Half-term is rapidly approaching in Nottingham (18 – 22 February) and friendly monsters are here to entertain children across the city.

Parents can take their little monsters to any of the fifteen Nottingham City libraries to take part in the Big Monster Hunt.

Kids find the hidden monsters using the activity sheet, decode their secret message and receive a bookmark and sticker as a prize. And because the monsters are hidden in different locations in Nottingham City Council’s fifteen libraries, families can visit different libraries to complete the hunt more than once.

The free activity is designed to get families into libraries and inspire more Nottingham kids to love reading. It’s part of the City Council’s current campaign on the importance of reading, created because young children in Nottingham tend to start school at a disadvantage compared to children elsewhere. Research shows that children who enjoy stories every day are more likely to do better in school, have more job opportunities and have better mental health.

Nottingham City libraries include:

  • Aspley Library
  • Basford Library
  • Bulwell Riverside Library
  • Bilborough Library
  • Clifton Library
  • Dales Centre Library
  • Hyson Green Library
  • Meadows Library
  • Nottingham Central Library
  • Southglade Park Library
  • St Ann’s Valley Library
  • Strelley Road Library
  • Wollaton Library
  • Sherwood Library

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Localities at Nottingham City Council, said:

“It’s wonderful to see children having so much fun taking part in the Big Monster Hunt in our city libraries. It’s one of many free and low-cost activities taking place this half-term, including the Festival of Science and Curiosity and half-term activity trails at Newstead Abbey and Wollaton Park.”

Cllr David Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Early Intervention and Early Years at Nottingham City Council, said:

“We want as many children as possible to take part in the Big Monster Hunt – especially because this means going to the library. We know that books and reading change lives by opening up a whole world of opportunities for young people. Being able to read and communicate well are essential ingredients to children doing well in school and preparing for the world of work. We have to do everything we can to give children not just the ability to read, but a love of reading that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”