Families Invited to Enjoy October Half Term Fun at Reading Libraries and Museum

From spooky crafts and monster-making to Victorian schoolroom experiences and digital workshops, there’s something for everyone across Reading’s cultural venues. Full listings are available at whatsonreading.com

Highlights at Reading Libraries include:

• Central Library – Fun Autumn Crafts (28 Oct, 10:30–11:30)
• Palmer Park Library – Paper Plate Weather Forecasters (28 Oct, 2:00–3:00)
• Southcote Library – Black Cat Crafts (25 Oct), Bird Feeders (28 Oct), Halloween Ghost Portraits (31 Oct)
• Tilehurst Library – Spooky Crafts (28 Oct, 10:30–11:30)
• Whitley Library – Assorted Spooky Crafts (28 Oct, 30 Oct, 1 Nov – all day)
• Battle Library – Halloween Door Hangers (30 Oct, 2:30–3:30)
• Caversham Library – Monster Makers (30 Oct), Skeleton Party (31 Oct)

 Reading Museum’s programme includes:

• Rat and Bat Trail & Craft Activities – £1–£2.50, drop-in
• Family Digi-Workshop: Ecocode – Penguins – Free, booking required (28 Oct)
• Railway 200 Big Draw – Free workshops at Reading Station and Museum (29 Oct)
• Victorian Schoolroom Experience – £2 per person, booking available (31 Oct)
• Museums, My Way – Inclusive sensory-friendly sessions (25 Oct and 1 Nov)

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “Every family in Reading deserves half term fun that doesn't break the bank, which is why Reading Borough Council always provides a wide range of fantastic school holiday activities at low and no cost.  Our libraries and museum are wonderful, welcoming places to explore, learn, and have fun together as a family so I encourage everyone to come along and join in, and let's hope that the weather is good enough for Reading's children to enjoy some of our newly refurbished playgrounds as well!”

These half term activities build on another successful Summer Reading Challenge in Reading. Over 1,860 children took part and 23 young volunteers contributed over 309 hours to support the initiative across the borough’s libraries.

This year’s theme, The Story Garden, inspired children aged 4–13 to read six books over the summer holidays, helping to maintain literacy levels during the school break. Volunteers aged 14–18 supported events, crafts, and reading encouragement across all seven library branches.

New for 2025, the Book Bingo Challenge invited teenagers and adults to join in, with over 533 participants. All who completed the challenge received certificates and prizes, and a special ceremony on 23 September saw Deputy Mayor Cllr Paul Gittings personally thank the volunteers.

Cllr Barnett-Ward Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, added: “We are incredibly grateful to our fabulous young volunteers. Their enthusiasm and dedication helped inspire a love of reading in hundreds of children. It’s wonderful to see our libraries thriving as hubs of creativity and community.”