Falmouth Library to Launch Summer Reading Challenge and Open New Children’s Section

Free family event includes art workshop and launch of the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge

Falmouth Library is set to unveil its brand-new children’s section on Saturday 5th July, and families are invited to be the first to explore the refreshed space.

The opening coincides with the launch of the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging children aged 4–11 to keep reading over the summer holidays. The Challenge is presented by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries across the UK.

Official Opening and Reading Challenge Launch

Town Mayor Alan Jewell will officially open the new family-friendly area at 10am and introduce this year’s reading theme: Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors. The theme invites children to discover the connection between storytelling and the natural world.

From Saturday 5th July, children can register for the Challenge at the Library, set a personal reading goal and earn rewards for reading anything they enjoy.

Free Family Art Workshop

To celebrate both the opening and the Challenge launch, the Library is hosting a free drop-in art workshop with local artist Sam Bradbury. Running from 10.30am to 12pm, the session invites children and families to create leafy animal collages using cut outs and skeleton leaves, inspired by the Story Garden theme.

New Space Designed for Families

Library Manager Jayne Cardew said:

“We’re delighted to open the new space up to children and families and hope they will find it a welcoming environment in which to nurture a love of reading. Bigger, lighter and brighter, we’ve incorporated a cosy reading nook as well as airy spaces where we can comfortably host our regular events such as Lego Club, Rhymetime and Storytime year-round.”

Jayne also praised the response from local schools:

“It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm for reading and excitement building around the Summer Reading Challenge on my visits to primary schools in and around the Falmouth area in recent weeks. With reading tending to drop off during the summer holiday period, the Challenge is proven to support the development of key literacy skills in children. Last year, Cornwall outperformed many areas in terms of participation – and with our lovely new library space now open with some fantastic books on offer, we’re hoping to top the table once again this year!”

How to Take Part

Sign-ups for the Summer Reading Challenge run from Saturday 5th July to Saturday 13th September during regular library hours.

For full opening times and details on regular Library events, visit the Falmouth Library website.