Children & Family Events

Jeff Kinney - Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The No Brainer Show
Saturday 25 May, 11:30am

Come on down and unlock your brain power! The No Brainer Show is an outrageously entertaining event hosted live by bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney. You'll see Jeff on stage with some brain-challenging game show-style activities. Expect an epically fun event that celebrates the latest Wimpy Kid book and explores the outer limits of the brain. 

Please bring your own sketchbook and pencils to draw along in this event.

Drop in, no booking required.

MC Grammar
Tuesday 28 May, 2:30pm

Wowza! The nation's favourite rapping teacher and star of the Sky Kids' smash Wonder Raps is back. So grab your hats, shades, chains and raps and get ready to read and rhyme with MC Grammar LIVE! MC Grammar uses rap to teach kids cool facts about the world. Set to earworm tunes, his fun, comedic raps help you learn by stealth.

Drop in, no booking required.

Joseph Coelho - UK Waterstones Children's Laureate
Friday 31 May, 10am

Share dreams about possible impossibilities with Joseph Coelho, award-winning poet and author, in his final festival appearance as UK Waterstones Children's Laureate. Joseph talks about how he has travelled all over the country (and beyond!) as the Children's Laureate to inspire everyone in becoming poets and storytellers. Joseph's poetry creates all sorts of other worlds, with wild ideas and unforgettable images. He shares tips for writing your own stories and performs some of his own humorous and inventive poems. 

Please bring your own notebook and pen or pencil to this event.

Drop in, no booking required.

Every Friday, 1pm-1:30pm

For ages 0-12 months

A gentle, social music making session aimed at new parents/carers and their babies.

Every Wednesday, 1:30pm-3pm

For ages 0-5 years

A fun interactive stay and play session for children aged between 0 - 5 years. The session ends with story time at 2:45pm.

Every Tuesday, 10am-10:30am and 2pm-2:30pm
Every Friday, 11am-11:30am

For ages 1-4 years

Fun and friendly Bounce and Rhyme session aimed at pre-school children and their parents and carers. 

Pre-school groups/Nurseries please note, these sessions can get very busy. We would be happy to do a separate session for your group.

Every Saturday & Sunday, 11am and 3pm

For ages 4-8

Listen out for the rat-a-tat in the Children's library and get involved in interactive stories for your young family.  Storytime is about to begin...

Every Saturday, 10am-11:30am

For ages 4+, fun for all the family

If you and your child love Lego as much as we do, why not come along to our Family Lego and Construction Club?

The club is designed for parents to have fun and engage with their children by building characters and structures from well-known tales. Most construction materials will be suitable for ages 4+.  Places are FREE of charge and you don't need to book, just come along and join in the fun! 

Last Sunday of each month, 1:30pm-2:30pm

For ages 4-8 years

An introductory gardening and nature club for families with children aged 4-8. 
Places cost £1 per child and can be booked in advance. Drop-ins on the day are welcome, subject to availability.
Parental supervision is required.

Sunday 26 May: Book your child's place here.
Sunday 30 June: Book your child's place here.
Sunday 28 July: Book your child's place here.

Take part in our popular weekly themed treasure hunts across the children’s library. Just ask a library assistant for details!

The Hive is full of sustainable design features and we have developed a self-guided Sustainability Trail so that you can discover them. 

Borrow a trail map and supporting notes from the pod in the children's library and find out more about The Hive's sustainable features.  There are stickers on the windows/walls at each numbered point around the building. The trail starts in the café on Level 1.

Download trail notes
Download trail maps