SALFORD’S KIDS CAN SWIM FREE AND WIN BOOKS BY COMPLETING THE SUMMER SPACE CHASE READING CHALLENGE

The Summer Reading Challenge is themed ‘Space Chase’, which ties in with the 50^th anniversary of the first moon landing, and encourages 4-11 year olds to borrow and read any six library books over the summer.

Children will team up with futuristic family The Rockets for an exciting space mission as they track down books nabbed by a mischievous band of aliens.

As children read library books for the challenge, they will receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells. By adding these stickers to their collectable mission folders, young readers will help the Rockets solve clues, dodge asteroids and discover the missing books, having lots of fun and adventures along the way.

Children will also receive a special wristband for half price swimming at any Salford Community Leisure pool over the summer holidays and children who complete the challenge returning all six books will receive a free family swimming voucher.

The Salford primary school with the highest percentage of children who finish the Summer Reading Challenge will win a selection of books for their school library. To take part, sign up at any library from now until 21^st September.

All events and activities are drop-in (no need to book) and cost the following (unless mentioned otherwise; check the website for full details or pop into your local library). Regular library events are £1 for library members, £1.50 for non-library members and £3 for families. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Lego Mania £1 for members/£1.50 for non members/£3 per family

Play LEGO bingo and other games, or simply build whatever you want. It's up to you! Sessions take place at ten Salford libraries. See website for full details and times.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt and Teddy Bear's Picnic

Bring your teddy bears to this interactive storytelling, craft session and bear hunt trail. Don't forget your picnics. Sessions will take place at Height, Little Hulton and Irlam libraries. See website for full details and times.

Space Chase

July celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the moon landing so come and make a rocket and join in with the space themed activities at the library. Sessions taking place at Eccles, Cadishead, Little Hulton and Walkden libaries. See website for full details and times.

Family Film Club at Little Hulton Library

Come and watch a classic family film featuring our favourite jungle friends on Saturday 10^th August 10.30am-12.30.

Gruffalo Fun

Join in with an interactive retelling of this well-loved tale and a Gruffalo craft activity. Events take place at seven Salford libraries. See website for full details and times.

Get Crafty at Broughton Library

Tuesday 6^th August 2-3pm. Visit the library for a fun, family craft session. Materials are provided.

Trunk Tales (Part of Salford Libraries Live) at Walkden and Eccles libraries, 6^th August

Tell Tale Hearts theatre co. presents a storyteller who arrives with a trunk of tales that tell of boastful toads, magical fish and fearsome beats of the wild woods. For 4-11s, £4 per child. See website for full details.

DoodleBots Workshop (8+)

Join MadLab in making a DoodleBot, a chaotic vibrating drawing robot that creates fascinating patterns as it swirls around and around. Each DoodleBot will be unique. £5 per child. Sessions at Salford Museum and Art Gallery and Walkden Library. See website for full details and to book.

Light Up The Stars Workshop (For 8-12s)

Join STEAM for this amazing workshop at four local libraries where you'll learn all about the wonders of the solar system and create your own map of the night sky using LEDs and circuits. £5 per child. For full details, venues and times check the website.

Space Books (for 8-12s)

With artist Rachel Johns, join the event at one of three libraries and learn to draw in an unusual way with ink and sticks. Produce a concertina artbook to take home, featuring rockets, aliens, space monsters of planets! £4 per child. For full details or to book, check out the website.

Virtual Reality Workshop (for kids 8+)

MadLab will provide a VR Oculus Rift headset for you to experience space in virtual reality! MadLab's workshop which is taking place at Swinton, Pendleton and Eccles libraries will provide a safety overview of using the headset and then you can get hands on and experience this for yourself. £5 per child. Information and booking here.

How to make a piano out of fruit at Salford Museum and Art Gallery (8-12s)

On 15^th August 1.30-3.30pm join the dream team from STEAM to mix a little bit of computer coding know-how and some fruit! Find out how to make your very own fruit piano courtesy of STEAM, the fantastic arts and technology company resident in Salford this summer. £4 per child. For full details and to book, please visit the website.

Man on the Moon: Storytelling and singing (for 3-8s)

The family workshop taking place at Swinton and Pendleton libraries will be based around the book 'Man on the Moon (a day in the life of Bob)' by Simon Batram which follows Bob. the astronaut who looks after the Moon. This is a fun, interactive story for young children, run by Colour the Clouds Theatre Company. Learn how to build a musical soundscape to accompany this adventure, blasting off into space. £3.50 per child, check the website for full info and times.

An Alphabet of Stories: Storytelling and Music at Salford Museum and Art Gallery (3-8s)

On Wednesday 21^st August 10-11am, Colour the Clouds Theatre Company will lead this drama-based games, active storytelling, and music session, based on An Alphabet, by Oliver Jeffers. £4 per child. For full details an to book visit the website.

Print Your Own Solar System (suitable for 5-8s)

Create your very own solar system through lino block printing at Walkden and Eccles libraries. Explore your imagination in a lively and relaxed environment with artist Lubna Ali. Choose from a range of colours and design your own stamps. Roll your ink and get layering! Take home your mini multi-coloured masterpiece! £3.50 per child (1 free adult per child). Full info on the website.

For more information please go to www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/summer