Summer creative workshops for teens return to libraries

By Lucy Neill | 22 June 2026

Suffolk Community Libraries is excited to share that The Blank Page Project is returning this summer with brand-new creative workshops for young people to enjoy during the school holidays.

Almost 70 workshops will be running throughout July and August, taking place at our libraries in Lowestoft, Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury, Felixstowe, Ipswich, Gainsborough, Stoke, Chantry, Beccles and Great Cornard.

This summer, we’re welcoming brand-new artists to host workshops for the first time in our library spaces, including ink making, yarn art, gaming artwork, songwriting, poetry, animation, comic books, photography, jewellery making and lots more.

Workshops start on 20 July and will run until 28 August. Bookings are now available via the Eequ website, and parents can find full information about the workshops including FAQs on our website.

“We’re delighted that the Blank Page project is back in some of our libraries this summer with even more creative opportunities than before. The workshops are not only there to help to build confidence in young people but to also give them the chance to try new things, they have also proved a great way to get young people more engaged in their local libraries.”

“It’s wonderful to see Suffolk Community Libraries offering even more creative workshops for young people across Suffolk this summer. I encourage teenagers looking for something to do over the summer holidays to check out The Blank Page Project and see if there is a workshop on in their local library.”

The Blank Page Project was launched in March 2023 and is funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activity Fund. The workshops aim to provide enriching and engaging art activities in libraries during the school holidays.

Like all Holiday Activity Fund schemes, the idea is to provide something free and accessible during school holidays for families on lower incomes.

The workshops are free for young people eligible for benefit-related free school meals. There are also a limited number of places per workshop priced at £20 each for young people that are not eligible for free school meals. This includes lunch, drinks and snacks.

You can check on the to gov.uk website see if you’re eligible for free school meals.