Looking for a way to keep children entertained during the summer school holidays? Campaspe Shire libraries have you covered!
With a variety of fun and educational activities, the libraries offer a great option for families with school-aged children and younger. From storytelling sessions and craft workshops to interactive games and family movie afternoons, there's something for every child to enjoy.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell, said the program is a great way to keep kids engaged during the holidays, especially when the weather is too hot for outdoor play.
"Our holiday activities are a fantastic way for kids to learn, play and make new friends in a safe and welcoming environment. We've got everything from sandcastle building to flower lantern crafts - and plenty of free sessions for families to enjoy," he said.
The program includes special Alice in Wonderland inspired activities as part of the Wonderland on the Murray Sand Sculpture Trail brought to Echuca Moama this Summer by Campaspe Shire & Murray River Councils.
Other special events are being brought to the library by the National Gallery with their Victoria Kids on Tour activities in the second week of the program, including Take the Cake, Party Hats and Perfume in the 1700s!
Also taking place is the Big Summer Read, a statewide program encouraging young readers aged 0-18 years to read and engage with their local libraries throughout December and January. There are local prizes to be won, and children can collect stickers and enter the lucky spot competition at all branches.
"The Big Summer Read is a fantastic way to keep kids reading over the holidays. It's fun, interactive and helps build a lifelong love of books," Cr Mackrell said
Children can join the challenge online at https://readbooks.com.au/bsr or pick up a paper reading log at any Campaspe library.
Bookings for most activities are essential as places are limited and can be made online, in person or by phone. If you need to cancel your booking, please contact the library. Children must be accompanied by an adult or carer during all activities, and younger siblings are welcome to do colouring-in while older siblings take part in organised sessions.
Activities are scheduled across all Campaspe libraries and selected depots and the full program across the four weeks is as follows:
Echuca Branch
- Monday, 5 January 3.30pm - Sand Castles (B)
- Tuesday, 6 January 10.30am - 2D to 3D (B)
- Wednesday, 7 January 3.30pm - Flower Lanterns (B)
- Wednesday, 7 January 5.30pm-7.00pm - Lego & Games
- Thursday, 8 January 11.00am - Baby Rhyme Time
- Thursday, 8 January 1.00pm-5.00pm - Lego & Board Games
- Friday, 9 January 10.30am - Storytime
- Friday, 9 January 2.00pm - Family Movie (B)
- Saturday, 10 January 10.30am - Family Storytime
- Monday, 12 January 10.30am - Toddler Rhymetime
- Monday, 12 January 3.30pm - Party Hats (B)
- Tuesday, 13 January 10.30am - Take the Cake (B)
- Wednesday, 14 January 3.30pm - Perfume in the 1700s (B)
- Wednesday, 14 January 5.30pm - Pizza & Movie (B)
- Thursday, 15 January 11.00am - Baby Rhyme Time
- Thursday, 15 January 1.00pm-5.00pm - Coliban Water Craft (1-2.30pm) + Lego & Board Games
- Friday, 16 January 10.30am - Storytime
- Friday, 16 January 2.00pm - Family Movie (B)
- Monday, 19 January 3.30pm - Alice Bracelets & Fobs (B)
- Tuesday, 20 January 10.30am - Talking Flowers (B)
- Wednesday, 21 January 3.30pm - Big Summer Read Tea Party Fun (B)
- Thursday, 22 January 11.00am - Baby Rhyme Time
- Thursday, 22 January 2.00pm - Family Movie (B)
- Friday, 23 January 10.30am - Storytime
- Friday, 23 January 2.00pm - Bunnings Craft (B)
Kyabram Branch
- Tuesday, 6 January 1.00pm - Sand Castles (B)
- Wednesday, 7 January 1.00pm - 2D to 3D (B)
- Thursday, 8 January - All Day Lego & Games
- Friday, 9 January 2.00pm - Bunnings Craft (B)
- Tuesday, 13 January 1.00pm - Party Hats (B)
- Wednesday, 14 January 1.00pm - Take the Cake (B)
- Wednesday, 14 January 3.00pm - Storywalk
- Thursday, 15 January - All Day Lego & Games
- Tuesday, 20 January 1.00pm - Alice Bracelets & Fobs (B)
- Wednesday, 21 January 1.00pm - Big Summer Read Tea Party Fun (B)
- Friday, 23 January - All Day Lego & Games
Rochester Branch
- Tuesday, 6 January 3.30pm - Sand Castles (B)
- Thursday, 8 January - All Day Lego & Games
- Friday, 9 January 1.30pm - Family Movie (B)
- Tuesday, 13 January 3.30pm - Party Hats (B)
- Thursday, 15 January - All Day Lego & Games
- Friday, 16 January 2.00pm - Bunnings Craft (B)
- Tuesday, 20 January 3.30pm - Big Summer Read Tea Party Fun (B)
- Thursday, 22 January - All Day Lego & Games
Rushworth Branch
- Monday, 5 January 10.30am - Sand Castles (B)
- Thursday, 8 January 10.30am - Family Movie (B)
- Monday, 12 January 10.30am - Party Hats (B)
- Thursday, 15 January 10.30am - Family Movie (B)
- Monday, 19 January 10.30am - Big Summer Read Tea Party Fun (B)
- Thursday, 22 January - All Day Lego & Games
Tongala Branch
- Monday, 5 January 1.00pm - Sand Castles (B)
- Tuesday, 6 January - All Day Lego & Games
- Monday, 12 January 1.00pm - Party Hats (B)
- Tuesday, 13 January 10.30am - Family Movie (B)
- Monday, 19 January 1.00pm - Big Summer Read Tea Party Fun (B)
- Tuesday, 20 January - All Day Lego & Games
Stanhope Depot
- Wednesday, 7 January 10.30am - Sand Castles (B)
Lockington Depot
- Wednesday, 14 January 10.30am - Take the Cake (B)
Colbinabbin Depot
- Wednesday, 21 January 10.30am - Party Hats (B)
(B) = Bookings essential
For full details and to make a booking, click here
