Summer Reading Challenge

Story Garden

The summer holidays are well underway, and youngsters across Derbyshire are being encouraged to sign up to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge to explore the magical connection between storytelling and nature through reading. All Derbyshire County Council libraries are taking part in the annual Challenge (presented by The Reading Agency) which launched on Saturday 5^th July 2025. This year’s theme is Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.

The Story Garden theme will provide plenty of opportunities for children to explore their imagination and experience adventures in nature and the great outdoors through the power of reading. The Challenge is delivered in partnership with libraries and designed to ensure that primary school children’s reading doesn’t ‘dip’ over the summer, as well as providing much-needed entertainment. Children can sign up at their local library, with the challenge being to read six or more library books over the summer. Youngsters will collect up to six stickers and once they have collected them all they will have completed the Challenge and received a medal and certificate.

Derbyshire libraries will be hosting a variety of events and activities to entertain children over the summer holidays with many linked to the Challenge theme, Story Garden. For more information contact ask.library@derbyshire.gov.uk, visit Summer Reading Challenge, check Facebook or contact your local library for details. Last year’s challenge saw 4,477 people signing up to the challenge in Derbyshire, with 723 more children joining the library so that they could take part. The Challenge is free to join and runs until 6^th September 2025.

(Story Garden illustrations by Dapo Adeolo, illustrations & logo The Reading Agency 2025)

August Activities for Families:

We have a huge set of events planned for August to support the Summer Reading Challenge! You can find a list of these on our website, which you can narrow down to search for Children's events at particular libraries.

Other events for families in our libraries in August include:

• Every Friday - Somercotes Library - Baby Chat - Drop-in session for babies to play and parents to chat - 10am-12.30pm - ring 01629 533970 for more info
• Friday 1st August - Ashbourne Library - 1984: The Thought Police Creative Workshop with The Lost Boys - Dystopian City Arts: design your own dystopian cityscapes using mixed-media collage techniques, then use them for an original piece of creative writing, for those aged 11 years and older - 10am-12pm - BOOKING ESSENTIAL via 01629 533950
• Friday 1st, Tuesday 5th, Wednesday 27th August - Ilkeston Library - Imagination Gaming - Fun holiday gaming activities for children who receive free school meals (£10 for those that don't) - 10am-2pm - BOOKING ESSENTIAL via website
• Saturday 2nd August - Pinxton Library - Saturday Board Games - Come along and join us for a mixture of board games - 10am-12pm - ring 01629 535815 for more info
• Wednesdays 6th, 13th, 20th, and Friday 29th August - Ashbourne Library - Imagination Gaming - Fun holiday gaming activities for children who receive free school meals (£10 for those that don't) - 10am-2pm - BOOKING ESSENTIAL via website
• Thursday 7th, Friday 15th & Tuesday 27th August - Dronfield Library - Imagination Gaming - Fun holiday gaming activities for children who receive free school meals (£10 for those that don't) - 10am-2pm - BOOKING ESSENTIAL via website
• Friday 8th, Tuesdays 12th & 19th August - Bolsover Library - Imagination Gaming - Fun holiday gaming activities for children who receive free school meals (£10 for those that don't) - 10am-2pm - BOOKING ESSENTIAL via website
• Saturday 9th August - Pinxton Library - Saturday Lego Creators - Use Duplo, Mega Blocks and Lego to build whatever you can imagine - 10am-12pm - ring 01629 535815 for more info
• Saturday 16th August - Pinxton Library - Saturday Puzzling Puzzles - Come along and try your hand at some puzzling puzzles - 10am-12pm - ring 01629 535815 for more info
• Saturday 16th August - Matlock Library - Meet Gary the Worm - Listen to author Lee Ambrose-Smith read Gary the Worm aloud, followed by a book-signing opportunity, for 3-8 year olds - 10.30-11.30am - ring 01629 533837 for more info
• Saturday 16th August - Glossop Library - Lego Club - join us for fun and creative Lego challenges - 11am-12pm - ring 01629 531199 for more info
• Tuesday 19th August - Glossop Library - Access to Books (A2B) - Inclusive book club focusing on disability and impairments - 2-3pm - ring 01629 531199 for more info
• Thursday 21st August - Matlock Library - 1984: The Thought Police Creative Workshop with The Lost Boys - Dystopian City Arts: design your own dystopian cityscapes using mixed-media collage techniques, then use them for an original piece of creative writing, for those aged 11 years and older - 11am-1pm - BOOKING ESSENTIAL via 01629 533837
• Thursday 21st August - Wirksworth Library - Children's Singalong - Dance, sing and shake your thing. For children 0-5 years old - 2-2.45pm - ring 01629 533730 for more info
• Friday 22nd August - Ilkeston Library - 1984: The Thought Police Creative Workshop with The Lost Boys - Dystopian City Arts: design your own dystopian cityscapes using mixed-media collage techniques, then use them for an original piece of creative writing, for those aged 11 years and older - 10am-12pm - BOOKING ESSENTIAL via 01629 533837
• Saturday 23rd August - Pinxton Library - Saturday Mix Up Crafts - A collection of fun crafts to have a go at - 10am-12pm - ring 01629 535815 for more info

All events are free drop-ins unless otherwise stated. Please ring the phone number provided for more information.

Adult Events in August

Come along to a variety of events and information for adults in libraries:

• Throughout August - Hayfield Library - Art Exhibition - Showcasing the work of Derbyshire artists Lyndon & Pat Evans - during opening hours - ring 01629 533438 for more info
• Throughout August - Glossop Library - Art Exhibition - Display of artwork by local artist Max Ellingworth Grundy - during opening hours - ring 01629 531199 for more info
• Until 2nd October - New Mills Library - Art Exhibition - A selection of exceptional paintings by renowned local artist, Brian Nolan - during opening hours - ring 01629 533195 for more info
• Every Tuesday - Wirksworth Library - Knit & Knatter - Sit, chatter, knit and natter - 2-4.30pm - ring 01629 533730 for more info
• Every Tuesday (except 19th August) - Pinxton Library - Creative/Mindfulness Colouring - Relax and colour your troubles away - 3.15-4pm - ring 01629 535815 for more info
• Every Wednesday - Heanor Library - Craft Yourself Calm - bring your own craft or join in with a themed-craft at our adult craft group - 1-2pm - ring 01629 533795 for more info
• Every Thursday - Pinxton Library - Coffee and Conversation - Relax and have a chat with coffee and biscuits - 11am-12.30pm - ring 01629 535815 for more info
• Every Thursday - Somercotes Library - Mindfulness Colouring - Artistic activity for enjoyment and mental health care - 4-5pm - ring 01629 533970 for more info
• Saturday 2nd August - Borrowash Library - PCSO Community Catchup - Drop-in session for local residents to discuss any concerns they may have with PCSOs - 10.30am-12.30pm - ring 01629 533448 for more info
• Tuesday 5th August - Alfreton Library - 50th Birthday Coffee Morning - celebrate our 50th birthday by sharing your stories of the library through the years, talk to staff from the Derbyshire Record Office, and add an entry to the library time capsule! - 10am-12pm - ring 01629 531481 for more info
• Tuesday 5th August - South Normanton Library - History Mystery - A collection of mystery vintage items; can you guess what they were used for while you enjoy free tea and coffee? - 10.30-11.30am - ring 01629 535000 for more info
• Tuesday 5th August - Ashbourne Library - Hansons Valuation Session - Drop-in session from the auctioneers - 11am-1pm - 01629 533950
• Friday 8th August - Borrowash Library - Bowel Cancer Screening - Drop-in session from the NHS to raise awareness - 10.30am-12.30pm - ring 01629 533448 for more info
• Friday 8th August - Borrowash Library - Live Life Better Derbyshire Health & Wellbeing Session - Drop-in session from LLBD for advice on many health and wellness needs - 9.30am-12.30pm - ring 01629 533448 for more info
• Monday 11th August - Somercotes Library - Adult Craft and Chat - Beginner friendly craft suitable for all abilities - 3-4pm - ring 01629 533970 for more info
• Wednesday 13th August - Glossop Library - Family History Club - Help with discovering your family history - 5-6pm - ring 01629 531199 for more info
• From Saturday 16th to Saturday 30th August - Belper Library - Derby Photographic Society Exhibition - Highlighting the latest works by members of the Society, including 'A Day in the Life of Belper Library', plus quiz and colouring sheets for 5-11 year olds - during opening hours - ring 01629 533192 for more info
• Tuesday 19th August - Glossop Library - IT Support Drop-in - IT help from PCrefurb - 1-3pm - ring 01629 531199 for more info
• Tuesday 26th August - Belper Library - Board Game Club - Enjoy a range of classic and modern games to try, with help from our volunteer - 3-6pm - ring 01629 533192 for more info
• Friday 29th August - Somercotes Library - Reader Group - share your views on the book you have read - 2.15-3.30pm - ring 01629 533970 for more info

All events are free drop-ins unless otherwise stated. Please ring the phone number provided for more information.

Ilkeston Festival

As part of the Ilkeston Community Threatre and Festival, Ilkeston Library is hosting a whole programme of events. All need to be booked via the website which contains the whole schedule of events for the Festival. Library events are all free:

• Monday 11th August - Ilkeston Grammar School (History and Reminiscence) - Talk/lecture by former teach Roger Mitchell on the local grammar school - 11am-1pm
• Tuesday 12th August - 'History of English Dialects' by John Titford - Talk by local author of the 'Ey Up Mi Duck' books - 10.30am-12pm
• Wednesday 13th August - Poetry for All - Reading by competition winners and local poets - 10.30am-12pm
• Friday 15th August - CPR Session - A chance to practice CPR techniques - 10.30-11.45am
• Friday 15th August - Personal Safety - Chat and get tips on personal safety - 11.45am-1pm
• Saturday 16th August - A Stitch in Time - Readings/presentations about local hosiery industry workers - 10-11.30am
• Saturday 16th August - VE/VJ Poetry Workshop - Join a poetry workshop on VE/VJ Day - 12-1.30pm

Bolsover & Shirebrook Library Connects

As part of our special Library Connects projects at Bolsover and Shirebrook Libraries, we have some more events that we're putting on. Drop-in to support them and help them become regular fixtures of the events calendars at both libraries!

• Saturday 2nd August - Shirebrook Library - Café Connects - Drop-in for a cuppa and join in some simple activities like colouring, jigsaws, puzzles and games - 10.30am-12pm - ring 07580 823897 for more info
• Tuesday 5th August - Bolsover Library - Café Connects - Drop-in for a cuppa and join in some simple activities like colouring, jigsaws, puzzles and games - 10.30am-12pm - ring 07580 823897 for more info
• Friday 8th August - Shirebrook Library - Readers Retreat - Fun session for book lovers to talk about books and join in some fun book-related activities - 12-1pm - ring 07580 823897 for more info
• Tuesday 26th August - Shirebrook Library - Stitch & Save - Learn some basic sewing techniques to upcycle and reuse old clothes and fabric, or try one of our simple sewing projects. Suitable for beginners or more experienced sewers - 10.30am-12pm - ring 07580 823897 for more info
• Tuesday 26th August - Bolsover Library - Stitch & Save - Learn some basic sewing techniques to upcycle and reuse old clothes and fabric, or try one of our simple sewing projects. Suitable for beginners or more experienced sewers - 2-3.30pm - ring 07580 823897 for more info

Post-Exam Guidance

THE RESULTS WILL SOON BE IN – GUIDANCE ON WHERE NEXT 

Across the county students are waiting for their exam results and whatever the outcomes Derbyshire County Council can help with free advice on a range of options for their futures.

Whether its job hunting, apprenticeships, training or routes to more education help is on hand.

Three events are being held in the late summer where experts will give careers information, advice and guidance. The experts are all ready and waiting to help young Derbyshire residents find local opportunities and support tailored to their needs.

The three events will be held at:

• The Quad, Derbyshire Adult Community Education Centre, Dock Walk, Chesterfield S40 2GQ on Tuesday 26 August
• Ilkeston Library, Market Street, Ilkeston DE7 5RN on Thursday 28 August
• Swadlincote Adult Community Education Centre Rink Drive, Swadlincote, DE11 8JL on Monday 1 September

Students are invited to register in advance if they like or just drop in at the events on the day. Those aged 16 to 18 years are invited to come along between 10am and 12noon. Then from 12.30pm to 3pm those aged 16 to 24 are welcome.

The county council’s Youth Employment Service (YES) is organised jointly with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It provides a gateway for young people in Derbyshire to get the support and help they need to move into employment or training.

For more information about the three events and for the option of pre-registration visit: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/yes

Derbyshire Record Office

The Tragic Story of Alfred Scandrett

We have some wonderful volunteers at DRO, and one of them is currently going through our collection of 18th and 19th century conviction certificates, which show the names of convicted criminals and what they had been accused of. He was intrigued by one young offender from 1881, Alfred Scandrett, who had stolen a pair of leggings and two ferrets. You can read what he uncovered, including its fatal ending, in our latest blog post: Leggings and ferrets, oilcloth and jewellery: the relentless thefts of Alfred Scandrett | Derbyshire Record Office

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(Photo of Alfred Scandrett aged 12. Reproduced courtesy of West Midlands Police Museum)

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Exhibitions

You can see a display of artefacts at BMAG’s temporary home at Buxton Library. The exhibition currently includes prehistoric fossils, burial urns, a history of Buxton mineral water, items of Ashford Black Marble and Blue John, artwork by Clifford Webb and of all things, a mermaid’s garden! There are plans for displays elsewhere in Buxton and Derbyshire. For further information and summer activities, look here.

Derbyshire Adult Community Education Centre

Community Open Day

Come along to meet new people, learn new skills and
have fun! Connect with local organisations making a difference
in your community. Get involved – everyone’s welcome!

Thursday 7 August 11 am to 3 pm

Ilkeston and Cotmanhay ACE Centre, Bennerley Avenue, Ilkeston DE7 8PF

Multi-Use titles 

Every month we get a new selection of titles on our FREE BorrowBox app of both eBooks and eAudiobooks that can be taken out by multiple users at one time. These stay multi-use for 60 days, so if you have a book club and you're looking for your next title then one of these could be your next choice! 

You can find these titles on the main BorrowBox page, identified as a collection with 'No Waiting!' or 'Available Now!'

Titles available from August are:

In eBook & eAudio:

• Munichs - David Peace
• Bright I Burn - Molly Aitken
• Laidlaw - William McIlvanney

In eAudiobook only:

• Things We Do for Love - Miranda Dickinson
• Eruption - Michael Crichton & James Patterson

In eBook Only:

• Rumaysa: A Fairytale - Radiya Hafiza

New Adult Books

Here are three new exciting novels and a non-fiction title for you to discover in August! 

Wolf hour - Jo Nesbo and Robert Ferguson

This killer has a story. When a small-time crook is shot down in the streets of Minneapolis, all signs point to a lone wolf, a sniper who has vanished into thin air. To tell it, he needs to get caught.

When the shooter strikes again, it’s maverick detective Bob Oz they call in to crack the case. They don’t think this victim will be the last. And this wolf wants the world to know...

As the body count rises, Oz suspects that something even more sinister is at play. And the closer he gets to the truth, the more disturbed he becomes. Because the serial killer reminds him of someone dangerous: himself.

House of two pharaohs: a novel of ancient Egypt - Mark Chadbourn and Wilbur Smith

Since his appointment as Nomarch of Memphis, by the God-Pharaoh Rameses, Piay has thrown himself into pulling the city back from the brink. The famous white city walls have been rebuilt, the once starving inhabitants fed and every day caravans have arrived from the desert wastes, filled with the many riches looted and hidden by the Hyksos. But when the body of a murdered scribe is found sealed inside the newly constructed city vault - the mark of Anubis, god of death, scrawled next to him in his own blood - panic sweeps the city. Only the wisest man in all Egypt can solve this mystery - Piay's mentor, the great sage Taita.

Boudicca's daughter - Elodie Harper

Boudicca. Infamous warrior, queen of the British Iceni tribe and mastermind of one of history’s greatest revolts. Her defeat spelled ruin for her people, yet still her name is enough to strike fear into Roman hearts.

But what of the woman who grew up in her shadow?

The woman who has her mother’s looks and cunning but a spirit all of her own? The woman whose desperate bid for survival will take her from Britain’s sacred marshlands to the glittering façades of Nero’s Roman Empire…

Children's Book Recommendations

One of our favourite things to do is recommend amazing children's books to you! This month we recommend you check out these titles:

The summer puppy - Jackie Morris (Author) and Cathy Fisher (Illustrator)

From a little furry bundle, Rosie the puppy grows, learns, and explores her world - rose petals, spiders and butterflies in the garden, the jungle of long summer grass, the fields where a fox calls, the beach where she chases waves and digs deep in the sand.

Escape room: game zero - Christopher Edge

Two children becomes trapped in a virtual escape game, and must evade a terrifying monster as they search for the keys that will set them free.

All about animals - Sonya Newland

Packed with fascinating facts, super stats, phenomenal photos, and Q&As with real-life experts – All About Animals is the perfect book for inquisitive kids who love learning about wildlife.

Travel Derbyshire Activity Packs

Travel Derbyshire is transforming bus travel into fun and exciting journeys over the summer!

We know family days out can be pretty hectic, especially during the summer holidays. But getting around by bus shouldn’t be. To help you make the most of your travel time with the little ones, Travel Derbyshire has created a fun-filled activity pack including a great competition for you to take part in (closing 30th September 2025), T&Cs apply. Enjoy it together on your journey and prepare for your adventure filled day ahead!

On board the bus, we invite you to become immersed in Derbyshire mysteries as you embark on your journey. Engage in fun activities and take a fresh look at the world around you to experience all that Derbyshire has to offer.

If/when you have completed the activity pack we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please complete the short survey found on the pack for your chance to win a £50 supermarket voucher! Or scan the QR code above. Scan to access our Feedback survey and share your views once you have completed the pack.

The Activity Packs will be available from mid-July at all libraries.

Libby

The bestselling Empyrean fantasy series by Rebecca Yarros is available to listen to on Libby, now! To hear Fourth Wing, Iron Flame or Onyx Storm, just download the Libby app to your tablet or phone. If crime is more to your taste, why not try the D.C.I. Craig Gillard series by Nick Louth – all 12 books are available now on Libby. For further help on using eaudio and ebooks, look here