Saved events

Story Garden: A Summer Reading Adventure!

Play Make Do: A Festival of Fun for All the Family

— ,Fountain Room
A photo of the Children's Library at the Barbican Centre.

Bring the family together for a magical storytelling session hosted by our Children's Library. 

Pick up a book that takes your fancy, share your favourite story with loved ones, or find a new passion for fantasy, poetry or adventure – is there anything better than losing yourself in a good book?

This event is part of the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge - a UK-wide programme developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with the public library network, encouraging children to keep reading during the summer holidays. Children can sign up to the challenge at their local library, including the Barbican Library, or online, and it’s completely free to take part. 

This year’s Challenge, Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors, will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.

Tagged with: Take part Play Make Do Take Part

Age guidance: 4+

Running time: 1 hour 

Event information:
Children who are not yet signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge, or who have signed up through other local authorities, are of course very welcome to attend the storytelling sessions.

If you don't arrive within 15 minutes of the start time of the booked activity, you will not be admitted.

Limited tickets for walk-ins may be available on the day.

This event is led by the Barbican Library and Creative Collaborations team. 

Story Garden logo illustration  © Dapo Adeola and The Reading Agency 2025.

Ticket prices

Standard
Free

Fountain Room

Location
The Fountain Room is located on Level G. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.

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A logo: the words 'Story Garden' in green letters with two butterflies with pages for wings flying either side.