Free family trail at Tetbury Library launching this summer
The Library Challenge for 2026 has been announced and the theme this year is Tales Through Time.
Get ready to travel through time, unlock epic stories and collect rewards with this completely free, fun summer-long activity created for families by Gloucestershire Libraries.
Running from 11th July to 12th September 2026, this exciting challenge is designed for children aged 3+ and encourages families to explore books, stories, creativity and adventure across Gloucestershire's libraries.
The free activities take place at Tetbury Library and libraries right across Gloucestershire.
Families can sign up for free at any Gloucestershire library using their free library membership and then begin a summer-long reading adventure through six imaginative story zones:
Along the way, children can complete fun activities, collect stamps, earn rewards and work their way towards a special Tales Through Time medal and entry into a prize draw featuring book bundles and vouchers.
How the challenge works
1. Sign up
Join for free at any Gloucestershire library. All you need is a free library membership.
No membership? No problem. Click here to join today and be ready when the Tales Through Time challenge begins.
2. Get reading
Take on creative activities inspired by stories, history, myths, explorers and adventures. It's not just about reading books, children can draw, write, stick things in, add photos and make the challenge completely their own.
3. Earn rewards
Complete tasks and collect stamps as you progress through the challenge levels:
- 3 stamps = Bronze
- 6 stamps = Silver
- 9 stamps = Gold
There will be stickers, certificates and surprises to collect along the way.
4. Go for Gold!
Reach Gold level to receive a Tales Through Time medal and be entered into the prize draw giveaway.
Explore Gloucestershire through stories
One of the highlights of the challenge is the beautifully illustrated Tales Through Time map, which encourages families to visit libraries across Gloucestershire and discover different themes and adventures at each location.
Tetbury Library's special Tales Through Time theme is:
Lost Species
Children can also visit nearby libraries to discover even more exciting themes:
- Cirencester Library, Secrets in the Soil
- Fairford Library, Up and Away
- Chipping Campden Library, Hidden Clues
- Bourton-on-the-Water Library, Secrets of the Pyramids
- Moreton-in-Marsh Library, Haunted History
All of the Rocks websites across Gloucestershire will be following the challenge this summer, including:
- Cheltenham Rocks
- Gloucester Rocks
- Forest of Dean Rocks
- Tewkesbury Rocks
- Stroud Rocks
- Cirencester Rocks
We'll be sharing library highlights, themed activities, family inspiration and more as the summer gets closer.
Libraries near Tetbury taking part
Tetbury and surrounding area
- Tetbury Library, Lost Species
- Cirencester Library, Secrets in the Soil
- Fairford Library, Up and Away
- Stroud Library, Rebels with a Cause
- Nailsworth Library, Ice Age Adventures
- Stonehouse Library, Dinosaur Detectives
- Dursley Library, Ash and Arenas
Gloucester area
- Gloucester Library, Literary Legacies
- Churchdown Library, Legends of the Sea
- Brockworth Community Library, Stories Through Time
- Hucclecote Library, Royal Rulers
- Longlevens Library, Blitz and Bravery
- Matson Library, Victorian Vibes
- Quedgeley Library, Weird and Wonderful Britain
Cheltenham area
- Cheltenham Children's Library, Amazing Artists
- Bishops Cleeve Library, Mythical Heroes
- Charlton Kings Library, Toy-tastic Fun
- Hesters Way Library, Music Through the Ages
- Prestbury Library, Whizz Kids
- Up Hatherley Library, Gadgets and Gizmos
Forest of Dean area
- Cinderford Library, Brave Knights
- Coleford Library, Castles and Palaces
- Newnham Community Library, Weapons Through Time
- Newent Library, Legendary Leaders
- Mitcheldean Library, Amazing Britons
Tewkesbury area
- Tewkesbury Library, Local Legends
Download the Tales Through Time map here
Families can pick up or download the official Tales Through Time map and begin exploring libraries across Gloucestershire this summer.
The challenge officially begins on 11th July 2026, so there's still time to get your library card ready and plan your first adventure.
Stay tuned to Cirencester Rocks and all the Gloucestershire Rocks websites for more details, family guides, featured libraries and Tales Through Time inspiration as we get nearer the launch.
