SPECIAL nature themed events are being held in Thurrock libraries this summer to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge.
This year’s theme Wild World Heroes is a collaboration between the Reading Agency and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) showcasing nature and action for the environment.
To add to the fun, our libraries have organised some nature themed events. COVID-19 secure measures will be in place including face coverings and social distancing. Numbers will also be limited.
Staff from RSPB Rainham Marshes will put on special ‘nature’s heroes’ craft sessions suitable for children aged five to 12 years at:
Aveley Library: Thursday 5 August, 10am to 12pm
Grays Library: Thursday 12 August, 10am to 12pm
Grays Library will hold a session with South Essex Wildlife Hospital about the work it does for wildlife in Thurrock on Wednesday 25 August from 11am to 12pm (suggested £2 donation).
Children can also take part in a craft and story session at the Thameside Children’s Centre on Tuesday 31 August from 10am to 12pm. This event is available as separate sessions for children to take part in due to limits on numbers.
Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “It’s fantastic that our libraries can put on events for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge to inspire our children and young people to learn more about wildlife and their environment. Reading not only benefits our children’s education, it opens up a world full of adventure, creativity and joy.
“I’m also delighted that Stanford-le-Hope Library will open each Wednesday in August during the holidays, as well as on 1 and 8 September. We’ve been working hard to reopen this library, which closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I would like to thank our residents and staff for their patience.”
Pre-booking is essential for Grays events including the Thameside Children’s Centre. Phone 01375 413 976 to book or for details. Alternatively, visit: thurrock.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge
Thurrock and Essex libraries have recently joined The Libraries Consortium, enabling residents to access an additional six million items of stock.
