School Holiday Fun

Ashfield Council offers a diverse program of free children’s activities and events across the municipality every school holiday period.

Download the Very Hungry Caterpillar Colouring Competition!

Activities for Children aged 0-6 years


Very Hungry Caterpillar Picnic
Bring a picnic morning tea and enjoy the stories, songs and games.
Date: Friday 9 October
Time: 10:30am to 11.30am
Venue: Darrell Jackson Gardens, Summer Hill

Leaf Litter Collage Craft
Make your own aussie bush collage.
There will be two sessions of this craft.
Date: Wednesday 14 October
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Venue: Haberfield Library
Date: Thursday 15 October
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Venue: Ashfield Library
RSVP: Alex 9716 1810


A Bouquet of Stories
There will be two sessions of this stories and craft activity.
Date: Wednesday 7 October
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Venue: Haberfield Library
Date: Thursday 8 October
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Venue: Ashfield Library
RSVP: Alex 9716 1810


Big Bro Pyjama Storytime
Come along in your pyjamas and bring teddy for stories, songs and supper.
Date: Friday 16 October
Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Venue: Ashfield Library


Baby Rhyme Time
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 10:15am to 10:45am
Venue: Haberfield Library
Date: Every Thursday
Time: 10:00am to 10:30am
Venue: Ashfield Library


Worm Tales Storytime
There will be two sessions of this stories and craft activity.
Date: Wednesday 14 October
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Venue: Haberfield Library
Date: Thursday 15 October
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Venue: Ashfield Library
RSVP: Alex 9716 1810


Activities for Children aged 5-12 years

Learn to Sing
Date: Wednesday 7 October
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Venue: Cadigal Room, 160 Elizabeth St. Ashfield
RSVP: Jae on 9716 1844

Learn to Tap Dance
Date: Monday 12 October
Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Venue: St Vincent Church, 7 Bland St. Ashfield
RSVP: Jae on 9716 1844

Digital Photography Workshop
Date: Friday 16 October
Group 1: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Group 2: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Venue: Graham Yarroll Room, 78 Dalhousie St. Haberfield
RSVP: Jae on 9716 1844

Stroke Correction & Water Safety
Date: Friday 9 October
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Venue: Ashfield Aquatic Centre
RSVP: Jae on 9716 1844

Family Tree Craft
Make your own leafy family tree.
There will be two sessions of this craft.
Date: Tuesday 6 October
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Venue: Ashfield Library
Date: Tuesday 13 October
Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
Venue: Haberfield Library
RSVP: Alex 9716 1810

Pots of Fun Craft
Each child will decorate their own miniature pot and plant a herb to take home.
There will be two sessions of this craft.
Date: Wednesday 7 October
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Venue: Haberfield Library
Date: Thursday 8 October
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Venue: Ashfield Library
RSVP: Alex 9716 1810

Magicians Apprentice Workshop
Date: Wednesday 14 October
Time: 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Venue: Graham Yarroll Room, 78 Dalhousie St. Haberfield
RSVP: Jae on 9716 1844

Make a Mark : environment drama workshop
Date: Wednesday 7 October
Time: 10:00am to 11:00am
Venue: Summer Hill Community Centre
RSVP: Melanie on 9716 1921 or email mel

Special Children's Week Activities

Road Safety Book Workshop
A craft for parents and children aged 5+, make your family’s own
Road Safety Book with kids author Deb Westbury.
Dates: Saturday 24 October
Time: 11:00am to 1:00pm
Venue: Michael Maher Room, Haberfield Library
RSVP: Jae on 9716 1844

RED Bug Picnic
Bring a picnic morning tea and enjoy the stories, songs and games.
Date: Monday 26 October
Time: 10:00am to 11.30am
Venue: Ashfield Park



More information can be found on the Council website

Meet UK author: JOS CARLYLE

Jos will give a fighting staff demonstration and talk about the Hayley Hicks Series at the Ashfield Library on Monday 13 July at 10am, there are still places available RSVP By 6 July on 9716 1810

On Jos' website you can read the opening chapters of book one on this website. I’d love to know what you think, so please write in and tell me. You can find out more about the characters by taking a look at their character cards.

Extract from Jos' website:

So this is me: Jos Carlyle, creator of Hayley Hicks. Admittedly it’s a nice photo, which is one of the perks of a website being your own. But I suspect I don’t always look so wholesome as I was once told (by a gentleman far too honest for his own good, in my opinion) that I look like a miserable ogre when I’m concentrating and that my hair is continuously disorganized. I think he could have been a little less blunt.

Unfortunately I tend to concentrate rather a lot. Not because I want to (I’m much better at daydreaming), but because Hayley and her cohort demand it of me. Ah yes, they’re a fascinating and complex, yet effortlessly compelling bunch! But who exactly are they? And what am I actually talking about?

Hayley Hicks is the main character in the series of fantasy books that I’m currently writing for older children and adults. By series I mean six books: THE LIGHTYEARS (books one to three) and THE DARKYEARS (books four to six). So far Book One is finished, Book Two is started, and Books Three, Four, Five and Six are all planned out…

Hysterical Histories School Holiday Fun Program

Get wrapped up in Mummy Craft, lost in the Time Slip PJ Story Time, and find hidden delights at Treasure Tales these school holidays.

Hysterical Histories Storytime
Bring your mummy or daddy along for some stories and morning tea. For children ages 4+ years old. At Haberfield Library on Wednesday 22 July 11am. At Ashfield Library on Thursday 23 July 11am. No Bookings required.

Time Slip PJ Storytime
Wear your Pyjamas; bring your teddy and friends for supper, stories and songs. All ages welcome. Bookings required. At Ashfield Library on Monday 20 July 5.30pm

Treasure Tales Storytime
Find hidden treasures with these stories and a morning tea. No Bookings required. Suitable for children 4+ years. At Haberfield Library on Wednesday 15 July 11am. At Ashfield Library on Thursday 16 July 11am.

My Mummy Craft
Bring your Mum along and you will make a mini Mummy of your own. (Mum's will be photographed for this craft) Suitable for children 4+ years. Bookings essential. At Ashfield Library on Tuesday 14 July 11am. At Haberfield Library on Tuesday 21 July 11am

For more info contact the Children's Librarian on 9716 1827.

School Holiday Activities

Splash into the Library this Holidays



Under the Sea Stories & Craft
Splash into some stories and then make a rock pool diorama.
At Haberfield Library on Wednesday 22 April, 11am
At Ashfield Library on Thursday 23 April, 11am
No Bookings required. Age: 4+ years old

Seaside Stories & Craft
Bring your beach towel for seaside stories and then make a sea creature mobile.
At Haberfield Library on Wednesday 15 April, 11am
At Ashfield Library on Thursday 16 April, 11am
No Bookings required. Age: 4+ years old


Ocean of Stories PJ Storytime
An all ages event, come along in your pyjamas; bring your teddy and friends for supper, stories and songs.
At Ashfield Library on Monday 20 April, 6pm
No Bookings required.

Crabby Craft
In this craft session you can make your own little crabby friend to keep.
At Ashfield Library on Tuesday 14 April, 11am
At Haberfield Library on Tuesday 21 April, 11am
Bookings essential. Age: 6+ years old

Seahorse Workshop
Make your own sequined Sea Horse sun catcher to decorate your room.
At Ashfield Library on Monday 20 April, 11am
Bookings essential. Age: 8+ years old


Rhyme Time
Songs, nursery rhymes and stories for 0-3 year olds.
At Haberfield Library every Wednesday 10:15am
At Ashfield Library every Thursday 10am
No Bookings required.

Contact Alex for more info.

Get in the Game, READ!

This summer holidays your library is offering many opportunities for your family to get involved, get reading and win.

The Summer Reading Club is open 1 December 2008 to 18 January 2009 and all you need to do is read ten books, collect your reading rewards and then go into the draw to win $200 worth of books, toys and vouchers.

Every child who participates will be posted a 'participation certificate'.
To be eligible for the prize draw you must read 10 books and return the reading log to the library before 18 January.

Join in with the many summer holiday activities and games.

Get in the Game Party
The end of the Summer Reading Club will be celebrated at the ‘Get in the game party’. Summer Reading Prizes will be awarded. Bookings are essential.
Date: 23 January
Venue: Haberfield Library
Time: 3pm

Board of Studies Club
Come along for board games at the library with fun, lollies and activities. For 10 years and over. No bookings are required.
Date: 8 to 11 December
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 4-6pm
Date: 8 & 10 December
Venue: Haberfield Library
Time: 3.30-5.30pm

‘StorySport’ Pyjama Storytime
Wear your Pyjamas; bring your favourite teddy and friends for supper, stories and songs. Toddlers to 8 years recommended. No bookings are required.
Date: 15 & 20 January
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 6pm

Snakes & Ladders Craft
Kids are invited to come along and make their own Snakes and Ladders board game. Recommended for ages 4-12 years. Bookings are essential.
Date: 7 January
Venue: Haberfield Library
Time: 11am
Date: 8 January
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 11am

Pizza Olympics Night
Come along for a Pizza Olympics Night. Dress as your favourite sportsman or woman and join in the games and celebrate gold with a pizza supper. Prize awarded for best dressed. Bookings are essential.
Date: 13 January
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 6-7.00pm

Sand Boomerang Craft
Design your own boomerang and decorate it with sand art. Recommended for ages 4-12 years. Bookings are essential.
Date: 21 January
Venue: Haberfield Library
Time: 11am
Date: 22 January
Venue: Ashfield Library
Time: 11am

Download the Summer Holiday Fun Flyer and the Summer Reading Log.

Spring has Sprung - and I hope you can keep up!

Ok, this is a big season, take a big breathe and then read on!

Winner: The Peasant Prince Competition
Luke R, 4 years old from Summer Hill for his review of Ziba came on a boat by Liz Lofthouse, illustrated by Rob Ingpen "When I look at the paintings it makes me feel I'm on the boat and even in the waves, hanging on to the edge of the boat. The waves are splashing me, too. When I see Ziba and her family eating, I feel like Im eating with them. It is sad and scary to see them run from bad guys and guns. I hope they come to Australia on that boat.

Teddy Tales Picnic - Thursday 18 September 2008
Ashfield Library and Summer Hill Community Centre invite you to bring your bear for a Teddy Tales Picnic on Thursday, 18 September 2008 at Darrell Jackson Gardens (next to Summer Hill Community Centre, 131 Smith Street, Summer Hill).
Bring a picnic lunch to share with your teddy. Stories and fun begin at 1.30-2.30pm followed by a bear hunt at 2.30pm.
Please RSVP by Tuesday 16 September 2008 on 02 9716 1810. Down load Flyer.

October School Holiday Fun
Get crafty and creative this school holidays, let your imagination run riot, and visit your library!

Page to Stage Workshop
Join Monkey Baa in looking at how you can adapt a story for the stage, and have fun with improvisation, movement and drama games. For teens between 8-11 years Bookings essential, limited places.
1pm Friday 03 October Graham Yarroll Room above the Haberfield Library.

“Millie Jack and the Dance” Drama Play Workshop
Join Monkey Baa and be delighted with this magical exploration of drama through games, storytelling and fairytales. Ages 5-7 years. Booking essential with limited places.
10am Friday 03 October Graham Yarroll Room above the Haberfield Library.

Creative Beading Workshop
Come design and make your own unique jewellery to reflect your unique personality. Booking essential with limited places. Strictly for ages 12+
3pm Friday 10th Oct Graham Yarroll Room above the Haberfield Library
3pm Wednesday 08 Oct Ashfield Library

Imaginitis Pyjama Storytime
When everyone catches ‘imaginitis’, who knows where these tall tales will take you! Wear your Pyjamas; bring your favourite Teddy and friends for supper, stories and songs. Children of all ages welcome. No Bookings Required.
6pm Tuesday 07 October Ashfield Library

Twisted Tales Storytime
Why do they always pick on the poor wolf? Has anyone seen that naughty Goldilocks? And what is that smell! Come for stories, songs and morning tea. 0-8 year olds. No Bookings Required.
11am Wednesday 01 October Haberfield Library
11am Thursday 02 October Ashfield Library
11am Wednesday 08 October Haberfield Library
11am Thursday 09 October Ashfield Library

Chinese Storytime
Come for stories, poems, craft and fun for 0-8 year olds. No Bookings Required
11am Friday 03 October Ashfield Library

Kids Author Talk: DEBORAH ABELA

Date: Friday 28th November, 2008

Time: 10am arrival, talk 10.15am till 11am

Venue: Ashfield Council Chambers

Author of the fantastically popular “Max Remy Super Spy” Series and “Jasper Zammit Soccer Legend” is coming along to share some of her stories and adventures with us. Ideal for kids in grades 4 to 7.

Living Languages Carnival

Ashfield Carnival of Cultures is coming up on Sunday 12 October 2008

The Carnival will be back to Ashfield Park. This family and community celebration attracts up to 20,000 visitors from Ashfield, the Inner West and beyond. So join us again to celebrate "Living Languages".

I told you to take a deep breathe. There is so much coming up in the next few weeks I think I will need a holiday, O' that's right these are the school holidays.

Going Tribal: July School Holiday Fun

Feel the jungle beat this July as we go tribal at the Ashfield and Haberfield Libraries. Download the flyer here.

Shekere Beats Drumming Workshop
Ideal for 6-16 year olds, get into the beat with this tribal drumming workshop.
Date: 2pm Wednesday 16 July

Venue: Graham Yarroll Room above the Haberfield Library.

Henna Tattooing Workshop
For ages 10+ who want to learn the art of Henna and have some fun. Booking Essential with limited places
Date: 3pm Wednesday 9 July

Venue: Wattle Room Level 2, above Ashfield Library.

Jungle Drums Pyjama Storytime
Wear your Pyjamas, bring your favourite Teddy and friends for supper, stories and songs. Children of all ages welcome. No Bookings Required.
Date: 6pm Tuesday 15 July

Venue: Ashfield Library

Savanna Storytime
Stories, poems, craft and fun
for 0-10 year olds. No Bookings Required.
Sessions:

11am Wednesday 09 July @ Haberfield Library
11am Thursday 10 July @ Ashfield Library
11am Wednesday 16 July @ Haberfield Library
11am Thursday 17 July @ Ashfield Library

Please contact the Children's Librarian for more information and bookings on 9716 1827.

the Gnomes are coming, the Gnomes are coming!!!

This school hols, get down, dirty and express yourself with a warrior Gnome.

Terracotta Warrior Gnomes
For teens who would like to exercise their artistic side,
Clay modelling to design your own warrior Gnome.
2pm Tuesday 2 Oct @ Ashfield Library

2pm Tuesday 9 Oct @ Haberfield Library

Contact the Library or speak to Children’s Librarian for more details (02) 9716 1827

For the full holiday program checkout the library website.