Frightfully good fun awaits at Island libraries this half term

Published: 15 October 2025

A little girl peering around a corner making a scary face and holding a pumpkin lantern. Getty Images

Families across the Isle of Wight are invited to enjoy a spellbinding selection of free Halloween-themed activities at local libraries this October half term.

From magic wand making and bat-themed crafts to spooky story times, monster drawing, and firework bookmark workshops, there’s something to thrill and delight children of all ages.

Young people aged 11 to 18 can also get creative with Halloween workshops hosted in partnership with New Carnival, including macrame crafts, zine-making, and dreamcatcher sessions.

Alongside the Halloween fun, libraries are launching a brand-new reading challenge: Children’s Book Bingo.

Inspired by the popular Summer Reading Challenge, this activity encourages young readers to explore books all year round.

Children can choose one of three mystery scratch cards, each revealing nine book-themed challenges.

Completing a card earns a certificate, and with multiple designs available, kids can take part as many times as they like. The challenge is free and suitable for all ages, with tasks covering both fiction and non-fiction.

Louise Emery, development librarian for the Isle of Wight Council's Library Service, said: “We are excited to connect with our community in new ways and share all the wonderful things happening in our libraries.

"Half term is a great opportunity for families to discover what’s on offer and get involved in creative and inspiring activities.”

Updates are also available by following @IWLibraries on Facebook.

Half term events

Lord Louis Library, Newport

Saturday 18 October, 2.30pm: Make magic wands (ages 5 and up, booking essential)
Tuesday 21 October, 10am: Not-so-scary stories – family story time
Thursday 23 October, 10am to 4pm: Drop-in monster drawing gallery – all ages
Saturday 25 October, 2.30pm: Meet the bats – talk and demonstration (booking essential)
Monday 27 October, 2.30pm: Bat craft (ages 3 and up, booking essential)
Tuesday 28 October, 10am: Not-so-scary stories – family story time
Thursday 30 October, 2.30pm: Halloween macrame workshop (ages 11 to 18, booking essential)
Friday 31 October, 2.30pm to 3.30pm: Free spooky glitter tattoos


Ryde Library

Saturday 25 October, 10.30am to 12pm: Owl craft – all ages
Monday 27 October, 2pm to 4pm: Halloween dreamcatcher workshop (ages 11 to 18, booking essential)
Wednesday 29 October, 10.30am to 12pm: RNLI water safety visit – drop-in
Friday, 31 October, 10.30am to 12pm: Halloween story time and craft
Saturday 1 November, 10.30am to 12pm: Firework bookmark craft – drop-in, all ages


Sandown Library

Tuesday 28 October, 2pm to 4pm: Halloween macrame workshop (ages 11 to 18, booking essential)
Friday 31 October, 1.30pm to 3.30pm: Free Halloween face painting – first come, first served
Saturday 1 November, 10am to 10.45am: Leaf picture craft (ages 3 and up, booking essential)


Ventnor Library

Friday 24 October, 2pm to 4pm: Halloween dreamcatcher workshop (ages 11 to 18, booking essential)
Saturday 25 October, 10.30am to 11.30am: Spooky bat chain craft
Wednesday 29 October, 10.30am to 11.30am: Children’s colouring competition to win an air fryer


Cowes Library

Friday 31 October, 2pm to 4pm: Halloween macrame workshop (ages 11 to 18, booking essential). Please note: There are currently no toilet facilities available at this library.


Freshwater Library

Wednesday 22 October, 2pm to 4pm: Woodland creature nature craft – drop-in, all ages
Wednesday 29 October, 2pm to 4pm: Halloween dreamcatcher workshop (ages 11 to 18, booking essential)


Edward Edwards Community Library, Niton

Tuesday 21 October, 2pm to 4pm: Halloween zine book workshop (ages 11 to 18, booking essential)


East Cowes Library

Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, 10am to 12pm: Comic workshop with Adam (ages 11 to 16, booking essential)


Photo: Getty Images