| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musical micro:bits | 22 August | 10:30 am to 11:30am | Micro:bits - coding and music making. |
Free event - no need to book |
Turn up the volume on reading this summer
This summer, North Yorkshire Libraries in partnership with The Reading Agency invites children to discover the joy of reading through Read to the Beat! - the music themed Summer Reading Challenge for 2026.
With a fantastic collection of books inspired by music from around the world, children can explore stories, poetry, graphic novels and non-fiction for all reading levels. Best of all, the books are free to borrow from your local library.
As part of the National Year of Reading, libraries are encouraging families to make reading part of their summer adventures. Children can sign up at the library or online, set their reading goals and enjoy rewards along the way.
Read to the Beat launches in North Yorkshire on Saturday 4 July. You will be able to find full details of over 250, often free, events on this page or on individual library Facebook pages.
Summer Reading Challenge events
Barlby library and community hub
Bentham community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lego club drop-in | 24 August | 1:30pm | Let your imagination run wild with our Lego challenge. Suitable for children aged 5 to 11. | Free, drop-in event |
| Junk modelling | 25 August | 2pm | Make your own junk musical instrument to take home. For children aged 4 to 11. | Free, drop-in event |
Catterick community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Reading Challenge launch | 4 July | 10am to 1pm | Kickstart your summer of reading with games, activities and plenty of book-inspired fun. | - |
| Musical craft session | 13 August to 20 August | 2pm | Get creative with a fantastic mix of music and recycling in this fun interactive craft session. | - |
| Zoolab | 20 August | 2:30pm | 'Cacophony of Chaos' - get up close with amazing animals in this wild and noisy interactive Zoolab experience exploring sounds, habitats and creatures from around the world. | - |
Colburn community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Reading Challenge launch | 4 July | 10am to 12 noon | Kick-start your summer of reading with games, activities and plenty of book-inspired fun as we launch this year's Summer Reading Challenge. | - |
| Zoolab | 20 August | 12 noon | Cacophony of Chaos'- get up close with amazing animals in this wild and noisy interactive Zoolab experience exploring sounds, habitats and creatures from around the world. | - |
Derwent Valley BRIDGE community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch event - author visit | 4 July | 3pm to 4pm | Author visit to celebrate start of the Summer Reading Challenge. | Free event |
| Rap school afternoon session | 21 August | Free event - booking required |
Easingwold community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Making giant books with Chris Geeson creative clubs | 26 August | 10am to 11:30am | Create a giant book from scrap, card and paper. Base the cover detail on your favourite book or make up your own. Suitable for ages 6 to 13. | Free event - booking required |
Eastfield More Than Books
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craft session | 20 August and 25 August | 10:30am to 11:30am | Join us for a musical craft session. |
Free event - no booking required |
| Code a pillar | 21 August | 10:30am to 12 noon | Programming electronic toys to move. | Free event - no booking required |
| Games in the garden | 28 August | 10:30am to 12 noon | Playing a selection of board games. Will be moved inside if the weather conditions are poor. |
Free event - no booking required |
| Badge making | 4 September | 10:30am to 12 noon | Making badges with a Summer Reading Challenge theme. | Free event - no booking required |
Embsay-with-Eastby community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little wizards story and craft | 20 August | 1:30pm to 2:30pm | Join local author Sarah Jane Elliott who will be reading her brilliant children's book 'Little Wizards'. Afterwards have a go at creating a magical craft. For children aged 5 to 8. | Free event |
Filey library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Reading Challenge launch | 4 July | 10:30am | - | Free event |
| The hungry caterpillar | 22 August | 10:30am to 11:30am | Under fives stories and rhymes. | Free event |
Grassington hub and community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound trail | 4 July to 12 September | Collect a nature sound trail and see if you can hear all the sounds before the end of the summer. Complete the sound trail and you will be entered into a prize draw to win an annual pass to Ripon Museums. | Free event |
Great Ayton Discovery Centre
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkleatham animals | 5 August to 5 September | 10am to 12:30pm | Kirkleatham animal sanctuary will visit with a range of animals, such as snakes, spiders, ducks. Which one will make the most noise? | - |
Harrogate library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Library cinema | 19 August | 10am | Enjoy a family film at our pop-up library cinema. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 and their families. | Free event |
Helmsley community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sock puppet craft with Chris Geeson creative clubs | 25 August | 10am to 12 noon | Turn an old sock into a puppet using scrap materials. | Free drop-in session |
Ingleton Community Library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lego Club drop-in | 24 August | 1:30pm | Come and get creative at our LEGO club. Let your imagination run wild with our LEGO challenge for children aged five to 11 | Free event - no booking required |
| Lego Club drop-in | 27 August | 2pm | Come and get creative at our LEGO club. Let your imagination run wild with our LEGO challenge for children aged five to 11 | Free event - no booking required |
Knaresborough library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doodle day | 25 August | 10am to 4pm | Join us for a day of doodling! Family friendly. | Free drop in event |
| Lego day | 1 September | 10am to 4pm | Get creative at our library Lego day. Family friendly. | Free drop in event |
Leyburn community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Reading Challenge launch and story time | 4 July | 10:30am to 11:30am | Join us for the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge and get reading to the beat. | Free event - no booking required |
Malton library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Reading Challenge launch | 4 July | 9:30am | Join us for the Summer Reading Challenge launch and have a go playing some instruments with the Swinton and District Excelsior Band. | Free event - no booking required |
| Dance story time | 18 August | 10:30am | Boogie on down to the library and spend time with local dance school Kirkham Henry Performing Arts. For children aged 3 to 8. | Free event - no booking required |
| Music therapy | 24 August | 2:30pm | Join North Yorkshire Music Therapy for a fun music session. For children aged 4 to 11. | Free event - no booking required |
| Junk modelling session | 28 August | 10:30am to 12noon | Get creative with the North Yorkshire’s Waste and Recycling Team and turn everyday materials into your very own musical instrument. | Free event |
Mashamshire community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound trail | 4 July to 12 September | Collect a nature sound trail and see if you can hear all the sounds before the end of the summer. Complete the sound trail and you will be entered into a prize draw to win an annual pass to Ripon Museums. | Free event |
Mobile library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takeaway musical craft | 20 July to 28 August | Mobile library timetabled stops | Collect a free bag full of musical craft and activities to enjoy over the summer and help us decorate our Mobile library with musical bunting. | - |
| Brimham Rocks story time | 19 August | - | Story time taking place at Brimham Rocks. | Free event - no booking required |
Nidderdale Plus community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound trail | 4 July to 12 September | - | Collect a nature sound trail and see if you can hear all the sounds before the end of the summer. Complete the sound trail and you will be entered into a prize draw to win an annual pass to Ripon Museums. | Free event |
| Vinyl painting craft | 24 August | 3pm to 4pm | Turn old records into colourful works of art - perfect for young artists! | Free event - booking essential |
Northallerton library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Reading Challenge launch event - musical bunting | 4 July | 10am to 1pm | A craft session for children aged up to 11 years. Join us to decorate musical notes with colours, shapes and glitter to create bunting that will be strung in the junior library throughout the Summer Reading Challenge. | Free, drop-in event |
| Matilda the musical workshop | 19 August | 10am to 12 noon | Children will learn part of the script, sing 'Revolting Children,' and explore simple choreography and stage movement. The session ends with a lively mini performance, giving everyone a chance to shine and celebrate their creativity. For children aged 6 to 11. | Free event but booking is required. |
| Storytime and crafts at the Secret Garden (behind Northallerton High Street) | 26 August | 10:30am | Join us in the beautiful Secret Garden for an open-air story time and crafts. For children aged up to eight years. | Free event |
| Themed story times | Fridays | 10am | Musical story times themed to link into 'Read to the Beat', with craft activities to follow. | Free event - no booking required |
Storytime and crafts takes place at the Secret Garden which is located at 178 High Street, Secret, Northallerton, DL7 8JZ.
Norton HIVE community hub
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stories and activities with PC Gill | 19 August | 10am to 12 noon | Join local police officer PC Gill for a morning of stories and activities. | Free event - no booking required |
Pickering library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday fun club | 20 July to 24 August | 10am to 11:30am | Creative activities every Monday through the holidays. Different activity every week from designing a bookmark, colouring suncatchers to creating a supersized Pickering-on-Sea artwork. Seaside-themed Lego competition with prizes on 24 August. Programme available on our library Facebook page or posters in library. | Free event |
| Tuesday board game club | 21 July to 25 August | 10:30am to 12 noon | Learn to play different board games each week. Suitable for 7 to 14 year olds. | Free event - no booking required |
| Matilda the musical workshop | 20 August | 10:30am to 12:30pm | Learn part of the script, sing 'Revolting Children', and explore simple choreography and stage movement. Session ends with live mini performance. Suitable for ages 6 to 11. | Free event - booking required |
Richmond community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoolab | 20 August | 10:15am to 11:30am | Cacophony of Chaos'- get up close with amazing animals in this wild and noisy interactive Zoolab experience exploring sounds, habitats and creatures from around the world. | - |
Ripon library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound trail | 4 July to 12 September | - | Collect a nature sound trail and see if you can hear all the sounds before the end of the summer. Complete the sound trail and you will be entered into a prize draw to win an annual pass to Ripon Museums. | Free event |
| Bug-fest story time at Ripon Walled Garden | 26 August | 10:30am to 12:30pm | Enjoy stories, explore books, and discover the fascinating world of bugs - perfect for little nature lovers! | Free event - no booking required. Ripon Walled Garden is located at Palace Road, Ripon, HG4 3HN. |
| Storytime at Fountains Abbey | 28 August and 4 September | 10:30am to 12:30pm | Join us among the ruins and green spaces for stories, imagination, and a little library adventure in the fresh air! | Entry fee to Fountains Abbey required. Fountains Abbey is located at Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY. |
| Sing along film showing of Matilda the Musical | 20 August | Show starts at 11am until 1pm | Step into a world of courage, cleverness and catchy tunes. Special library screening - the perfect mix of books, bravery and brilliant music! Film rating:PG | Free event - booking required |
| Song writing workshop | 27 August | 10:30am to 12:30pm | A fun chance to turn your ideas into your very own song - no experience needed. Perfect for ages 9 to 12. | Free event - booking required |
Scarborough library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free film Friday | 21 August | 1:30pm | - | Free, drop-in event |
| Story time | 24 August | 10:30am | 'Where the Wild things Are' story time with the Music Therapy Centre. | Free event - booking required |
| Carnival crafts | 26 August | 10:30am to 12 noon | - | Free, drop-in event |
| Free film Friday | 28 August | 1:30pm | - | Free, drop-in event |
Selby library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Reading Challenge activity treasure hunt | 18 July to 5 September | Available during opening hours. | Set off on a mini adventure around the library with our fun-filled treasure trail. Search high and low to uncover hidden clues and complete playful challenges along the way. Every completed entry will be entered into our end-of-summer prize draw to win a mystery prize. | Free drop-in event |
| Selby Camera Club exhibition | 15 August to 27 August | Available during opening hours. | In partnership with Selby Camera Club, this year's exhibition focuses on a special musical theme to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge, capturing the spirit of sound, rhythm, and performance through the lens. From striking images to creative interpretations, there’s something to inspire visitors of all ages. | Free, drop-in event |
| Lego club stay and play | 28 August | 1:30pm to 3:30pm | Get creative this summer with our relaxed Lego stay-and-play sessions. Build, design, and imagine at your own pace - whether you pop in for 30 minutes or stay for the whole session. Take on one of our mystery challenges from the jar and see what you can create! Self-guided activity for all young builders. | Free event |
Settle community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singing for fun - Cate Holland | 19 August | 2pm | Come along to our informal, fun singing workshop. | Free event - booking essential |
| Record painting art workshop | 26 August | 2pm | Turn an old vinyl record into a fun, colourful piece of art. For children aged 5 to 11. | Free vent - booking essential |
Sherburn and villages community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pop up percussion performance time in Pocket Park | 24 August | 11am to 11:30am | Come and use the equipment to devise your own musical compositions and dances. For children aged 4 to 7, and their adults. Takes place in Pocket Park outside the library. | Free event - no booking required |
| Lego jam | 20 August and 27 August | 10:30am to 11:30am | Use our materials to construct models inspired by music and sound, or anything you like. For children aged 4 to 11. | Free event - no booking required |
| Rock with Rich - number 1 | 18 August | 1:30pm to 2:30pm | An interactive, fun musical workshop exploring many aspects of sounds and instruments with Richard Tull. For children aged 7 to 11. | Free event - booking required |
| Shake, shake, shake | 22 August | 9:30am to 12:30pm | Make a vibrant rain stick and rock and roll to create sounds. For children aged 7 to 11. | Free event - no booking required |
| Rock with Rich - number 2 | 25 August | 1:30pm to 2:30pm | An interactive, fun musical workshop exploring many aspects of sounds and instruments with Richard Tull. For children aged 7 to 11. | Free event - booking required |
| West African drumming session | 26 August | 1:30pm | An exciting drumming workshop using individual sets of Djembe drums. Expect a noisy, fun, unique experience. Funded by the town council. For children aged 6 to 11. | Free event - booking required |
| Melodious musical mobiles | 29 August | 9:30am to 12:30pm | Use a range of resources to devise a hanging mobile to reflect all things musical. For children aged 4 to 11. | Free event - no booking required |
| A symphonic scavenger hunt | 5 September | 9:30am to 12:30pm | You and your family will need your best detective skills to solve this chart-topping puzzle. For children aged 4 to 11. | Free event - no booking required |
| Closing date celebration | 12 September | 9:30am to 12:30pm | Join us in the children's area for a harmonic morning of activities and games. Come dressed as you favourite singer, if you wish. For children aged 4 to 11. | Free event - no booking required |
Skipton library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matilda musical workshop | 18 August | To be confirmed | A musical workshop based around the book 'Matilda'. | Free event - booking essential |
| Little Wizards story time | 20 August | 10:30am to 11:30am | Join local author Sarah Jane Elliott who will be reading her brilliant children's book 'Little Wizards'. Afterwards have a go at creating a magical craft. For children aged 5 to 8. | Free event |
| Junk Modelling Session with North Yorkshire Recycles | 20 August | 2pm to 3:30pm | Get creative with the North Yorkshire’s Waste and Recycling Team and turn everyday materials into your very own musical instrument. | Free event - booking essential |
| Vinyl painting session | 25 August | 10:30am | Turn old records into works of art. | Free event - booking essential |
| Lego drop-in session | 4 September | 2pm to 3:30pm | Lego building session. | Free, drop-in event |
South Craven community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sound trail | 4 July to 12 September | 10am to 1pm | Collect a nature sound trail and see if you can hear all the sounds before the end of the summer. | - |
| Matilda theatre workshop | 18 August | To be confirmed | A musical workshop based around the book 'Matilda'. | Small charge - booking essential |
South Craven community library is located at Main Street, Cross Hills, BD20 8TQ.
Starbeck community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heartbeat crafts | 18 August | 2:30pm to 4pm | Let the rhythm of music inspire your heart. Join us for music and heart themed crafts. | Free event - no booking required |
| Matilda theatre workshop | 18 August | To be confirmed | A musical workshop based around the book 'Matilda'. | Small charge - booking essential |
Stokesley community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper bag puppet making | 31 August | 11am to 12 noon | A fun creative session inspired by the Carnival of the Animals. Create a paper bag puppet inspired by the music, then bring your animal to life as you move, play and imagine to the beat. |
Free event - booking required |
| Music making | 20 August | 2pm to 3:30pm | Fun-filled music making session - explore rhythm, and make some noise as we celebrate stories through music. | Free event - booking required |
Tadcaster library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Band | 18 August | 10am to 10:45am | Develop early learning skills and create memories in this lovely multi-sensory music session with Amelia from Baby Band. Session is for children aged up to four. | £5 - booking required |
| Circus skills | 19 August | 10:16am to 10:45am and 12:15pm to 12:45pm | Join Jolly Good Productions for a fun circus skills workshop, where the kids will discover the joy of mastering new talents. Session is for children aged five and over. | £5 - booking required |
| Punch and Judy Show | 19 August | 11:15am to 11:35am | Guaranteed laughter and good old-fashioned fun for everyone with this colourful puppet theatre show. Session is for all ages. | £4 - booking required |
| Making Minecraft characters | 24 August | 10am to 12noon | Chris Geeson Creative Clubs will have everything the children need to make models of Minecraft characters and blocks using arty materials. Session is for children aged five to 13. | £7 including drink and snack - booking required |
Thirsk community library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoolab | 18 August | 11am to 11:15am | Animal encounters with Zoolab. | Contact us for prices for this session. |
| Mini minims | 24 August | 10:30am to 11am and 11:15am to 11:45am | Shaz, a music teacher, leads children in song and movement. 10.30am session is for children under two. 11.15am session is for children aged 3 to 5. | Free event |
| Lego drop-in session | 27 August | 10am to 12 noon | Lego drop-in for all ages with Polly. | Free event |
Whitby library
| Event | Dates | Time | Event details | Booking information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South African music session | 20 August and 21 August | 10am to 11am | Nyaniso Dzedze is a South African performing artist, actor, dancer, choreographer, and singer who, with his wife Yana, will lead a South African music session for children aged 4 to 11. | Free event |
| Draw along with Liz Million | 24 August | 1:30pm to 3pm | Draw along with the incredibly talented and hilarious Liz Million Artist/Illustrator. For ages 5 and up. | Free event |
| Musical themed crafts | 27 August | 2:30pm to 4pm | Making wind chimes, percussion shakers, and paper plate tambourines. For children aged 5 to 11. | Free event |