Free family activities in Cheltenham this summer with The Library Challenge
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 Cheltenham Children's 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 summer in Cheltenham? Yes please!
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 Cheltenham Children's Library it's 'Amazing Artists' and across Cheltenham you'll find:
- Charlton Kings Library, Toy-tastic Fun
- Prestbury Library, Whizz Kids
- Hesters Way Library, Music Through the Ages
- Oakley Library, Epic Explorers
- Up Hatherley Library, Gadgets and Gizmos
Families living in and visiting Cheltenham and beyond can visit the library to earn rewards, stickers, certificates and more!
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 Cheltenham and beyond
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
- Gloucester Rocks
- Forest of Dean Rocks
- Tewkesbury Rocks
- Stroud Rocks
- and right here on Cheltenham 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?
