Free and low-cost school holiday activities abound at State Library Victoria

Keep costs to a minimum these school holidays with a range of free and low-cost activities on offer at State Library Victoria. From Storytime: After Dark to crafting a mobile and creating stories of their own, these fun events will elevate kids’ literacy, and many are hosted by award-winning author Davina Bell. 

Writing Workshop: Stories to discover. Stories to tell. 
For the second year running, the Library has partnered with the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge to deliver a slew of events throughout the year. The first falls during these school holidays, with kids invited to reimagine beloved fairytales and classic stories at a Writing Workshop. Here, they will take well-known tales, play with the story elements and make them their own to create their very own story zine. Workshops for 5–8-year-olds will take place on 7 and 14 April, and for 9–12-year-olds on 9 and 16 April, 10.30am –11.30am and 12-30pm–1.30pm. $12 per child.   

Build a Story World with Davina Bell 
Award winning children's author Davina Bell invites kids to turn their ideas into adventures in this series of one-hour workshops. Budding writers will discover how to tap into their own sources of inspiration, unpack what makes a character truly memorable and collaboratively create an original picture-book narrative. Workshops will take place on 8 and 15 April, 10.30am–11.30am and 2pm–3pm. Davina Bell fans can also have their favourite book signed from 12.45pm at Readings State Library. For children aged 5–12 years. $12 per child.  

My Love Umbrella 
Craft-loving kids can create their own keepsake: a ‘Love Umbrella' hanging mobile in this hands-on activity inspired by the much-loved picture book Under the Love Umbrella by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys. Using a bespoke design, youngsters can assemble and decorate a 3D umbrella, filling the mobile with people, places, pets and things that they would keep under a love umbrella. For children aged 5–12 years. Free. Daily from 4–19 April, 3–5pm. No bookings required.  

Storytime with Davina Bell 
Those who prefer to have stories read to them rather than write their own can join acclaimed children’s author Davina Bell as she takes over the Library's beloved Storytime sessions. Little ones can enjoy a live reading of Under the Love Umbrella and other favourites, including Davina's latest picture book, Wanted: The Cutest Baby in the World, as well as songs and classic rhymes. For ages 3-8 years. 8 and 15 April, 12pm. Free. No bookings required. 

Storytime: After Dark and Torchlit tours 
When the Library is a slumber, Storytime: After Dark commences – teddy bears, jammies and all. Kids are welcome to snuggle up for an enchanting Storytime in the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter, and partake in craft activities. Storytime is free. Families keen to venture further into the Library under the cover of darkness can book a Torchlit Tour for $15 per person. Suitable for ages 3–8 years. All grown-ups must be accompanied by a child. Maximum of two grown-ups per child. 14 April, 6.30–8pm. 

For all events, a parent or carer must attend for the entire duration with their child/children. 

In addition to these events, the Pauline Gandel Children Quarter is open every day for families to enjoy some 4,000 books for kids aged up to 12, including picture books, community language books, non-fiction and graphic novels. 

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About State Library Victoria 
State Library Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library, and one of the first free public libraries in the world. We believe in the power of knowledge to change lives. Free to access and open to all, the Library enriches the cultural, educational, social and economic lives of all Victorians. State Library Victoria preserves and shares the stories of Victoria and the world, and is a major destination for stimulating cultural experiences, contemporary debates and community-driven collecting. We encourage learning, exploration, imagination and creativity, opening up possibilities for all Victorians. The Library is home to the Victorian Indigenous Research Centre which works to ensure that the Indigenous Community is represented, acknowledged and respected in all Library programs, services and projects. www.slv.vic.gov.au