Ghostly tales to fuel imagination of kids

The spectral shenanigans are part of a bid to encourage children to enjoy reading for pleasure and keep honing their literacy skills during the long, languid days of summer.

East Sussex County Council is promoting the national Summer Reading Challenge, which sets youngsters aged four to 11 the task of reading six books during the six-week holidays, rewarding them with stickers, wristbands and certificates.

To link in with the challenge, which this year has a ‘Creepy House’ theme, the libraries will host a series of spooky sessions aimed at fuelling the imagination of youngsters.

Events include a range of sessions at which children can hear ghost tales and take part in creepy craft activities, including making their own spooky spider.

Meanwhile, Battle Library will host a ‘creepy house’ session from animal-handling workshops provider Zoolab, offering youngsters the chance to get up close and personal with a variety of curious critters.

Cllr Chris Dowling, county council lead member for community services, said: “Ghosts and strange creatures never fail to capture the imagination of youngsters, so this seemed like the perfect way to encourage them to visit their local library.

“The six week holidays mean children have a lot of time on their hands, and reading not only keeps their literacy skills sharp during the summer break but also fuels their imagination in a way that television or computer games just can’t do.”

Spooky stories and craft takes place at Rye library on Wednesday July 31 from 11am and the library also has sessions to make a spooky spider on August 14 and listening to a spooky story and making a haunted house on August 21, both at 11am. The sessions are for four - ten year olds.

Join Zoolab at Battle Library on Monday August 19 at 10.30am for a spine-tingling introduction to animals with a lots of fun along the way. Investigate clues and follow a trail. Explore the dusty secret passage and chills that lie in store in cellar. Ages five plus.

All sessions are free but booking is essential. Places can be reserved by calling 0345 6080196. Children under eight must be accompanied by a parent or carer.