Darlington’s libraries are taking their summer programme back into the heart of town with a one-day Library Takeover Day in the Market Square on Wednesday 5 August, running from 11am to 3pm. The initiative forms part of a wider schedule of free and low-cost activities at both Darlington Library and Cockerton Library throughout the school holidays.
Family-friendly performances and hands-on activities
The Market Square event will feature interactive performances from Imagine Me Storytelling and the Darlington Academy of Performing Arts, alongside a themed KPOP party. Local authors will be in attendance and there will be a range of free activities suitable for families and younger children.
- Library Takeover Day: Market Square, Wednesday 5 August, 11:00–15:00
- Regular summer events: weekdays and Saturdays at Darlington and Cockerton libraries
- Activities include: slime workshops, Big Science sessions, comic book masterclasses, summer tote-bag making, and Rhymetime adventure play
Courses and the Summer Reading Challenge
Alongside single-session activities there are some longer-form opportunities. Notably the Scene Makers – Film Club, a six-week course for 11–16 year-olds priced at £12.50, which covers screenwriting, film theory and production and concludes with participants making their own film.
| Offer | Details |
|---|---|
| Scene Makers – Film Club | 6-week course, age 11–16, cost £12.50 |
| Library Takeover Day | Market Square, Wed 5 Aug, 11am–3pm |
| Summer Reading Challenge | Age 0–16, borrow books from Darlington or Cockerton Libraries to enter prize draws |
The annual Summer Reading Challenge returns as part of the National Year of Reading, inviting children and young people up to 16 to rediscover reading. Participants are encouraged to borrow books from either branch and can enter a free prize draw once per day. The top prize is an Apple iPad and Apple Pencil bundle, with other prizes including Lego sets, tickets to the Darlington Hippodrome pantomime, and vouchers for swimming, soft play and bowling.
“Summer is always an exciting time for our libraries and this year’s programme is packed with creative, fun and educational activities for families to enjoy. Library Takeover Day is a fantastic opportunity to bring the magic of our libraries into the heart of the town centre, with storytelling, performances, authors and hands-on activities for all ages.”
The programme offers a mix of short, accessible activities and longer, skill-focused workshops aimed at different age groups. For families in Darlington it provides both free entertainment in the town centre and opportunities for children to develop interests in science, crafts, performance and film over the summer break.
Adults and carers should note that while many events are free, some specialised courses carry a small fee and may have limited places. Full details of dates, times and how to sign up are available from Darlington Library and Cockerton Library.
