July – Rhythm and Rhyme

Across Devon we are celebrating poetry and lyrics this month. From Shakespeare to Brithop words and music have always had a powerful relationship. Why not take the time to visit your local library this summer and read some favourite verse and discover new poets and writers.

There's a lot going on for children throughout July in Devon’s libraries...

Bookstart

The Bookstart Bear will be out and about throughout July, meeting the under 5s at Bounce and Rhyme sessions in libraries across the county. Drop in and sing old and new nursery rhymes and action songs alongside your favourite bear!

Team Read

Saturday July 19th is the first day of Team Read - the children’s Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge is to read 6 books during the summer break and in this Olympic year the theme is sport. Join in at your local library, get your Team Read pack and start collecting stickers for every book read. Complete the challenge to win your Team Read gold medal and apply for free tickets to the Appledore Book Festival.

Team Reads will be launched at Barnstaple Library before an invited audience on the 15th of July,  with a performance by the Booster Cushion Theatre and at Kingsbridge on the 18th July with an appearance by Ian Whybrow the creator of Little Wolf.

Get into the groove with an African Drumming Workshop at Tavistock Library on July 19th where you can learn some of the vibrant and powerful rhythms  of Africa. This free event is suitable for people of all ages and starts at 10.30.

Come along and make some noise at Okehampton Library on Saturday 5th July. There will be a drop in session from 10.00 for children aged under 8 and their parents/carers to make various small musical instruments to include kazoos, shakers and drums.

Check our  What's On listing for more library events.

Devon is celebrating reading throughout the year in many different ways so call in to your nearest library and see what is happening and if you're not a member why not join?

Reading is everywhere and it’s not just about books: What about
newspapers, magazines, comics, graphic novels, short stories, braille, subtitles in films, text message, websites, online games, computer screens, blogs, signs, emails, audio books, podcasts, websites on your mobile, storytelling and many more?

Other links:

Devon Gets Reading
National Year of Reading
Schools Library Service NYR page
M@x at the DGR launch - Exeter Central Library