Half term Halloween fun at Sunderland Libraries

Activities will run from 25 - 31 October at the Creative Smart City Hubs at Houghton and Washington libraries and the City Library at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. 

All events are free to attend and there is a range of sessions for young people of all ages.

Everyday throughout the holidays each venue will be hosting its own Kids Halloween Costume Exchange where gently used kids' costumes can be dropped off and a free piece of 'new to you' attire picked up in time for trick or treating.

For the under fours, there will be Rhyme and Shine sessions at each site, providing a chance to enjoy singing, dancing and playing musical instruments - there will even be a Halloween themed story time at the end.

There will be Creepy Crafts events for those slightly older to create their own monsters, skeletons and spooky spiders.

The hubs at Houghton and Washington will each be running Spooky iPads, where those aged eight and over can have a go at creating their own spooky art and animations using digital software and craft materials.

Both venues will also be running Craft Core sessions for 12 - 18-year-olds, allowing them to enjoy some super relaxed, Halloween themed crafting.

It will be popcorn at the ready on Monday 27 October when the Washington hub will be screening SCOOB and on Friday 31 October Goosebumps will be shown at the Houghton hub.

At City Library on Wednesday 29 October Star Bright Arts will be delivering Early Years SEND Sensory Storytelling for under-fives, with accessible Makaton, movement and music, meaning little ones can enjoy playful stories in a safe, welcoming space that encourages imagination, interaction and fun.

Following that on the Wednesday, there will be a spooky sensory story session for ages three to eight. It will also include a craft activity — perfect for creative play, family bonding and making memories.

Cllr Beth Jones, Cabinet Member of Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: "There's a fabulous range of Halloween themed activity available to enjoy at our libraries during half-term and I'm sure all those who take part in the sessions will thoroughly enjoy them."

In addition to the free half term activity, the Washington hub will also be hosting a series of Maker Space workshops where attendees will be able to design and make their own mugs, caps and Halloween lanterns.

These workshops will start with two free taster days on Saturday 18 and Saturday 25 October, before the full, paid for workshops later in the month. 

For more information about all the events, including dates and times, visit https://www.culturehousesunderland.co.uk/events