Published 11 October 2022
West Dunbartonshire Council Libraries have had great success with their summer activity sessions.
Throughout the summer break, children of all ages participated in 83 programmes at six branches and two outdoor locations, including Bookbug, Story time, arts and crafts projects, STEM-related activities, and activities linked to this year's Summer Reading Challenge's "Gadgeteers" theme.
A total of 1094 adults and children enjoyed activities over the six-week period, which included making slime, tie-dying, making and flying rockets building castles, and creating aquariums.
As a result of the success, Dalmuir Library has introduced drop-in craft workshops every Saturday.
Library memberships also increased with 554 new members joining, and more young people than ever participating in this year’s summer reading challenge.
Councillor Michelle McGinty, Vice Convener of Corporate Services, said, “It’s really fantastic to see the attendance at the libraries this summer and it demonstrates this service is vital to the community. When I attended one of the sessions at Dumbarton Library was wonderful to observe the kids participating in the activity and their parents or guardians enjoying it too.
“We know from feedback from the young people themselves as well as their parents and carers that these sessions were really valued, and library employees went above and beyond to provide a free and engaging activity which helped cut down on the cost of the summer holidays.”