The Library Challenge Returns! Free fun for families throughout Stroud and beyond
Get ready to travel through time, unlock epic stories and collect rewards with Gloucestershire Libraries' summer-long activity created for families. After the wild success of last summer's Natural World challenge, the theme for 2026 is Tales Through Time.
Running from 11th July to 12th September 2026, this exciting challenge is designed for children aged 3+ and encourages families to explore books, stories, creativity and adventure across Gloucestershire's libraries.
The free activities take place at Stroud Library and libraries across the whole of Gloucestershire. Take a look at the amazing Tales Through Time map below and click the image to download to your phone.
Free activities for kids throughout Stroud - Delve into a Perilous Past
To take part in The Library Challenge, families can sign up for free at any Gloucestershire Library and then begin a summer-long reading adventure. Each part of Gloucestershire has a zone, and Stroud and the surrounding areas is 'Perilous Past'.
During the challenge, children can complete fun activities, collect stamps, earn rewards and work their way towards a special Tales Through Time medal and entry into a prize draw featuring book bundles and vouchers.
How the challenge works
1. Sign up
Join for free at any Gloucestershire library. All you need is a free library membership.
No membership? No problem. Click here to join today and be ready when the Tales Through Time challenge begins.
2. Get reading
Take on creative activities inspired by stories, history, myths, explorers and adventures. It's not just about reading books, children can draw, write, stick things in to their Challenge Journal, add photos and make the challenge completely their own.
3. Earn rewards
Complete tasks and collect stamps as you progress through the challenge levels:
- 3 stamps = Bronze
- 6 stamps = Silver
- 9 stamps = Gold
There will be stickers, certificates and surprises to collect along the way.
4. Go for Gold!
Reach Gold level to receive a Tales Through Time medal and be entered into the prize draw giveaway.
There will be a series of exciting events throughout the summer, including craft activities, storytelling, and the opportunity to explore some historical artefacts.
Are you ready for the start of The Library Challenge Tales Through Time?
Get set for a summer of fun and adventure below:
Join the library
If you're not already a member, join Gloucestershire Libraries to take part. Joining is free and you can do it in your local library or online.
Join onlineSign up to the Gloucestershire Libraries newsletter
Stay up to date with the latest event announcements and never miss a booking with news sent directly to your inbox.
Newsletter sign-upDownload The Library Challenge map
Save it to your phone, print it for the fridge, keep it handy and predict where you'll pick up the most rewards.
Map PDFFollow Gloucestershire Libraries
Check out the latest announcements and see how each library celebrates their theme on social media.
Free summer fun around Stroud
One of the highlights of The Library Challenge is the beautifully illustrated Tales Through Time map, which encourages families to visit libraries across Gloucestershire and discover different themes and adventures at each location.
Below is a full list of Gloucestershire's libraries and their themes:
Stroud and surrounding area
- Stroud Library, Rebels with a Cause
- Dursley Library, Ash and Arenas
- Nailsworth Library, Ice Age Adventures
- Tetbury Library, Lost Species
- Wotton-under-Edge Library, Eastern Dynasties
- Berkeley Community Library, Stories Through Time
The Cotswolds and surrounding area
- Chipping Campden, Hidden Clues
- Cirencester Library, Secrets in the Soil
- Bourton-on-the-Water Library, Secrets of the Pyramids
- Lechlade Library, Trailblazing explorers
- Fairford Library, Up and Away
- Stonehouse Library, Dinosaur Detectives
- Stow-on-the-Wold Library, X Marks the Spot
Gloucester area
- Churchdown Library, Legends of the Sea
- Gloucester Library, Literary Legacies
- Hucclecote Library, Royal Rulers
- Longlevens Library, Blitz and Bravery
- Matson Library, Victorian Vibes
- Quedgeley Library, Weird and Wonderful Britain
Cheltenham area
- Charlton Kings Library, Toy-tastic Fun
- Prestbury Library, Whizz Kids
- Hesters Way Library, Music Through the Ages
- Cheltenham Children's Library, Amazing Artists
- Up Hatherley Library, Gadgets and Gizmos
- Oakley Library, Epic Explorers
Forest of Dean area
- Cinderford Library, Brave Knights
- Coleford Library, Castles and Palaces
- Bream Community Library, Stories through time
- Lydney Library, Sailing the Seas
- Newnham Community Library, Weapons Through Time
- Newent Library, Legendary Leaders
Tewkesbury area
- Tewkesbury Library, Local Legends
- Cheltenham Children's Library, Amazing Artists
- Bishops Cleeve Library, Mythical Heroes
- Winchcombe Library, Enchanted Forests
- Brockworth Community Library, Stories Through Time
