Children's Library at Library of Birmingham

09/10/2026

5 to 11 year olds, fancy writing a story that is just 500 words long? all stories will be read and you could be invited to a special ceremony if your story is chosen! The Library of Birmingham Children's Library at Library of Birmingham

BBC 500 Words is open for entries! Do you know a brilliant young writer aged 5-11 with a fantastic imagination? Competition closes 9pm Friday 6 November 2026. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to the 500 Words homepage: bbc.in/4xMMtPi

06/10/2026

A couple days to go until our audiobook 'silent disco' at Birmingham New Street station!

When? Thursday 8 October from 11am – 3pm

Whether you're waiting for your train or just passing through, Take 10 to relax with headphones and an audiobook in the station - a great free opportunity to take 10 minutes for you during a busy day.

See you there!

06/10/2026

To mark National Year of Reading and the recent National Poetry Day and just for the fun of it, we have an Acrostic Poem activity. Can you think of 7 words to do with books, reading and libraries to make a mini Acrostic poem? Put your entry in the box Children's Library at Library of Birmingham to be in with the chance of winning a prize. Here is our hasty attempt! I'm sure you can do better! The Library of Birmingham

02/10/2026

Are you a poet and didn't know it? Or do you fancy writing a short story and are 14yrs + This competition is open to people from the North of England and THE MIDLANDS bab! The Library of Birmingham

Hive Young Writers’ Competition is open to young people, aged 14-30, from across the whole of Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, N Lincs & Notts...

29/09/2026

Win a magical horse experience one lucky reader of the quiet bond book will win a horse meet and riding lesson. Follow the .hooflife on socials.

29/09/2026

Poetry can help young people find their voice, build confidence, explore ideas
and discover new ways of looking at the world.

That’s why we’re proud to support National Poetry Day 2026 (1 October) and help bring this year’s theme of Wonder to more young people across the UK.

Getting involved is wonderfully easy, with downloadable, ready-to-teach resources for ages 3–16+. And they’re all completely FREE.

Plus, don’t miss the live poetry lesson with Michael Rosen and Hot Poets.

Register here and explore the resources:
https://forwardartsfoundation.org/national-poetry-day/poems-and-resources/

24/09/2026

Also Eaudiobooks to listen to. Read by the lovely Stephen Fry. The Library of Birmingham

24/09/2026

Until the end of September you can listen to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to read for free if you download Borrowbox. Check it out! Children's Library at Library of Birmingham The Library of Birmingham

21/09/2026

All children face changes and transitions in their lives 🍂

But books can help young people to see that there can be a path through tough times. Here are five books about resilience we love:

1. The Girl Who Couldn't Lie by Radhika Sanghani: Funny, fresh, and full of heart 🫢
2. Finn's Epic Fails by Phil Earle: Brilliantly funny and relatable 😂
3. Failosophy for Teens by Elizabeth Day: A sensible, kind, and practical tool for teens 🔧
4. Running My Own Race by Abena Eyeson: A moving and important story 👟
5. Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan: A moving story of courage, resilience and humanity 💕

Which books would you recommend?