Head to the library this summer

With various 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 reading challenges, there's something for every child to enjoy.

There is a range of activities scheduled at all libraries and some library depots, including Echuca, Tongala, Rushworth, Lockington, Stanhope, Rochester, Colbinabbin and Kyabram – and some of the activities on offer are part of the National Gallery of Victoria Kids on Tour Program.

Also taking place is the Big Summer Read, which encourages young readers aged up to 18 to read and engage with their local public libraries in December and January.

There will be local prizes to be won and children can collect stickers, swap cards and enter the lucky spot competition at all the branches.

Children are encouraged to begin reading now for the statewide Big Summer Read program.

Join the challenge online at https://readbooks.com.au/bsr or pick up a paper reading log at any of the Campaspe libraries.

Bookings for most activities at Campaspe libraries are essential as places are limited, and can be made online, in person or by phoning 5481 2400.

If you need to cancel your booking, please contact the library.

Children need to be accompanied by an adult or carer during all activities, and younger children are welcome to do some colouring-in at the library while their older siblings take part in the organised activities.

The full program across the four weeks is:

Echuca library

January 3, 1pm: movie afternoon (bookings essential)

January 4, 10.30am: family story time

January 6, 3.30pm: Ethel the Penguin (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 7, 10am to noon: Lego and board games; 3.30pm: sock art craft (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 8, 3.30pm: wild faces craft (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 9, 11am: baby rhyme time; 2.30pm: rainbow mobile craft (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 10, 10.30am: story time; 2pm: movie afternoon (bookings essential)

January 13, 3.30pm: NGV bogong moth craft (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 14, 10.30am: NGV paper dolls craft (ages 5+, bookings essential); 3.30pm: NGV lots of dots craft (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 15, 2pm: Bunnings craft (ages 5+, bookings essential); 5.30pm to 7pm: pizza and movie (bookings to be made at the library, cost is $5 a head)

January 16, 11am: baby rhyme time; 2.30pm: mirrors craft (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 17, 10.30am: story walk story time; 2pm: movie afternoon (bookings essential)

January 20, 10.30am: door hanger craft (ages 5+, bookings essential); 3.30pm: hand spinners craft (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 21, 3.30pm: ceramic plates craft (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 22, 2.30pm: succulent in a box (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 23, 11am: baby rhyme time; 2.30pm: party games and Big Summer Read prizes

January 24, 10.30am: story time (bookings essential); 2pm: movie afternoon (bookings essential)

Tongala library

January 7, 1.30pm: movie afternoon (bookings essential)

January 14, 10.30am: sock art craft (ages 5+, bookings essential)

January 21, 1.30pm: hand spinners craft and Big Summer Read prizes (ages 5+, bookings essential)

Lockington library and business centre

January 22, 10am to 11.30am: mirror craft (ages 5+, bookings essential).