Amuse your children with events in Leigh-on-sea and Southend Libraries this summer

August 5, 2026

Southend Libraries are bursting with activities this summer whether you take part in the Summer Reading Challenge or just want to take in a free outdoor movie they have something for everyone.

The Summer Reading Challenge is in full flow and runs until the 29th August. Children can drop into the library to talk about the books they have read from:

10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm, Monday - Saturday at The Forum

10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm, Monday - Friday and 10am - 1pm on Saturday at branch libraries

You can sign up at your local Southend Library anytime before the challenge ends.

The Librarians at The Forum, Southend.

Come along to The Forum to watch the hilarious misadventures of librarians Mr Page and Miss Book through their library of unusual books!

Using original visual theatre techniques and ingenious physical performance, 'The Librarians' brings together these wonderfully quirky characters in a bilingual performance for Deaf and hearing audiences aged 4-9, in BSL and spoken English.

And you can join in too! At the end of the show celebrate everyone’s stories by becoming a new author for the library, with a chance to perform your ideas on stage.

Explore Learning

'The Jungle Jam' is the brand new FREE community workshop brought to you by Explore Learning and inspired by the theme of this year's Summer Reading Challenge 'Read to the Beat'.

Practise rhythm and rhyme in this fun hour-long songwriting workshop for ages 5-11.

Wednesday 5th August, 11:30am-12:30pm at Leigh Library

Thursday 13th August, 3:30-4:30pm at Southchurch Library

Wednesday 19th August, 11:30am-12:30pm at Westcliff Library

Thursday 27th August, 3:30-4:30pm at Shoeburyness Library

To book your place, please call: 01702 568808 or email: southend@explorelearning.co.uk

Summer Craft Events

As well as offering more time to read, the summer holidays allow opportunities for untethered creativity. Why not drop by your local Southend Library for some crafting fun!

At Southchurch Library:

Saturday 1st August, 10am – 1pm + 2pm – 4pm: 'CD Guitars'

Saturday 8th August, 10am – 1pm + 2pm – 4pm: 'Rockstar Toilet Roll Characters'

Saturday 15th August, 10am – 1pm + 2pm – 4pm: 'Spinning Cardboard Drums'

At The Forum:

Saturday 22nd August, 11am - 1pm: Make a 'Collage Butterfly with Flutter-by Streamers'

At Westcliff Library:

Wednesday 26th August, 3pm - 4pm: 'Make a Rainbow Paper Panpipe'

No booking required - just come along on the day! £1 per child. Suitable for children aged 4+ with parent carer supervision.

Read to Beatbox

Join UK championship beatboxer Danny Ladwa from School of Beatbox for an electrifying workshop! Unleash your inner beatboxer, create rhythmic masterpieces, and learn brilliant tricks that will leave everyone speechless.

There are three age-specific sessions to choose from, all being held on Wednesday 12th August, at The Forum:

10am – 11.30am (10-12 years)

11.45am – 1.15pm (13-15 years)

2.30pm – 4pm (16+ years)

To book your FREE ticket, visit Southend Libraries' Eventbrite page, or call The Forum Reception on: 01702 534111

Big Screen Summer Cinema

The annual Big Screen Summer Cinema has returned this year with a music-themed line up of first class films!

This year's Big Screen Summer Cinema schedule is inspired by 'Read to the Beat!, The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge, inspiring young people to discover the joy of reading through the power of music.

Saturday 8th August: 'Matilda the Musical'

Saturday 15th August: 'Sing'

All films begin at 3pm, arrive early to secure a good spot! Screenings are free and no booking is required. Please bring your own chair with you.

A Game of Chess or Two

The Leigh Library Chess Mates will be meeting on two dates this month:

Saturday 8th August, 11am - 1pm

Saturday 29th August, 11am - 1pm

Sessions are free, held twice monthly (dates are confirmed each month) and are open to all adults and children over 5 years of age. Boards are provided and there's no need to book - just come along!

For further information, please contact Leigh Library directly by email: leighlibrary@southend.gov.uk or by telephone: 01702 475929

A fun craft session to look forward to at Westcliff Library later this month:

Make a Rainbow Paper Panpipe on Monday 24th August, 3pm-4pm at Westcliff Library.

£1 per child. Parent/carer supervision required.

Please reserve your place by calling: 01702 341961 or email: westclifflibrary@southend.gov.uk

Don't miss your chance to 'Slow Down and Stitch'! Two calming hours of crafting at this welcoming group session at Westcliff Library.

The next meet will be: 12th August, 10am - 12pm. Followed by 2nd September and 23rd September.

Please come along and bring your materials and projects with you.