Torquay Library Summer Events
There is plenty happening at Torquay Library this summer, with activities and events for adults, children and families to enjoy.
From reading challenges and creative clubs to local history sessions, children’s crafts, fossil activities and the Summer Book Quest, there are lots of ways to get involved, try something new and make the most of the season at your local library
Events and Activities for Adults
Around the World in 80 Days
Travel around the world with Torbay Libraries’ all-new Adult Reading Challenge. Grab a starter pack “passport” at any of our 4 libraries and earn yourself a free book reservation token straight away. Readers can then add stamps to their passport of any countries mentioned in the books they are reading or listening to (Atlases do not count). Books can include eBooks, eAudio and audiobooks. All entrants will be eligible to win a beautiful Around the World in 80 Days bookmark, and entered into a prize draw and could win one of our 4 international food hampers. The challenge is running from Saturday 13th June until Monday 31st August, you can start anytime within the 80 days. Free to take part.
Bon voyage!
Local History Group
Saturday 18th July 10am – 12 noon
Explore the vast local heritage of the Bay with friendly local experts, enjoy use of a range of resources and help design displays. Bring to life research projects over a cuppa in the john Pike local history room at Torquay Library. New members welcome, anyone can drop in for a chat too at any of the meetings. Free event.
Family History Workshops
Wednesday 1st July 10am – 12 noon
Find out who you are related to with support from our local history team and the use of free Ancestry online at the library. Free event, book your place now.
Purls of Wisdom Knitting Group
Mondays 3-4pm Knit and chat drop-in event. Free of charge, no need to book. Beginner knitters welcome, along with seasoned professionals!
London Bridge Arch Art Installation
Come and take a look at our new art installation care of local artist Grace Clifford and the Artizan Gallery. Alongside this structure are some stunning Geopark books and photos, and some fun activities for young fossil hunters!
Events and Activities for Children
Bounce N Rhyme
Every Wednesday, get noisy in the library, sing, bounce your babies and play some musical instruments together. Free event, book your places in advance.
Saturday Club
Free and fun activities every Saturday, 4:30-3:30pm, just come along and get creative!
Summer would not be Summer without a reading Quest!
This year’s Summer Book Quest is called The Mission to Wayfarer Island.
Storyline – our main SBQ characters, Libro, Pip and Zena, plus a new character, Pixie the pigeon, go on a mission to help a famous explorer fix her plane. Types of transport in the story include a narrowboat, a solar-powered tuk-tuk, rollerblades, an electric bus, a train, a catamaran, a rock giant called Nigel and eventually a plane.
Celebrate all sorts of travel and modes of transport; environmentally friendly, public transport, fantastical travel, active travel like cycling/skateboarding, etc., and of course, travel through stories.
How it works –
- On your Quest leaflet, add your name and reading aim – get your first sticker and first part of the code.
- Complete at least one of the Quest activities and get your second sticker and code.
- When you have finished reading, collect your third sticker and final piece of code. Crack the code to get your medal and certificate!
Dates – Saturday 11th July for launch.
Finish date 12th September.
Joiners at Torquay Library receive a free toy aeroplane for taking part.
Summer Activities
There will be something on every day. London Bridge Arch fossil activities, Stay and Play every day, as well as a range of exciting events to support the Quest.
Summer Book Quest Launch
A cacophony of crafts and physical activities 10am – 2pm for all Questers. Free event and no need to book.
The Aerodynamics of Biscuits
Monday 27th July 10:30-11:30am
Ever come downstairs for a late-night biscuit and discovered pirate mice making space ships out of biscuits? No, well, that’s ok, you can hear the story and make your own rockets out of biscuits with Hazel’s first Summer event. For children 3+, £3 for library members. £4 for non-members. Booking essential.
