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Summer holiday fun in libraries

Catherine Lusted on reading activities for Barnet children

Chipping Barnet Library

Now the summer holidays are well underway, you may be looking for ways to keep children entertained. Libraries are here to help. Children aged four to eleven can sign up for ‘Barnet Book Detectives‘ at any Barnet Library in staffed opening hours

Children will receive a reading journal packed full of activities to keep them busy as well as space to record the books they have read. Best of all, it’s free!

By reading six books over the summer, children will help Detective Woof and the Book Detectives identify the mystery Book Crook who is stealing books from around Barnet. They will receive a certificate and other rewards and will be entered into a prize draw when they finish.

Children can read any library books they like – from chapter books, comics or information books. They can also read eBooks or comics on our Libby app or listen to eAudiobooks on our BorrowBox app. 

Research shows that keeping children engaged with reading over the long summer break helps to ensure that reading levels don’t drop. Taking part in Barnet Book Detectives is a fun way for children to enjoy books. 

Libraries have a fantastic events programme throughout the school holidays to help keep children entertained all summer long. For more information on Barnet Book Detectives and other library news, sign up to the library newsletter for children and families.


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