New York Times Bestselling author Aaron Blabey, best known as the creator of The Bad Guys, Pig the Pug and Thelma the Unicorn, will be at Camden Libraries during the July school holidays with an evening storytime.

This is part of a range of free exciting activities for local children aged up to 12 years during the July school holidays from the 3rd to 14th.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said it is terrific to be able to give local children the opportunity to engage with a range of fun and interactive activities, keeping them inspired and busy over the upcoming winter break.

“As a mother of 4, I understand how stressful school holidays can be, especially if it’s cold or raining, which is why I am so excited to showcase a fantastic school holiday program for our local community to enjoy,” she said.

“The program covers a range of topics including Harry Potter trivia, kids’ yoga, and a unique stargazing event, to name a few. I encourage my fellow parents and guardians to check it out and get involved.”

Bookings will open from 9.30am on Monday 26 June 2023  and places are limited.

For more information, or to book your spot, visit: library.camden.nsw.gov.au/events/school-holidays.

The winter school holiday program will include:

Take Home Kits – take home craft kits for library cardholders aged 5 to 12 years:

  • Monday 3 July – Hot Air Balloon
  • Monday 10 July – Llama cushions

Evening Storytimes – songs, games, and stories for children 3+ by Aaron Blabey:

  • Monday 3 July, 5pm – Narellan Library
  • Thursday 6 July, 5pm – Oran Park Library
  • Tuesday 11 July, 5pm – Camden Library

Baby and Toddler Play – an open play session with toys and music. For ages 0-3:

  • Tuesday 4 July, 10am – Camden Library
  • Friday 7 July, 10am – Narellan Library
  • Wednesday 12 July, 10am – Oran Park Library

Happy Birthday, Harry Potter – Games, trivia and more in an early birthday celebration for Harry! For ages 8-12:

  • Wednesday 5 July, 6pm – Narellan Library

Little Science, Big Fun – An engaging and easy to understand science show designed for younger kids aged 3 to 8 years. Rainbows, colour missing, sound, and giant bubbles!

  • Wednesday 5 July, 10.30am – Oran Park Library

Bamboozled – a hands on workshop for children aged 5 to 12 years using recycled and natural materials making a mixture of woodwind and percussive instruments:

  • Thursday July 6, 2.30pm – Oran Park Library

Stars & Sounds – Indigenous educator and musician Karl Wickey, a proud Wiradjuri man, shares Dreamtime stories about the stars. Karl will also play the didgeridoo and children will have their face painted in ochre. For ages 5-12:

  • Monday 10 July, 2.30pm – Narellan Library

Yoga designed for children, aged 5 to 12 years, to develop focus, strength and flexibility through mindful movement, interactive and creative activities and guided meditation:

  • Thursday 13 July, 2.30pm – Camden Library

Manga and cartooning tattoo workshop – Discover the art of hand drawn tattoos! Youth can create their own work of art or choose a design from our booklets. All art materials are safe, non-toxic, and easy to wash off. For ages 12+:

  • Wednesday 5 July, 3pm – Camden Library

Upcycle me – explore sustainability, thrifting, and creativity through clever upcycling of clothes and textiles. Come along to learn how give new life to those items of clothes you don’t wear anymore and create something new and exciting from something old. For ages 10+:

  • Wednesday 12 July, 3pm – Narellan Library

Stargazing event – Gather the family and join astronomers from Macarthur Astronomical Society to see the library’s new telescopes in action. Telescopes will be available for loan after the event:

  • Thursday 13 July, 6pm – Oran Park Library