By Lucy Neill | 16 July 2026
The school holidays have arrived in Suffolk and we’re gearing up for another summer of fun events and activities for all ages in our libraries!
Browse our top events for children and families to enjoy throughout July and August.
This is just a small number of the wide variety of events our libraries are running this summer – head to our What’s On page to browse more events near you!
Don’t forget – teens can enjoy creative workshops at Projektas "Tuščias puslapis this summer, including songwriting, special effects makeup, bookbinding and more. Bookings are now open!
Reading with Gwel the Therapy Dog
Where: Stoumarketo biblioteka
When: Every other Thursday morning
Come along to Stowmarket Library and meet Gwel the therapy dog! Gwel will be visiting every other Thursday morning for young children to read out loud to her.
Gwel is registered with Pets as Therapy and she loves to listen to children read out loud to build their confidence, while their adults read or browse books nearby. Children can also enjoy some calming cuddles.
Board Game Fun
Where: Kedingtono biblioteka
When: Tuesdays throughout the summer
Join us on Tuesday mornings at Kedington Library for a morning of fun board games, suitable for all ages! We have a huge range of board games available, including Exploding Kittens Dominoes, Pac-Man, Yogi and many more!
Photo Pet Show Competition
Where: Oulton Broad biblioteka
When: Throughout the summer
Calling all adorable pets! You are invited to take part in our Photo Pet Show this summer! Children can bring in photos of their pets to the library and enter them into one of four categories in our photography show.
From cats and dogs, to tortoises and snakes – all pets included! Bring a photo along anytime during the school holidays with your name and your pets name and age written on the back to take part.
Don’t forget to join us on Thursday 20 August where we’ll be showing a slideshow of the winning photos and handing out prizes!
Family Fun Activities
Where: Gainsborough bendruomenės biblioteka
When: Every day throughout summer
You’re invited to take part in a variety of fun activities for all the family, with something new to try each day!
Whether a family or group of friends, we have something for everyone of all ages and abilities.
Enjoy Giant Games & Board Games on Mondays, Family Crafts on Tuesdays, Stalo tenisas ir biliardas on Wednesdays, and Family Movie Afternoons on Thursdays. Plus weekend Lego and Crafts!
Storytime & Crafts with author Lisa Nickell-Lean
Where: Southwoldo biblioteka
When: Wednesday 22 July
Meet local children’s author Lisa Nickell-Lean! Lisa will be visiting the library to talk about her new picture book, Snoring is Boring. Plus fun dog-themed crafts!
Snoring is Boring is an enchanting introductory tale of an energetic little girl enticing her sleepy dog to more exciting activities other than boring snoring and sleeping!
Will he ever wake up and join in? Maybe, especially if it’s to discover fun seaside attractions in sunny Southwold.
Meet the Mini Monsters
Where: Capel St Mary biblioteka
When: Thursday 23 July
Enjoy an interactive wildlife experience with Ed from Mini Monsters! Come along and enjoy a calm, structured, hands-on animal encounter using a selected range of exotic reptiles and invertebrates.
- Live animal demonstrations with fascinating facts
- Calm encounter sessions designed for family audiences
- Sensory-friendly handling options available.
Suitable for ages 4-10!
Summer Pottery Painting with Gallery Thea
Where: Southwold Library (Stella Peskett Millenium Hall)
When: Wednesday 29 July and Thursday 27 August
Join us for a fun summer pottery painting session with Southwold-based illustrator Gallery Thea! Children can get involved in painting their own mugs, plates and bowls to take home with them.
Suitable for older children.
Forensic Science & Crime Busting
Where: Long Melfordo biblioteka
When: Saturday 1 August
Grab your magnifying glass and join us for a crime busting adventure in forensic science with Lab in a Library! Suitable for children aged 5+.
Take fingerprints, exam a crime scene, dress as CSIs and work out who the criminal is and how the crime was committed.
Reading with Gwel the Therapy Dog
Where: Elmsvelo biblioteka
When: Tuesday 4 August
Did you know Gwel also visits children at Elmsvelo biblioteka? Come along on the first Tuesday of every month and enjoy a relaxing reading-aloud session!
Gwel is registered with Pets as Therapy and she loves to listen to children read out loud to build their confidence, while their adults read, browse books or take a relaxing moment to doing our community jigsaw.
Children’s Magic Show
Where: Newmarket biblioteka
When: Friday 7 August
You are invited to Newmarket Library to enjoy a fun magic show for children! Join us for a morning of magic, games and prizes, suitable for ages 4-12.
There will be fun tricks and illusions to entertain all!
Let’s Get Crafty: Space Crafts
Where: Haverhillo biblioteka
When: Thursday 13 August
Blast off into a summer of creativity for 4-11 year olds at Haverhill Library!
We’ll be joined by the Suffolk Archives team who will be bringing their Let’s Get Crafty session for children to enjoy. Get stuck in with galaxy inspired fun under the sun!
Explorer’s Trail with author James Mayhew
Where: Lowestoft biblioteka
When: Tuesday 25 August
Save the date! Illustrator and author James Mayhew is visiting Lowestoft Library as part of the National Literacy Trust’s Explorer’s Trail. James will be sharing wonderful stories while painting.
Come along to meet furry friends, explore a special instrument, get crafty and much more!
To book your place, sign up via the National Literacy Trust in Suffolk’s interest form.
Dinosaur Crafty Fun
Where: Thurston biblioteka
When: Tuesday 25 August
Join us for a fabulous afternoon with Emma Graham, author and illustrator of Tyranno – ROAR-us Rex!
Emma will be sharing fun ‘Rex’ crafts, sharing a story and will have her book on sale if you would like to take Rex home with you!
Did you know our libraries run free and low-cost activities all throughout the year?
From live music performances to art workshops, parent and baby play groups to wellbeing support sessions, there’s something for everyone.
Apsilankykite mūsų What’s On page to browse 500+ events across Suffolk!
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