Introducing Inspire's Summer - Autumn What's On Brochure!
Get ready for a season filled with exciting adventures, creativity, and discovery at your local libraries. Children are invited to join our Summer Reading Challenge this July and August and Ready, Set, Read! their way through six library books.
See Sherwood Forest up close, take part in this Summer’s Big Draw and immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of fantasy realms with an exhibition and plenty of themed events happening this October. With even more author talks, new film screenings and jazz on the way, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
You can soon pick up a copy of the brochure at your local library or view it online.
Family fun this Summer and Autumn
Summer Reading Challenge 2023
FREE All Inspire libraries
Saturday 8 July – Sunday 3 September
By reading six library books of their choice, children will help our Ready, Set, Read! team (and their animal mascots) weave through a summer obstacle course.
There are rewards for every book read, including smelly stickers and a medal and certificate for those who complete the challenge. Sign up for free in the library and pick up a collector folder.
Developed in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust, ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ will celebrate play and participation and will encourage children to engage in games and sports in any way that best suits them.
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Family crafting and more in your local library
FREE Various Inspire libraries
Join us in our fantastic libraries for fun craft sessions, workshops and games this summer. With events like design your own football kit, make your own gymnastic ribbons, and mini library sports days, there’s something for every child! Plus, collect your Summer Reading Challenge prizes as you race towards the finish line. Visit the website to find an event near you.
For children aged 4-11, unless otherwise stated
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On Your Marks! Family Workshops
FREE 12 Inspire libraries
Come and meet Inspire’s 2023 Artist and Author in Residence: Nottingham-based artist Amy Lee Young and international-selling children’s author, Donna David!
Work with Amy to make a bright paper mobile! With pre-cut shapes and symbols from all the colours in the rainbow. You will have the chance to design your own joyful mobile that represents you and everything you love about games, sports and play. Adorn your mobile with poetry you create with Donna.
Donna will share her books and inspiration. You will be encouraged to write your own poetry, inspiring lines and WOW words. These words and lines will then be used to inspire and complement the mobiles created with Amy.
No booking required, just drop in. For children ages 7+.
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Family theatre
Little Seeds Music Presents: Jack!
£4 library members /£7 non-library members
Tuesday 15 August - Thursday 31 August
For as long as tales have been told, the character of Jack has been a constant presence in stories. Now, in this new musical for children and families, discover the truth behind the original fairytale hero.
Join Jack in his many guises as he seeks his fortune, finds the love of his life and, of course, takes on the fearsome giant.
JACK! features traditional stories, original songs and storytelling. With lots of opportunities to join in, plus brilliant live music, families will be singing along before you can say Fee Fie Fo Fum!
For children aged 5 – 10 and their families
Programmed in association with The Spark Arts for Children
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East Lab Dance Company Presents: Frocks, Socks And The Orange Fox
FREE Mansfield Central Library
11am & 2pm / Friday 11 August
As fox and mole journey through towns, forests, mountains, and rivers, they need you to be on the lookout for the missing socks.
East Lab Dance Company are inviting families to rhyme, move and learn in this interactive dance adventure. Children will join with fox and mole on an immersive journey and take part in an exciting stay and play workshop after the show.
For children aged 2 – 6 and their families
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Poetry Festival
Performances | Workshops | Exhibitions
Saturday 16 – Sunday 24 September 2023
Join us to celebrate wonderful words this September for Inspire Poetry Festival 2023. Between 16th-24th September we’ll be celebrating with a week of wonderful words with performances, workshops, exhibitions and a screening.
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Adult learning
Welcome to Summer School!
Are you looking for exciting activities to make the most of your summer? Look no further! We've created an excellent selection of courses to ignite your passion for a new hobby or interest, or to improve your CV and employability!
Whether you crave the soothing art of massage, the culinary delights of cupcake baking, the practical skills of bookkeeping or a recognised qualification, our diverse range of courses is sure to captivate your curiosity.
Your summer of inspiration begins here.
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Events and exhibitions
The Big Draw 2023 Time To Connect
This year, The Big Draw will help join 6 nature and heritage sites across the county in the form of a brand-new art trail!
This work is part of a wider national project working with renowned portrait photographer, Alistair Morrison. Alistair has created Time to Connect, to photograph people and places around the UK, and Nottinghamshire is delighted to be part of this journey!
Take Time to Connect to new people, places, and environments, look out for a workshop near you.
An exhibition of this project will show parts of this journey and will tour Inspire Libraries.
Saturday 30 September – Saturday 30 March 2024
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Sherwood Forest Up Close
Mansfield Central Library Wednesday 5 July – Thursday 10 August
Worksop Library Wednesday 6 September – Wednesday 18 October
West Bridgford Library Tuesday 28 November – Wednesday 20 December
An exhibition of images by natural history photographer Alex Hyde showcasing some of the special species of Sherwood Forest close up and in fascinating detail.
The work is commissioned by the Miner2Major Landscape Partnership scheme, supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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Brave Bears: The Teddy Bears Picnic
FREE Mansfield Central Library
Tuesday 15 August – Wednesday 27 September
We’ve been busy making Brave Bears for charities working with children in times of need. Hundreds of bears will gather at Mansfield Central Library for a collection of cuteness and, what we hope will be, the biggest teddy bears picnic of the summer!
At the end of the exhibition Nottinghamshire Police will ensure the Brave Bears give hugs to those who need them most.
Supported by Inspire, the Miner2Major Landscape Partnership Scheme, Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Creative Lives.
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Fantasy: Realms of Imagination
FREE Nottinghamshire Archives
Friday 27 October – Wednesday 20 December
Inspire are delighted that as part of the Living Knowledge Network we are hosting a taster of the full exhibition currently on show at the British Library in London.
This exhibition tells the story of the development of Fantasy from the earliest works up to the present day.
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