A summer of Beano fun at Hartlepool's libraries

Aimed at children aged four to 11, the challenge is to read six books of their choice over the summer, in return for which they will receive stickers, gifts, a medal and a certificate. It’s backed by a range of activities at all the venues.

This year’s challenge is called ‘Mischief Makers’, inspired by the much-loved children’s title The Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.

Children will explore a map of Beanotown to find a hidden treasure chest full of pranks and become the ultimate mischief makers!

As they read their books over the summer, they will receive special stickers – some with mysterious smells! By adding these stickers to their map, they will help Dennis, Gnasher and friends solve clues and discover the treasure, having lots of fun and adventures along the way.

Youngsters can sign up to the reading challenge at any of Hartlepool’s community hubs and libraries any time before or during the school summer holidays.

Heather Bellwood, Hartlepool Libraries’ Children’s and Outreach Manager, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is one of the most popular events in our calendar and our Beano theme this year is sure to make it extra special.

“As well as being great fun, the Challenge helps boost children’s reading over the summer months while also keeping them entertained with a range of hands-on activities.”

Unless otherwise indicated, the activities are free. Where indicated, some must be booked in advance by contacting the relevant venue. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Parents are asked to please note that the media may cover some of the events – if parents do not wish their child to be photographed, they are asked to please make the library staff aware at the event.

The full line-up of activities is:

Community Hub Central, York Road – Tel. 01429 272905

Week 1

Monday 23 July, 11am-12 noon – Cozzmic Cup Cake Decorating Workshop for children aged 3+. Booking essential. £3 per child.

Wednesday 25 July, 10am-11.30am – Mischief Makers Drop-in Activity Morning for children of all ages - join in any time during the session. £2 per child.

Thursday 26 July, 10.15am-12.15pm – Comic Book Drawing Workshop for children aged 7+. Booking essential. £3 per child.

Week 2

Monday 30 July, 10.30am-12 noon – Professor One Smith Exploding Science Workshop. A visual and interactive fun workshop for children aged 5+. Booking essential. £5 per child.

Wednesday 1 August, 10am-11.30am – Mischief Makers Drop-in Activity Morning for children of all ages - join in any time during the session. £2 per child.

Friday 3 August, 11am-12 noon - Willow Weaving Workshop for children aged 7+. Booking essential. £3 per child.

Week 3

Wednesday 8 August, 10am-11:30am. Mischief Makers Drop-in Activity Morning for children of all ages, join in any time during the session. £2 per child.

Friday 10 August, 11am-12 noon. Zoolab. A fascinating and fun animal handling workshop for children aged 2+. Booking essential. £2 per child

Week 4

Monday 13 August, 10.30am-11.30am. Cyber Dance Workshop for children aged 5-8. Booking essential. £2 per child.

Monday 13 August, 11.30am–12 noon. Cyber Dance Workshop for children aged 9-12. Booking essential. £2 per child.

Wednesday 15 August, 10am-11.30am. Mischief Makers Drop-in Activity Morning for children of all ages - join in any time during the session. £2 per child.

Week 5

Wednesday 22 August, 10am-11.30am. Mischief Makers Drop-in Activity Morning for children of all ages - join in any time during the session. £2 per child.

Week 6

Thursday 30 August 2pm and 3pm – Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge Medal Presentation. For children who have completed the Summer Reading Challenge at Community Hub Central.

Headland Library, Middlegate – Tel. 01429 268169

Week 1

Tuesday 24 July, 10.30am–11.30am – Pirate-Themed Craft Session for children aged 4+. Booking essential.

Week 2

Tuesday 31 July, 10.30am–11.30am – Circus-Themed Craft Session for children aged 4+. Booking essential.

Week 3

Tuesday 7 August, 10.30am–11.30am – Cozzmic Cup Cake Decorating Workshop for children aged 3+ Booking essential. £3 per child

Week 4

Tuesday 14 August, 10.30am–11.30am – Zoo-Themed Craft Session for children aged 4+.

Booking essential.

Week 5

Tuesday 21 August, 10.30am–11.30am – Space-Themed Craft Session for children aged 4+. Booking essential.

Week 6

Tuesday 28 August, 10.30am–11.30am - Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge Medal Presentation. For children who have completed the Summer Reading Challenge at Headland Library.

Community Hub South, Wynyard Road – Telephone 01429 272835

Week 1

Wednesday 25 July, 10.30am–11.30am – Design a Mask Craft Session for children aged 5+. Booking essential. £1 per child.

Week 2

Wednesday 1 August, 10.30am–11.30am – Make a Popping Hat Craft Session for children aged 5+. Booking essential. £1 per child.

Week 3

Monday 6 August 10.30am–11.30am - Cozzmic Cup Cake Decorating Workshop for children aged 3+. Booking essential. £3 per child.

Wednesday 8 August, 10.30am–11.30am – Paint a Wooden Rocket Decoration, for children aged 5+. Booking essential. £1 per child.

Week 4

Wednesday 15 August, 10.30am–11.30am – Make a Cone Puppet, for children aged 5+. Booking essential. £1 per child.

Week 5

Wednesday 22 August, 10.30am–11.30am – Make a Scratch Art Magnet - for children aged 5+. Booking essential. £1 per child.

Week 6

Wednesday 29 August, 10.30am–11.30am – Design a Sword Craft Session for children aged 5+. Booking essential. £1 per child.

Seaton Carew Library, Station Lane – Tel. 01429 269808

Week 1

Thursday 26 July, 10.30am-12.30pm – Coastal Crafts Drop-in Activity Morning for children of all ages.

Week 2

Tuesday 31 July, 10.30am–11.30am - Cozzmic Cup Cake Decorating Workshop for children aged 3+. Booking essential. £3 per child

Thursday 2 August, 10.30am-12.30pm – Mischief Makers Drop-in Colouring and Puzzles, for children of all ages.

Week 3

Thursday 9 August, 10.30am-12.30pm – Mischief Makers Drop-in Activity Morning for children aged 3+.

Week 4

Thursday 16 August, 10.30am-12.30pm – Mischief Makers Drop-in Activity Morning for children aged 3+.

Week 5

Thursday 23 August, 10.30am-12.30pm – Coastal Fun Inside and Outside Drop-in Activity Morning, for children of all ages.

Week 6

Thursday 30 August, 10.30am–11.30am - Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge Medal Presentation. For children who have completed the challenge at Seaton Carew Library.

Throston Grange Library, Glamorgan Grove – Tel. 01429 263199

Week 1

Thursday 26 July, 2.30pm–3.30pm – Make a Cone Craft Session for children aged 4+.  Booking essential.

Week 2

Thursday 2 August, 2.30pm–3.30pm – Make a Sword, Pirate Hat and Eye Patch. Suitable for children aged 4+. Booking essential.

Week 3

Monday 6 August, 2.30pm–3.30pm - Cozzmic Cup Cake Decorating Workshop for children aged 3+. Booking essential. £3 per child.

Thursday 9 August, 2.30pm–3.30pm – Make a Concertina Hat and Bow Tie. Suitable for children aged 4+. Booking essential.

Week 4

Thursday 16 August, 2.30pm–3.30pm – Make a Wooden Rocket Decoration. Suitable for children aged 4+. Booking essential.

Week 5

Thursday 23 August, 2.30pm–3.30pm – Make an Amazing Mask. Suitable for children aged 4+. Booking essential.

Week 6

Thursday 30 August, 2.30pm–3.30pm - Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge Medal Presentation. For children who have completed the challenge at Throston Grange Library.

– ENDS