Falkirk Libraries' latest newsletter
Summer Newsletter 17/06/2026
Hello! How have you been?
We’ve been busy planning lots of exciting summer events.
Read on to find out more.
International Make Music Day – June 21st
We kick off the summer with events around International Make Music Day.
- Lunchtime Open Micat Falkirk Library on Saturday 20th June – bring your lunch and listen to talented folks from across the area.
- Denny Primary Glee Choir at Denny Library, 2pm on Friday 20th June.
- Accordion and guitar performances at Bonnybridge Library on Saturday 20th June.
- And more music-themed fun at our Summer Reading Challenge launch events (more about the Challenge below).
Look out for more Make Music Day activities in the Falkirk area, including events on Falkirk High Street on Sunday 21st June, and The Big Wind Orchestra and Choir assemble at the Kelpies at 4pm. Would you like to join in?
Summer activities
Music is on our mind this summer and we'll have news of workshops on our website soon. You'll also find crafts, author events and more, including:
- Taiko drumming workshops, mini jam sessions, community singing, come-and-try sessions…
- Author events
- LEGO club and Coding sessions
- Daily in libraries you’ll find drop-in crafts and a treasure hunt.
- StoryPlay sessions for younger children that combine a story time and a wee activity.
- Bookbug needs a holiday too so, although sessions continue in libraries, they’re a bit less regular. We’re back to weekly sessions mid-August.
> Check out the full program on our website.
Turn it up! The Summer Reading Challenge is back!
This year’s theme is Read to the Beat, celebrating the rhythm of stories where reading meets music, imagination, and creativity.
Register at your local library from Saturday 20 June. Join us for our launch day parties this coming Saturday where you’ll find sign up stations and drop-in activities all day.
The challenge is aimed at children under 12 – read 6 library books over 3 visits to the library and claim a poster, stickers and other goodies. Finishers win a medal, certificate and one free entry to Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park.
> Read all about Read to the Beat.
…And there’s a challenge for grown-ups too!
You’re never too old for a reading challenge! Book Bingo encourages teens and adults to read something different across 9 themes. Pick up a card from your library for the chance to win bookish goody bags or a tour and afternoon tea at Falkirk Library. Remember, parents - children are more likely to read if they see you doing it!
> Find out more about Book Bingo
More book events for adults
- We’re getting together to watch Alasdair Moffat’s talk from last year’s Edinburgh Book Festival at Larbert Library on Monday 29 June. Book a free seat.
- Silent Book Club is the no-homework, no pressure book club. Carve out time to read and then get together at the end for bookish chat. Falkirk Library, on the last Monday of the month, just drop in.
- We’re winding up Pride month with a special book chat. We’ll discuss our favourite Pride Reads on Saturday 27 June at Falkirk Library.
Family History sessions at Bo’ness, Denny, Falkirk and Larbert Libraries
We'll help you get started with researching your family history. We'll show you how to use Ancestry Online on our library PCs or on your own laptop. Ancestry is free to access in the library. We'll also point you towards other useful resources. Just come along.
>Visit our website for Family History session dates.
If someone you know is struggling with IT consider our dedicated Digital Drop-in hours, starting weekly from July. We can help you get to grips with online learning, apps on your tablet, and support you with tasks like email attachments and accessing online forms. You can bring your own laptop or tablet with you.
> Digital drop-in dates will be posted on our website in the coming weeks.
We lend more than books!
Did you know you can borrow items other than books from the library?
Musical Instruments: we have violins, keyboards, guitars and ukuleles at present. We welcome donations of working instruments too.
Gardening bags: If your green fingers are twitching but you’re not sure where to start, borrow a gardening bag. The bag includes basic hand tools, books, and seeds to get you growing.
Micro:Bits: borrow a tiny computer and start with basic coding.
Still to come this year
August: Writing Rammy creative writing challenge starts
September: Look out for music and creative writing workshops
October: School holiday and Halloween activities
November: Book Week Scotland
Follow us online
Keep up to date with what's happening on our websites and social channels (find us @FalkirkLibraries)
Thanks for reading. See you soon!