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Libraries for children

Joining the library is free for everyone, and in Calderdale under 16s benefit from no fines, easy instant joining, and, because accidents happen, we don't charge for damage to board and picture books issued on an under-5s ticket.

Computer use and internet access is free and the applications available are MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, CD-writers and USB ports. You can book ahead; just ask at the library.

For homework, where there is no loanable source, we offer up to 4 free photocopies or computer print outs for homework topics.

We have visiting authors and artists on a regular basis; entry to events is usually free or for a small charge.

Look out for our Fun Kit brochure in your local library, but also check What's on: Events in Calderdale.

For under 5's

• Stories, rhymes and crafts
  Many of our libraries run regular Busy Babies, Rhymetimes, Busy Tots, Jolly Tots, and Storytots sessions. Families are invited to come along and sing with baby, listen to stories or create artworks together with your child.
• Bookcrawl
  Read with your under-4 and collect a series of lovely, free posters for your child's room. Ask at Your local library.
• Bookstart
  Free books and games for children at 9, 18 and 36 months. The books come beautifully packaged in either a cotton book bag, a brightly coloured satchel or a treasure chest. Contact our Early Years Officer if you haven't received your packs yet (01422 392620).

For young people

• Ravenous Readers
  A term time reading game for 5 to 11 years (starting in October each year). Pick up a game card from any library, borrow a minimum of 2 library books each month, read them, bring them and your card back to the library, and start collecting a prize a month! There's a Grand Prize in June from a draw of readers completing the game, and we have a Ravenous Readers Day once a year at the Central Library, Halifax.
• TellTales
  Holiday storytimes for 4-8 year olds. Free to all library members.
  Look out for the Fun Kit brochure, but also check  What's on: Events in Calderdale.
• Family Film Club
  Runs on some Saturdays in term and during the school holidays. It's free to attend for library members.
  Look out for posters and check What's on: Events in Calderdale, or contact the Young People's Officer on 01422 392638 for details.
• Summer Reading Challenge
  Every summer we issue a challenge to Calderdale's 5 - 11 year olds.
  Can you read 6 books during the summer holidays and collect prizes for every 2 books you read? Sign up at any library, collect a joining pack with its games and activities … and start reading! Everyone who completes the game will be entered into a draw for the Grand Medal Winners Party in October.
• The Buzz!
  Meets at Hebden Bridge Library on Wednesday evenings once a month.
  It's aimed at 7-12 year olds who want to meet authors and poets, and talk to them about their writing. You just need to be a member of the library and parents and carers are welcome to come along and join in the fun too. The Buzz! is free to join, but we ask you sign up at the library first so we can check on numbers. The sessions run from 7pm - 8.30pm. Call Discover on 01422 392619 to find out about the programme.

For teens

• Film Club
  Our film club opens its doors for 12-15 year olds during school holidays with special film showings for young people. It's run at the Central Library, Halifax with a big screen and surround sound. It's free to join and refreshments are provided.
• Manga Club and Creative Writing Group
  We also have a Manga Club who meet regularly in the Central Library, and a Creative Writing Group. Call our Young People's Officer on 01422 392638 for more details.
• Computer Games Designing
  We also have occasional Computer Games Designing sessions with a professional artist from the computer game industry. Ten teenagers produced Dino Run: save the world at our last workshops.

If you'd like to see other clubs in libraries for young people, we can offer a free, safe space or if you're interested in setting up a Wii Club talk to our Young People's Officer on 01422 392638.

For nurseries and childminders

Private and voluntary nurseries and settings, and childminders are invited to register for the Book Ahead library ticket.

This ticket entitles the setting to borrow up to 30 picture books (up to 5 of which may be non-fiction) for 6 weeks without incurring fines.

To register bring either your childminder's certificate or your setting's letter heading to any Calderdale Library.

For playschemes

Separate arrangements are made for play schemes wishing to attend events in libraries. Please do not turn up at public events without contacting Discover first. There is a small charge for play schemes.

Contact

Discover is the team delivering services for children, families, schools and education settings in Calderdale's libraries, museums, galleries, schools and associated venues.

The Discover Team may be reached by:

• E-mail:
• discover@calderdale.gov.uk
• Telephone:
• 01422 392619.

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