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Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Story Garden

Friday 15th August, 10am – 11.15am, Children’s Library, Central Library

Meet the Author Camilla Chester

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<h1 style="line-height: 1.5;">Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Story Garden</h1>
&nbsp;
Throughout the summer, children joining the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge 'Story Garden' can discover new books, participate in free activities at their local library, and explore the link between reading and the great outdoors, where nature and imagination come together.
&nbsp;
Recent research shows that children&rsquo;s enjoyment and engagement in reading is in decline, despite research from the OECD showing that reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child's future success &ndash; more important than either parents' educational background or household income!
&nbsp;
The Summer Reading Challenge supports children to get excited about reading throughout the summer, helping to maintain their reading at a time when engagement can often dip. There's also a host of FREE and fun activities taking place across libraires to get involved in each week.
&nbsp;
How do I take part?&nbsp; Signing up is easy! Simply visit your local Luton Library. Or, join online via <a href="www.summerreadingchallenge.co.uk">www.summerreadingchallenge.co.uk</a>
&nbsp;
What do I have to do? Simply read 6 books of choice before 6th September. Each time you finish a book, visit the library. You will collect a special stickers and rewards along the way!
&nbsp;
Swim for only &pound;2.50 This summer, anyone who joins the challenge, can also swim at their local Active Luton swimming pool to enjoy a Fun Time Splash session for only &pound;2.50 per child! Ts&amp;Cs apply. <a href="https://www.activeluton.co.uk/terms-conditions">Find out more</a>.
&nbsp;
You can also get involved in a host of fun activities each week at your local library.&nbsp;
Whats happening at your local library&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/185687060@N03/54637742717/in/dateposted-public/" data-flickr-embed="true"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54637742717_4aa5ae4b03_b.jpg" alt="SRC Story Garden Timetable" width="1024" height="135" /></a>
Stories and Craft with the Wildlife Trust Join us at Lewsey Library for a wild and wonderful storytelling adventure in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants! Listen to nature-inspired tales full of bees, bugs and butterflies, then enjoy a creative craft session to make something special to take home. It&rsquo;s part of this year&rsquo;s Summer Reading Challenge &ndash; where stories bloom and imaginations grow. &pound;2.50 per child (pay on the day) (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Book your place now</a> &nbsp; Inflatable Theatre Magic Show Prepare to be amazed! The Inflatable Theatre Magic Show is a spellbinding mix of laughter, wonder and imagination &ndash; perfect for families taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Expect surprises, giggles, and magical storytelling, all inspired by the Story Garden theme. Tickets &pound;3.75 per person (children &amp; adults) &ndash; pay at the enquiry desk (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Join the fun &ndash; book here</a> &nbsp; Taleshakers &ndash; Next Generation Youth Theatre Let imaginations bloom with Taleshakers, a vibrant mix of storytelling, music, games and movement! Designed for little ones aged 0&ndash;6, each joyful session supports creativity, early language and confidence &ndash; all through play and rhythm. &pound;5.30 per child &ndash; pay at the enquiry desk on the day (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult).&nbsp; <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Reserve your spot today</a> &nbsp; Circus Workshop with Splats Circus Roll up, roll up! The Story Garden comes alive with our exciting Circus Workshop Learn to juggle, balance, spin and more with Splats Circus &ndash; perfect for ages 3 to 11. Whether you&rsquo;re a tiny acrobat or just love to clown around, this hands-on session is packed with fun! &pound;5.30 per child &ndash; pay at the enquiry desk on the day (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Secure your place now</a>

Summer Reading Challenge 2025

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Activities

All you need to get started at your local library.&nbsp;

We host regular activities in our libraries for all ages and abilities to join in with.

Our digital eLibrary is always open so you can access your favourite books, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines all of the time.
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Come and see what else you can do at your local library.

The library supports your health and wellbeing.

Learn something new at your local library.

Active Luton is our town's community wellbeing trust, supporting the health and wellbeing of all.&nbsp;

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<h1 style="line-height: 1.5;">The Annexe</h1>
The Annexe on the first floor of Central Library can be hired for up to two people. Ideal for online and face-to-face meetings, or online exams. The space has optional use of one library PC.
Cost per hour = &pound;6
For further information and to book email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bookings@lutonlibraries.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bookings@lutonlibraries.co.uk</a>

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<h1 style="line-height: 1.5;">Conference Rooms</h1>
Our spacious, modern meeting space in the heart of Luton can be configured as five smaller meeting rooms or opened up into larger spaces.
Health and wellbeing organisations can also book the Well and Wise room by the entrance of Luton Central Library.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1.5;">Address</h2>
Located in the centre of Luton with train, bus, parking and accommodation all in a 5-minute walk.
 Luton Central Library, St. George&rsquo;s Square, Luton, LU1 2NG&nbsp; Find on a map with What3Words: <a href="https://what3words.com/pouch.novel.knee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">///pouch.novel.knee</a>
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1.5;">Facilities</h2>
&bull;WIFI
&bull;Air Conditioning
&bull;Accessible toilet and baby changing
&bull;Two wall-mounted and one portable Smart TV
&bull;Flip chart and pens
&bull;Digital Flip Chart
&nbsp;
Refreshments &pound;2.00 per person
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1.5;">Charges</h2>
One room per hour: &pound;19 per hour&nbsp;
Entire Suite (five rooms): &pound;80 per hour
Available 7 days a week subject to other bookings. Bookings outside of library opening hours may attract an additional charge to cover staff costs.
Bookings are for a minimum of 1 hour.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1.5;">Book here</h2>
For further information and to book email <a href="mailto:bookings@lutonlibraries.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bookings@lutonlibraries.co.uk</a>
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Conference Rooms

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feedback

<h1 style="line-height: 1.5;">Feedback</h1>
We really appreciate your feedback and welcome any comments you have about our libraries and the services we offer. To tell us what you think, make a suggestion or lodge a complaint simply select the relevant option below and fill in the feedback form. Or you can ask our team members for a feedback form to fill in.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.efocus-net.com/LUTON_LIBRARIES/Comment_Card/">Click here</a> to let us know how we're doing and what we can do to improve.

We really appreciate your feedback and welcome any comments you have about our libraries and the services we offer.

Feedback