News from Staffordshire Libraries
South Staffordshire Newsletter article – August 2026
Calling all 4–11-year-olds, parents, and carers
Have your kids completed the Summer Reading Challenge , Read to the Beat’ yet?!?
The Summer Reading Challenge is in full swing at Staffordshire Libraries.
Your kids have until 14th September to complete the challenge and for them to collect their certificate and medal from their local Staffordshire Library!
Completing the challenge gives children a great sense of achievement and some schools even congratulate all the completers in assemblies, so it’s well worth making sure they have popped into the Library for their medals and certificates.
They can listen to audio books, read graphic novels or even read to a younger brother or sister! You can also choose eBooks or eAudios for children from our fantastic eLibrary; just download the Borrowbox App and sign in with your Library card and PIN.
For more information contact your local library. It is FREE to take part and is a great way to get your children ready for the Autumn term.
Find out more at https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ or pop along to your local library.
Enjoy Shakespeare at Codsall Library with the ‘Hour Shakespeare’ group.
We are delighted to welcome ‘Hour Shakespeare’ to Codsall Library. The group will perform scenes from Shakespeare plays and read a selection of sonnets. Take part in an audience Q&A session where you will also be able to request favourite pieces for the group to perform.
Codsall Library
Tuesday 4th August
7:00pm-8:00pm (Please arrive for 6:45pm to be seated)
FREE
Refreshments available.
Please contact Codsall Library for more information or to book on 01902 506060 e-mail: [email protected]
Poetry Day at Codsall Library
Our host and ‘Poet in Residence’ for the day will be the hugely experienced, widely acclaimed, former Staffordshire poet laureate, Bert Flitcroft.
Bert will be performing short formal readings at 11am and 2pm with a selection of poems from his four published collections…….leaving time in between to share a poem or two and to chat informally about poetry with anyone who wishes to just pop along.
Thursday 13th August
10:00am – 1.30pm and 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Bert’s work has been described as ‘conversational, meditative, serious but often playful, replete with all aspects of life from bike riding to ballet, pottery to fishing, quantum physics to love and ageing, walking on the moon…..written with compassion and questioning and bundles of common sense.’
Contact us for more information 01902506060 or email: [email protected]
Storytime with Lizzie from Staffordshire Archives
Join us for a story afternoon at (name of library) on the 17th August! Rhyme and wiggle with mischievous shoemaking elves and get hands on with real historical toys. These time travel adventures involve lots of shouting out, interesting facts and chances to join in with the story. We need your help, come along and save the day!
Toy Time Travellers
Travel back 100 years to help Bessie find the perfect toy! A hands on adventure, including rhymes, scavenger hunts and a chance to play with real historical toys. Learn about play in the past and work together to solve a toy emergency!
The Elves and the Shoemaker
A classic tale with a Staffordshire twist. Rhyme, wiggle and step back in time to discover the county’s shoemaking past. Get hands on with real shoemakers’ tools and teeny tiny elf shoes. Help mischievous elves to save the day!
Free of charge, suitable for ages 1-7, older siblings are welcome.
Monday 17th August
Perton Library – 10am (Toy Time Travellers) 11:15 am (The Elves and the Shoemaker)
Codsall Library – 1:30pm (Toy Time Travellers) 2:30pm (The Elves and the Shoemaker)
Contact the Library of your choice to book:
• Codsall Library 01902 506060 or [email protected]
• Perton Library 01902 506050 or [email protected]
Footy Fairy Tales
What happens when football and your favourite fairy tales collide?
Watch a talented striker ‘Cindy-Ella’ chase the ball and find her spark, help Little Red Riding Hoodie stick to the right path and defeat a terrible troll who says ‘No Ball Games Allowed!’
With live music and super storytelling, this performance will have the whole family cheering from the stands.
Perfect for children aged 5-11 and their families. Duration 1 hour.
Tickets: £3 first child | 50p siblings | Adults & Under 3s FREE
Codsall Library – Tuesday 18th August 10:30am
Perton Library – Tuesday 18th August 2:30pm
Contact the Library of your choice to book:
• Codsall Library 01902 506060 or [email protected]
• Perton Library 01902 506050 or [email protected]
Mindfulness and Emotional Wellbeing Sessions for Children at Libraries this Summer
Join author and mindfulness teacher Natasha Joy Brady for a calming and interactive wellbeing session based on her children’s book The Sparkling Leaf.
Through storytelling, mindfulness activities, music, and self-kindness exercises, children will explore emotions, learn calming techniques, and discover ways to gently manage busy thoughts and big feelings.
Codsall Library – Monday 17th August – 10:30am – 11:30am
Perton Library – Wednesday 19th August – 10:00am – 11:00am
Wombourne Library – Wednesday 19th August – 1:00pm – 2:00pm
£1 per child (Booking essential) For Children 5-11
Contact your preferred Library for more details or to book on
• Codsall Library 01902 506060
• Perton Library 01902 506050
• Wombourne Library 01902 506055
Summer Events for children at Perton Library
Princesses, Pirates and Storybook Magic
Join us for magical stories, then get creative as you make your own fairy wings or pirate cutlass to take home. A fun filled library event celebrating storytelling, creativity, and make-believe.
Monday 3rd August
10.30-12noon
£1 per child taking part
Age 5+ (siblings welcome)
Booking essential. To book call Perton Library on 01902 506050.
In My Reading Era
Step into your reading era! Join us for a Swiftie inspired afternoon of t-shirt decorating, friendship bracelet making, sing-alongs and book themed fun!
Thursday 6th August
3-4.30pm
£3 per child taking part
Age 5+ (siblings welcome)
Booking essential. To book call Perton Library on 01902 506050.
Storytime Beats & Rhymes
Join us for a special Baby Bounce & Rhyme filled with stories, nursery rhymes and sign up for the mini challenge as part of their reading adventure.
Wednesday 12th August
10.30-11.00am
Under 5’s
Free- Drop-in
Superhero Storytime Adventure
Calling all young superheroes! Join us for an action-packed afternoon filled with exciting stories, creative fun and heroic challenges.
Come dressed as your favourite superhero or create your own hero identity.
Thursday 13th August
3.00-4.30pm
£1 per child taking part
Age 5+ (siblings welcome)
Booking essential. To book call Perton Library on 01902 506050.
Readchella
Join us for a festival-style celebration of books, music and reading! Enjoy fun activities, creative crafts and a lively atmosphere as we celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge.
Thursday 20th August
3.00pm-4.30pm
£1 per child taking part
Age 5+ (siblings welcome)
Booking essential. To book call Perton Library on 01902 506050.
Retro Reading Rockstars
Travel back in time and become a Retro Reading Rockstar! Design your own retro record or cassette and discover books about legendary musicians from ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
Friday 28th August
2.30pm-4pm
£1 per child
Age 5+ (siblings welcome)
Booking essential. To book call Perton Library on 01902 506050.
Events for Children at Wombourne Library in August
Summer Reading Challenge Launch Day
Saturday 4th July
Come along and sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. Join us for board games, Lego fun, and a craft activity.
Activities available between 10am-3pm. No booking required.
Parental supervision required when children are using the Lego due to small parts.
Rubbish Rockstars
Saturday 18th July 1-3pm
Making music from recyclable items you can find around the house! Join Dan from Veolia for another fun packed crafting and learning session.
Origami boats
Wednesday 22nd July 10:30am – 11:30am
Using nothing but paper and a stick make your own origami sail-boat!
Suitable for age 5+. FREE, donations welcome. Booking essential.
Lego Building Fun!
Monday 27th July 10.00am – 11.30am
Come along and create something amazing with Lego!
No booking required, just drop-in. Parental supervision required when children are using the Lego due to small parts.
Monster Puppets
Wednesday 29th July 10:30am – 11:30am
Make a colourful monster hand puppet!
Suitable for age 4+. FREE, donations welcome. Booking essential.
Jingly Jelly Fish
Thursday 30th July 11:00am – 11:45am
Bring the magic of the ocean indoors with this noisy, colourful jingly jelly fish craft.
Suitable for age 3-8. 50p per child. Booking essential.
Dragonfly Sun-catchers
Wednesday 5th August 10:30am – 11:30am
Make a light-catching dragonfly to put in your window!
Suitable for age 4+. FREE, donations welcome. Booking essential.
Ice Lolly Pop
Saturday 8th August 10:00am – 10:45am
Bring the joy and make your own colourful lolly pop.
Suitable for age 3+. 50p per child. Booking essential.
Lego Building Fun!
Monday 10th August 10.00am – 11.30am
Come along and create something amazing with Lego!
No booking required, just drop-in. Parental supervision required when children are using the Lego due to small parts.
Harmonica making
Wednesday 12th August 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Make your own colourful harmonica.
Suitable for age 4+. FREE, donations welcome. Booking essential.
Duck Craft and Storytime
Friday 14th August 10.00am – 11.00am
Listen to the story of the Naughty Duck and then make a craft.
Suitable for age 2-6. 50p per child. Booking essential.
Pan Pipes
Saturday 15th August 10.30am – 11.15am
A fantastic activity that blends music and history. Kids can re-create their own vibrant version.
Suitable for age 5-10. 50p per child. Booking essential.
Leaping Llamas
Monday 17th August 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Make a llama that can jump around!
Suitable for age 4+. FREE, donations welcome. Booking essential.
Mindfulness and Emotional Wellbeing Session
Wednesday 19th August 1.00pm – 1.45pm
Join author and mindfulness teacher Natasha Joy Brady for a calming and interactive wellbeing session based on her children’s book The Sparkling Leaf.
For children age 5-11. £1.00 per child. Booking essential.
Guitar Craft
Friday 21st August 11.15am – 12.00pm
A fun creative craft to make and decorate a Mexican style guitar
Suitable for age 3-8. 50p per child. Booking essential.
Lego Building Fun!
Monday 24th August 10.00am – 11.30am
Come along and create something amazing with Lego!
No booking required, just drop-in. Parental supervision required when children are using the Lego due to small parts.
Mini Coral Reef
Wednesday 26th August 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Create your own little coral reef complete with fish!
Suitable for age 4+. FREE, donations welcome. Booking essential.
Autism Friendly Storytime and Shaker Craft
Friday 28th August 10.00am – 11.00am
Listen to the story of the giraffe who can’t dance and make a rain bottle shaker to dance along with.
Suitable for age 2-6. 50p per child. Booking essential.
Events at Codsall Library this Summer
Celebration of National Playday
Join us for a day of Fun and Games
Saturday 1st August
10:00-3:00pm
Suitable for all ages
Free – Drop-in
SRC Rhyme time and Craft
Join us for a special rhyme time and craft activity
Monday 3rd August
10:30-11:30
£1 per child
Suitable for all ages
Booking Essential. To book call Codsall library on 01902 506060
Celebration of National Playday
Join us for a day of Fun and Games
Saturday 8th August
10:00-3:00pm
Suitable for all ages
Free – Drop-in
Poetry Day at Codsall Library
Our host and ‘Poet in Residence’ for the Day will be the hugely experienced, widely acclaimed, former Staffordshire poet laureate, Bert Flitcroft
Thursday 13th August
10:00 – 4:30pm
Free – Drop-in
Summertime Storytime
Join us as we ‘Read to the Beat’ of Summer and Music Themed Stories and a follow up craft
Friday 14th August
10:30-11:30am
£1 per child
Age 5+ (siblings welcome)
Booking Essential. To book call Codsall library on 01902 506060
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing Session
Join author and mindfulness teach Natasha Brady for a calming and interactive wellbeing session based on her children’s book The Sparkling Leaf.
Through storytelling, mindfulness activities, music and self-kindness exercises, children will explore emotions, learn calming techniques and discover ways to gently manage busy thoughts and big feelings.
Monday 17th August
10:30am – 45 minute session
£1 per child
Ages 5 – 11
Booking Essential. To book call Codsall Library on 01902 506060
Summer Storytime
Join Lizzie Short from Stafford History Centre for an interactive Storytime
Monday 17th August
PM (time to be confirmed)
Cost tbc
Age 1 – 7
Booking Essential. To book call Codsall Library on 01902 506060
Footy Fairytales Tour
Footy Fairy Tales is a family-friendly show, which brings fairy tales to life through storytelling and football.
Tuesday 18th August
10:30 am – The show runs for approx. 55 minutes
£3 per child, (50p for each additional child) Parents/Carers/Under 3’s FREE
Aimed at ages 5-11, siblings welcome
*Relaxed Performance, Parent/Guardian must attend.
Booking Essential. To book call Codsall Library on 01902 506060
K-POP Kraft
Come and make some K-Pop inspired crafts
Thursday 27th August
10:30-11:30am
£1 per child
Age 5+
Booking Essential. To book call Codsall Library on 01902 506060
Film Fan Choice – the results are in!
Film fans have chosen which film will be shown at Perton Library from a longlist of films in their anniversary year:
Stand By Me, (15), a coming-of-age adventure drama, based on a story by Stephen King, in which a group of young boys set off to find the body of a missing person in Oregon in 1959, directed by Rob Reiner and released in 1986 was the clear winner with almost all of the votes.
The film will be shown at Perton Library on Tuesday 29th September.
7pm start
£2 per person per film; booking is essential as places are limited.
Thanks to Film Hub Midlands and Unseen Cinema for making this possible.
Please contact Perton Library on 01902 506050 or email [email protected] to book your ticket.
“Among the Footpaths and Fields” Touring Exhibition
Archives & Heritage and Libraries are working together to get heritage collections out and about across the county. The “Among the Footpaths and Fields” touring exhibition will visit a number of libraries across South Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.
This touring exhibition explores the rich stories of rural and village life across Staffordshire. Drawing on historic records and photographs from our collections, and featuring objects, it celebrates everyday experiences, traditions, and the people who have shaped life in our villages for hundreds of years.
• Perton Library 14 July – 25 August
• Codsall Library 25 August – 10 October
• Wombourne Library 10 0ctober – 17 November
• Brewood Community Library 17 November – 5 January 2027
The exhibition can be viewed during Library opening hours.
Have you visited the newly refurbished Wombourne Library yet?
The fabulous, newly refurbished library in Wombourne re-opened to the public in December and is packed with lovely new features, a fantastic new children’s area, comfortable chairs to hang out and lots of new books.
Pop along and see for yourself!
Look out for events, groups, and community information pop-ups on our noticeboard, @SouthStaffsLibraries Instagram or ask our friendly team what’s going on!
Coffee Mornings – Every Tuesday 10:30am -12:00 – All Welcome!
Wombourne Library, Church Road, Wombourne, WV5 9EZ
Call 01902 506055 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
Two Library Walks left for 2026!
Join Staffordshire Libraries for a series of friendly, volunteer led countryside walks between 6–8 miles. Enjoy fresh air, good company, and a wellbeing boost as we explore beautiful local routes from Codsall, Perton, Wombourne and Rugeley.
2026 Walk Dates:
• Tuesday 1 September – Perton Library Walk 2
• Thursday 15 October – Rugeley Library Walk
📞 To book your place, contact:
• Perton Library: 01902 506050 | [email protected]
• Rugeley Library: 01889 869063 | [email protected]
Walks are £2 per person
🕘 Please arrive by 9:45am for registration.
🚶 Walks start at 10:00am.
🥾 Wear suitable footwear and bring a packed lunch.
Step outside and feel the difference—walk with us in 2026!
Join the Games Club at Wombourne Library! 🎲
Looking for a fun way to spend time with friends, meet new people, and enjoy your favourite games? Starting in the New Year, Wombourne Library is launching a Games Club for young people – and you’re invited!
• Every Wednesday: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
• Every Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Who can join?
All ages welcome! Whether you love board games, card games, or just want to try something new, there’s something for everyone.
No need to book – just drop in!
Bring your friends or come along and make new ones. It’s all about having fun, learning new games, and enjoying a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
📍 Start the New Year with a game – see you at Wombourne Library!
Codsall Macular Group
The Codsall Macular Group is a support group for individuals affected by macular disease or macular degeneration. The group meets at Codsall Library on the first Friday of each month from 1.30pm to 3pm. This group is open to anyone affected by macular disease or central vision loss, providing a space for support, information, and community.
For more information or to join the group, you can visit the Macular Society’s website or contact them directly. The Macular Society is dedicated to helping people with sight loss caused by macular disease and offers a range of services to improve lives and fund medical research.
Codsall Library
First Friday of each month
1.30pm-3pm
Contact Hazel on 07773755005 for more information or just pop in.
Visit https://www.macularsociety.org/
Have you been affected by cancer or are simply wanting to improve your wellbeing?
A friendly and free Wellbeing Drop-In service, with Seisdon Primary Care Network, is here for you. Come along for a relaxed chat If you would like to understand the early signs and symptoms of cancer or are simply looking for ways to feel better, cope more easily, or would like to take charge of your health.
We’re here to support you.
Perton Library – Thurs 17th Sept 10am-12pm (Blood cancer focus)
Wombourne Library – Tues 22nd September 11am – 1pm
Codsall Library – Tuesday 11th August 1:30pm-3:30pm
Please contact Perton Library 01902 506050 or email [email protected] or Codsall Library on 01902 506060 or e-mail [email protected] or Wombourne Library on 01902 506055 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
Compton Care – Bereavement Hub
Pop in and have a chat with the team from Compton Care. There will be NO session in January, but they will start again in February
Codsall Library
First Monday of the month.
11am-12.30pm
Perton Library
Every First Thursday of the month
10am – 12pm
Join the team of Library Volunteers at Wombourne Library
We are looking for people who would like to give some time back to their community by volunteering at Wombourne Library.
Roles available:
• Baby Bounce and Rhyme Support Volunteer – to sing nursery rhymes to parents and babies at weekly sessions
• Housebound Volunteers – someone who would like to deliver books to people at home
• We are looking for volunteers(s) who might like to run a regular Lego club for young people. We have lots of Lego, but someone with a love of Lego and enthusiasm to support young people to get creative is what we are looking for.
• Children’s event Volunteer – reading stories to young children on a weekly basis and helping with childrens events
• IT Buddy – to support people getting online, especially Ancestry
Other roles may be available or you may have ideas how you would like to volunteer so just ask at the desk or email [email protected] , or [email protected]
Free Computer Courses for Staffordshire Residents in South Staffordshire
Staffordshire Community Learning are looking to branch out into South Staffordshire and would like to offer FREE courses at Codsall Library.
They are offering
• Beginner Digital Skills (for those with little or no experience)
• Digital Internet Skills
• Digital Office Skills
Please register your interest NOW either by contacting Codsall Library or by contacting Community Learning directly at 01543 334537 or by e-mail at [email protected]
You can also visit their website at www.staffordshirecommunitylearning.org.uk
(Courses can only run if 5 people or more sign up.)
Discover your past with Ancestry Library Edition.
Now with the 1921 England and Wales Census available for the first time!
Weekly Ancestry sessions available at Perton Library 5pm – 7pm
To express your interest please speak to a member of
staff or call 01902 506050 or email: [email protected]
1-2-1 sessions are also available at Codsall Library. Please call 01902 506060 or e-mail [email protected] to book.
Improving access to online health services through libraries
Did you know that you can use the NHS App services online at Perton & Wombourne Library?
Use our library computers to log into your NHS Account, where you can order repeat prescriptions, view your GP record and much more.
You can also use the free Wi-Fi that libraries provide to use the NHS App on your smart phone. www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/account/
Perton Library Astronomy Club
Pop along to our next meeting for informal chat, presentations and observing if the skies are clear. Bring your own telescope or binoculars if you have them and get help in making the most of them.
Beginners welcome!
Thursday 20th August
7:00pm-9:00pm (usually every third Thursday of the Month)
Contact us for more information on 01902506060 or email: [email protected]
Need advice on Wills and Power of Attorney
Thornes Solicitors will be offering free pop-up advice sessions.
Codsall Library – Every Third Thursday of the month at 10am – 11:30am
Perton Library – Every First Wednesday of the month at 10am – 1130am
Wombourne Library – Every second Tuesday of the month at 10am-11:30am
Contact Perton Library on 01902 506050 or Codsall Library on 01902 506060 or Wombourne Library on 01902 506055 for more information.
IT Buddy available at Wombourne Library
Every Wednesday
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Free-Bookable slots
Please contact Wombourne Library for more information or to book on 01902 506055.
IT Buddy available at Perton Library
Free – Bookable slots, check for availability
Call 01902 506050 for details or to book.
Recycle at Your Library
Staffordshire Libraries in South Staffordshire are teaming up with Waste Savvy Staffs to expand a bra recycling scheme that also helps to support the ‘Against Breast Cancer’ Charity.
Bra recycling banks are onsite at Codsall, Perton, Wombourne Library and Kinver Community Library and we hope to roll out this offer elsewhere as well.
You can also find ink cartridge recycling points and battery boxes at Codsall, Perton and Wombourne to dispose of those unwanted ink cartridges and batteries.
To find out more contact your local library or search for Waste Savvy Staffs on Facebook.
