By Callum Ludwig
School holidays are coming up, which can leave parents scrambling to keep kids entertained for two weeks, especially with winter weather limiting outdoor options.
Luckily, Yarra Junction Library has an array of free activities from Monday 26 June to Friday 7 July, nice and warm inside away from the cold and rain.
Children’s Librarian at Yarra Junction Library Rachael Falls said most of the activities are aimed at primary-school-aged kids with some for younger ones as well.
“The library isn’t just the place for people to come and borrow books anymore, we’ve got so many different activities on offer, not only for kids, but for adults as well,” she said.
“It’s really great when the kids come in because they can learn and explore all the different things that the library can offer from a young age, which is really important.”
For week one of the holidays kids can engage in:
Pinwheel making on Monday 26 June from 10am to 12pm (ages 3 and over),
Learning to code in Minecraft on Tuesday 27 June from 2pm to 3pm (booking required, ages 9-14),
A performance from children’s comedian Mr Snot Bottom on Thursday 29 June from 2pm to 3pm (booking required, ages 5-12),
Learning the art of new page bookmaking with Annie Bolitho on Saturday 1 July from 11am to 12.30pm (booking required, ages 4 and over).
Ms Falls said once kids come in and explore the library, they keep coming back.
“Hopefully it will help broaden their interests, everyone will find at least one thing that will interest them and get to learn some new skills and have some fun with different things,” she said.
“I love developing a program that will help engage the community and hopefully get them excited to come out to a range of different activities from technology to books to crafts. Even some parents that come in for Tiny Tots storytime also come and meet once a week and use a space within the library as a nice warm meeting spot.”
In week two, kids can explore:
Crafts and activities to be a superhero, including a superhero training course on Wednesday 5 July from 2pm to 4pm (ages 4-12),
Tiny Tots Storytime is on Thursday 6 July from 11am to 11.30am (ages 0 to 12 months),
Shake, Shimmy and Sing with a musical-themed activity and craft session as the return to school draws close on Friday 7 July from 11am to 12pm (bookings required, ages 0-6).
All activities that require bookings can be made by calling Yarra Junction Library on 1300 737 277, visiting in person or at www.events.yourlibrary.com.au/.
