick-up ghosts, flying ghosts, floating pumpkins, self-inflating ghosts and sticks through bags.
Freaky Science at Clacton Library, Monday 27 October
Bring science alive with inflating hands, scary head pictures and goo in a potato! For children aged 6 to 11, booking required.
Books, Storytimes, Authors, and Writing Events
Rhythm, Rhyme and Rap with Christian Foley at Harwich Library, Saturday 25 October
Join acclaimed writer, rapper, and educator Christian Foley—hailed by stars like Lin-Manuel Miranda and 50 Cent—for two exciting, interactive sessions of rhythm, rhyme, and creativity!
Session 1, for ages 5 to 9, will focus on The Oddsocktopus, blending poetry, freestyle rap, and storytelling to spark creativity. Session 2, for ages 10+, will focus on Moving Up, a book about navigating the transition to secondary school, and is perfect for older children and teens looking to express themselves through words and rhythm.
Arty Bookworm, various libraries
Story reading with themed craft activities, aimed at supporting literacy, creativity, and social development for children under 5. Find a session near you.
Meet the Author at Loughton Library, Tuesday 28 October
Meet best-selling children’s author Abena Eyeson and enjoy an extract from her book, Running My Own Race and a Q&A. For readers aged 8 and over. Part of Black History Month.
Children’s Poetry Workshop at Danbury Library, Saturday 1 November
A free interactive poetry workshop for children in school years 4-6, run by published poet Linda Middleton, with games and tips for composing your own poems. This year’s topic is pocket poems, what is in yours?
Create your own fantasy: a creative writing workshop at Witham Library, Saturday 1 November
A workshop led by our Author in Residence Gina Blaxill. Learn how to develop made up lands, create a map and a magical beast, and consider how elements such as weather, culture and technology can be used in creating a compelling new world.
Young Adult Book Chat Group at Dunmow Library, Saturday 1 November
A friendly drop-in session to read, or chill with others. Mindful colouring and card games available. A chance to recommend books you like to read and maybe suggest a book title, author or genre to read together and be discussed the following month.
Gaming Events
Gaming Cove Family Fun Day at Maldon Library, Monday 27 October
Get competitive playing Mario Kart, FIFA, Crash Bandicoot, GoldenEye and more, whilst bonding with your children. Presented by the Men’s Gaming Cove.
Dog-tastic events!
Meet Rosie the Therapy Dog at Galleywood Library, Tuesday 28 October
Spend some time with Rosie, a calm and friendly therapy dog who loves meeting new people, playing, and being read to.
Guide Dog Experience at Maldon Library, Thursday 30 October
A fun and educational introduction to the idea of sight loss and working dogs. Families of all ages are welcome to come and meet the dogs and puppies from Chelmsford Guide Dogs, and enjoy themed craft activities.