Wild Summer is the theme for Sheffield Libraries' summer programme. Read on for highlights of the Wild Summer activities and events for all ages to enjoy. Find out more on the libraries' website.
Photomarathon: Sheffield Round Walk
Thursday 1 July–Saturday 31 July
A photography adventure for all ages, encouraging people to explore Sheffield with curiosity, creativity and spontaneity, camera or smartphone in hand. The focus is the Sheffield Round Walk, a 15-mile route in the southwest of the city with paths rich in nature and history. Head out to any part of the Round Walk area this July and take photos on the following themes:
1. Reflection
2. Peace and quiet
3. Bliss
4. Come to life
A selection of photographs will be displayed at the Central Library in late summer. Prizes TBC.
Find out how to enter
Forecast: A Diary of the Lost Seasons
In his latest book Sheffielder, Joe Shute, unpicks Britain's long-standing love affair with the weather and asks how this relationship might change as climate change becomes a reality.
View recording
A Bear from Sheffield comes to the Library
Hear from Lisa Maltby, a Sheffield based illustrator, designer and lettering artist. Lisa has been commissioned to create the design for the Library Bear which is part of the Bears of Sheffield sculpture trail this summer. Suitable for children 7 and upwards.
View recording
Sharing Poetry: Mountains
Saturday 24 July, 11am, online
Join poetry lovers online to share poems on the theme of mountains and climbing. Bring along your own or someone else’s poem to this online poetry event.
Book now
Poems by the Porter with Helen Mort
Friday 30th July, 1pm, Endcliffe Park
Join award-winning poet Helen Mort for an interactive lunchtime walk in Endcliffe Park, featuring short readings and a creative writing exercise for you to take away with you. What does the River Don worry about? What are Division Street's dreams? What do the trees on Brincliffe Edge say when they think nobody's listening?
More info
Wild Summer Crafts – Create a Jungle Diorama
Tuesday 20th July, 10:30am, online
For the first of the libraries' online summer craft sessions, they'll be showing you how to make a jungle diorama with bits and pieces that you already have at home. Age 8+.
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Wild Summer Crafts – Feed the Lion Game
Monday 26th July, 10:30am, online
Discover how to make a Feed the Lion game out of materials that you may already have at home. Age 8+.
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Celebrating Nature with Storyteller Robin Simpson
Monday 2nd August, 2pm, online
Listen to and join in with stories about nature from around the world with storyteller Robin Simpson. Learn about endangered species and to help them in an interactive quiz, and what you can do to protect the environment. Age 7+.
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Wild Summer Crafts – Animal Art
Monday 9th August, 10.30am, online
Create your own animal-inspired art out of materials that you already have at home. Age 8+.
More info
Meet the Busy Bugs with Children’s Poet, James Carter
Wednesday 11th August, 2pm, online
Wriggle on down for a creepy and crawly lively online session of bugs of every kind, from bees to ladybirds to dung beetles and beyond. There’ll be music as well as poems, rhymes and riddles aplenty. James will read from his collection, Hey, Little Bug! To finish James will show you how to write your very own bug shaped poem.
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Story and Draw Along with Illustrator Lydia Monks
Tuesday 24th August, 2pm, online
Lydia Monks is the Sheffield based, award winning and best-selling illustrator behind the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard as well as The Singing Mouse, Eeeeek, Mouse! and Babbit. Join Lydia for an online story and draw along based on her latest book What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside. Age 3+.
Book now
The Big Wild Reading Challenge
From 17th July
For children from birth to 11 years. Sign up at your local library, collect your summer reading challenge pack and read four books before returning back to school. Collect a sticker for each book you read and receive a certificate and limited-edition pin badge on completion.
