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 Gloucester 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 Gloucestershire

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 area of Gloucestershire has a zone, and each library has a theme - at Gloucester Library it's 'Literary Legacies'.

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

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:

Free summer fun around Gloucester

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:

Cirencester and surrounding area

• Tetbury Library, Lost Species
• Cirencester Library, Secrets in the Soil
• Fairford Library, Up and Away

Stroud and the surrounding area

• Nailsworth Library, Ice Age Adventures
• Stonehouse Library, Dinosaur Detectives
• Dursley Library, Ash and Arenas
• Stroud Library, Rebels with a Cause

Gloucester area

• Gloucester Library, Literary Legacies
• Churchdown Library, Legends of the Sea
• Brockworth Community Library, Stories Through Time
• Hucclecote Library, Royal Rulers
• Longlevens Library, Blitz and Bravery
• Matson Library, Victorian Vibes
• Quedgeley Library, Weird and Wonderful Britain

Cheltenham area

• Cheltenham Children's Library, Amazing Artists
• Bishops Cleeve Library, Mythical Heroes
• Charlton Kings Library, Toy-tastic Fun
• Hester's Way Library, Music Through the Ages
• Prestbury Library, Whizz Kids
• Up Hatherley Library, Gadgets and Gizmos

Forest of Dean area

• Cinderford Library, Brave Knights
• Coleford Library, Castles and Palaces
• Newnham Community Library, Weapons Through Time
• Newent Library, Legendary Leaders
• Mitcheldean Library, Amazing Britons

Tewkesbury area

• Tewkesbury Library, Local Legends

All of the My Town Rocks websites across Gloucestershire will be following the challenge this summer so you can stay up to date with the very latest on:

• Cirencester Rocks
• Cheltenham Rocks
• Forest of Dean Rocks
• Tewkesbury Rocks
• Stroud Rocks
• and right here on Gloucester Rocks

On the inspiration behind this year's theme, Customer Development Coordinator Bryony Boyes-Hannis said "Gloucestershire has such a rich and varied heritage we're looking forward to exploring that further through the world of literature and have lots of ideas of events that children can enjoy around the different topics"

We'll be sharing library highlights, themed activities, family inspiration and more as the summer gets closer.

Plan your summer of fun at these libraries taking part

Click below to check out The Library Challenge: Tales Through Time map - what zone are you in and where are you most excited to travel to?