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Regular activities at our libraries
There's something for everyone at our libraries. We offer regular fun activities for children and babies, from story time for toddlers to craft sessions for all ages. Adults can join a range of sessions too – from IT sessions to help you get online, to friendly social groups where you can pop in for coffee and a chat. If you’re an avid reader, why not join one of our regular readers’ groups?
Activities for children
Crafts for children
Our fun children's craft sessions include activities such as drawing, painting and the chance to make things.
You can drop-in at any of the weekly sessions listed below, or go to the events at our libraries webpage to find our other craft sessions where you need to book a place to attend.
| Venue | Days and times | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thurnscoe Library | Tuesdays 3:30pm to 4:30pm | - |
| Royston Library | Wednesdays 11:30am to 12pm | For children under 5 |
Games
| Activity | Venue | Days and times |
|---|---|---|
| Board games | Roundhouse Library | Mondays 3pm to 4:30pm |
| The Fun and Games Gang - junior board game group | Wombwell Library | Mondays 3:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Board games | Goldthorpe Library | Mondays 3:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Games club | Thurnscoe Library | Thursdays 3:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Board games | Royston Library | Thursdays 4pm to 6pm Saturdays 10am to 12pm |
Home schooling groups
| Activity | Venue | Days and times | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home schooling group | Thurnscoe Library | Mondays 10am to 1pm | Group for home schooling families to meet up with each other. |
| Home education group | Library @ the Lightbox | Tuesday 10am to 11:30am, fortnightly |
Our home education group is a social group for all primary school aged children in home education. Join us for music, games, crafts and creativity every fortnight. |
| Home education social | Roundhouse Library | Wednesday 2pm to 4pm, fortnightly starting 3 March 2026 (term time only) | A chance for parents and children to meet other families and socialise. |
Lego club
Our Lego clubs are the perfect place to develop your creativity and build new friendships.
We provide the Lego, you just need to bring your imagination!
| Venue | Days and times |
|---|---|
| Library @ the Lightbox | Saturdays 10am to 11:15am |
| Cudworth Library | Saturdays 10am to 11:15am |
| Darfield Library | Saturdays 10am to 11:30am |
| Dodworth Library | Saturdays 10am to 12pm |
| Goldthorpe Library | Saturdays 10am to 11:30am |
| Grimethorpe Library | Thursdays 3:30pm to 4:45pm Term time only |
| Hoyland Library | Saturdays 10am to 11am |
| Mapplewell and Staincross Library | Monday 3pm to 4:30pm Saturdays 10am to 11:30am |
| Penistone Library | Tuesdays 3pm to 4:30pm Saturdays 10am to 11:30am |
| Roundhouse Library | Mondays 3pm to 4:30pm |
| Royston Library | Thursdays 4pm to 6pm Saturdays 10am to 12pm |
| Thurnscoe Library | Saturdays 10am to 11:30am |
| Wombwell Library | Thursdays 3:30pm to 5pm Saturdays 10am to 11:30am |
| Worsbrough Library | Saturdays 10am to 11:30am |
Readers' groups for children
| Library @ the Lightbox | Young adult book club The club meets twice a month to read, chat and build new friendships with fellow bookworms! Visit Library @ the Lightbox to pick up our next book and join the club. Meetings last about an hour and you don't need to book a place to attend, just drop-in. Age guidance is 14+, but all are welcome. |
First and third Wednesday of the month 4:30pm to 5:30pm |
| Venue | Group information | Days and times |
|---|
Story and rhyme
Barnsley Libraries have signed up to the Family Arts Standards – a national accreditation for organisations committed to providing excellent family experiences.
The sessions are aimed at young children and toddlers from 0 to 4 years old and usually last between 30 and 40 minutes. They are free, relaxed spaces for meeting like-minded parents, grandparents, childminders and other carers, supported by the libraries' helpful and friendly staff. Watch our video about story and rhyme sessions.
| Venue | Days and times |
|---|---|
| Library @ the Lightbox | Mondays 11am Tuesdays 10am Thursdays 2pm Fridays 10am |
| Cudworth Library | Mondays 2pm |
| Cudworth Library | Thursdays 10am to 10:45am |
| Darfield Library | Thursdays 10:30am |
| Dodworth Library | Mondays 2pm Fridays 11am |
| Goldthorpe Library | Tuesdays 10am to 10:45am |
| Grimethorpe Library | Fridays 10:30am to 11:30am |
| Hoyland Library | Mondays 10am Thursdays 10am |
| Mapplewell and Staincross Library | Wednesdays 10am Fridays 10am |
| Penistone Library | Thursdays 10am |
| Royston Library | Wednesdays 11am Thursdays 11am |
| Roundhouse Library | Thursdays 10am |
| Thurnscoe Library | Mondays 2pm |
| Wombwell Library | Tuesdays 10am |
| Worsbrough Library | Mondays 2pm |
Other activities for children
| Activity | Venue | Days and times | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners crochet club | Library @ the Lightbox | Mondays 4:15pm to 5pm |
Weekly session for under 16s teaching the basics of crochet. |
| Code club | Library @ the Lightbox | Saturdays 10am to 11:30am |
Giving young people aged 9 to 13 the opportunity to make their first steps into the world of coding in a relaxed and friendly environment. |
| Children's camera club | Cudworth Library | Mondays 4:30am to 6:30pm |
Age 8+ - runs alongside the adult camera club. |
| Colouring club | Cudworth Library | Saturday 10am to 11:30am |
- |
| Colouring club | Thurnscoe Library | Saturdays 10am to 11:30am |
- |
| Colouring club | Grimethorpe Library | Thursdays 3:30pm to 4:45pm |
Term time only. |
| Homework club | Dodworth Library | Mondays 3:30pm to 4:30pm |
For children aged 11 or over. |
| Mappanory | Mapplewell and Staincross Library | First Saturday of the month 11am |
Story telling activity. |
| Sensory play time | Hoyland Library | Tuesdays 10am to 11am |
- |
| Sensory stars | Roundhouse Library | Wednesday (fortnightly starting 4 March 2026) 12pm to 2pm (term time only) |
Sensory play for under 5s with additional needs. |
| Teen social group | Wombwell Library | Thursdays 3:30pm to 5pm | - |
Activities for adults
Computers and internet
Learn how to use a computer and the internet by signing up for a free Learn My Way self-paced course. You'll find out how to use a keyboard and mouse, as well as getting online to find information and send emails.
The Learn My Way online computer courses are available online. You can access the website at home or use one of our Public PCs to access the modules at any time. Pre-booking a computer is advised via Netloan, just log in with your library membership number and PIN.
Alternatively, if you prefer to learn with a group, join a weekly drop-in session at any of the following libraries:
Venue | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
Library @ the Lightbox | Wednesday | 10am to 11:30am |
Conversation cafe
Our conversation cafe sessions are informal drop-ins to help people develop their language skills and improve their spoken English.
The sessions include discussions around topical subjects, as well as about life in Barnsley. Sessions take place every Monday 10am to 11.30am at Library @ the Lightbox.
Crafts for adults
If you're into knitting, crocheting, sewing and more, join us at one of our craft sessions. It doesn't matter whether you're a complete beginner or a skilled crafter, everyone's welcome.
There's no need to book a place - just drop-in.
Monday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Stitches | 10am to 12pm | |
Knit and natter | 10am to 12pm | |
Colouring session | 10am to 12pm | |
Ladies who craft | 10am to 12pm | |
Sewing group | 10am to 12:30pm | |
Knit and natter | 10am to 11am | |
Adult art group | 3pm to 5pm | |
Knit and natter | 10am to 12pm |
Tuesday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Knit and natter | 10am to 12pm | |
Adult crafts | 1pm to 3pm | |
Crafts 'n' chat | 10am to 12pm | |
Crafty chat | 10am to 11:30am | |
Make and mingle | 2pm to 3pm, fortnightly (term time only) | |
Make and mingle | 5pm to 6:45pm, first and third Tuesday of the month |
Wednesday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Knit and natter | 2pm to 4pm | |
Adult crafts | 9:30am to 11:30am |
Thursday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Rag rug group | 1pm to 3pm | |
Ladies who craft | 10am to 12pm | |
Patch workers | 2pm to 4pm, fortnightly | |
Craft 'n' chat | 10am to 11:30am | |
Chat and craft group | 9:15am to 12pm | |
Adult art group | 10am to 11:30am |
Friday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Craft 'n' chat | 10am to 11:30am, fortnightly | |
Knit and natter | 12pm to 3pm | |
Adult art club | 1:30pm to 3:30pm, fortnightly | |
Embroidery session | 10am to 11:30am, every first and third Friday of the month |
History groups
Monday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Hoyland Local History Group | 5pm to 7pm, every third Monday of the month |
Tuesday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
10am to 12pm | ||
Family history | 10am to 12pm | |
Wombwell Heritage Group | 2pm to 4pm |
Wednesday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Cudworth Local History Group | 10am to 12pm |
Thursday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Worsbrough Heritage Group | 10am |
Friday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Family history | 10am to 12pm | |
2pm to 4pm | ||
Family history | 10am to 12pm | |
10am to 12:30pm, fortnightly |
Mindfulness
Bring your attention to the present moment with our mindfulness classes and activities.
Wednesday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Mindfulness session | 11am to 12pm |
Friday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Mindfulness colouring | 10am to 11am |
Readers' groups for adults
Our readers' groups give you the opportunity to discuss books, authors and genres with others, in a friendly and informal group. They're open to anyone who is, or would like to become, a member of the library.
New members are always welcome and there's no need to book a place - just drop in.
Monday
Venue | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
3pm to 4pm | First Monday of the month | |
2pm to 3:30pm | Fortnightly |
Tuesday
Venue | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
11am to 12:45pm | Second Tuesday of the month | |
3:30pm to 4:30pm | First Tuesday of the month | |
10am to 11am | First Tuesday of the month | |
4pm to 5pm | Last Tuesday of the month |
Wednesday
Venue | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
10am to 12pm | First Wednesday of the month | |
10am to 11am | Last Wednesday of the month | |
5:45pm to 6:45pm | Third Wednesday of the month |
Thursday
Venue | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
2pm to 3pm | Second Thursday of the month | |
5:30pm to 6:30pm | Every four weeks | |
5:30pm to 6:30pm | First Thursday of the month |
Friday
Venue | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
10:30am to 11:30am | Last Friday of the month | |
10:30am to 12pm | Last Friday of the month | |
1:30pm to 2:30pm | Third Friday of the month | |
2:30pm to 3:30pm | Last Friday of the month |
Social activities
Our social activities include a range of coffee mornings and games groups where everyone's welcome.
Monday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Darfield gardening club | 3:30pm to 4:30pm |
| |
Quiz, games and coffee session | 11am to 12pm |
| |
Hoyland gardening club | 4:30pm to 6:30pm, every second Monday of the month |
| |
Baby bubble social huddle | 10am to 12pm |
| |
Board games | 1:30pm to 3:30pm, fortnightly |
| |
Board games | 3:30pm to 4:30pm |
| |
Board games | 4:30pm to 6:30pm |
| |
Coffee morning | 10am to 11:15am |
|
Tuesday
Activity | Venue | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Company club | 2pm to 3pm, fortnightly starting 3 March 2026 (term time only) | A friendly place to sit and chat with company and play classic card and simple table games. | |
Music and memories | 2pm to 3:30pm, every second Tuesday of the month | - |
Wednesday
Activity | Venue | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Dungeons and Dragons club | 4:30pm to 6:30pm, fortnightly | Dive into a world of imagination and excitement in our Dungeons and Dragons groups! Whether you're a first time player eager to explore the basics or a seasoned adventurer read for new challenges, our sessions are designed to welcome everyone. | |
Beyond Words book club | 11am to 12pm | This is a book club for adults with learning disabilities and their carers. No reading ability is required and all are welcome. |
Thursday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Pop-in group with games and crafts | 2pm to 4pm | |
Coffee morning | 11am to 12pm |
Friday
Activity | Venue | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Board and banter | 10am to 11:30am | Adult social, chat and board games group | |
Coffee morning | 9:30am to 11am, last Friday of each month | An opportunity to chat and connect with other members of the community in a friendly setting. | |
Coffee morning | 10am to 11am | An opportunity to chat and connect with other members of the community in a friendly setting. | |
Novel Voices | 10:15am to 11:30am | A group to enjoy the joys of singing with new people. No experience needed and all adults welcome |
Saturday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Yu-Gi-Oh group | 12pm to 3:45pm |
Other activities for adults
Our other activities include writer's groups and exercise sessions.
There's no need to book a place at any of the sessions - just drop in.
Monday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
12pm to 1pm, second Monday of the month | ||
Penistone Boarders | 1:30pm to 3:30pm, second and fourth Monday of every month | |
Shafton Camera Club | 4:30pm to 6:30pm - children's camera club runs alongside adult session |
Tuesday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Philosophy group | 10:30am to 11:30am, third Tuesday of the month | |
Poetry group | 10:30am to 11:30am, first Tuesday of the month | |
Chewin T'Cud | 10:30am to 12pm, third Tuesday of the month. A local magazine produced for Cudworth - anyone can join | |
Tai Chi | 12pm to 2pm | |
Ancestry group | 10am to 12:45pm | |
Citizens Advice drop in | 4:30pm to 7pm, first and third Tuesday of the month |
Wednesday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
NHS stop smoking clinic | 9am to 12pm - contact the team on 01226 644364 | |
Probus Group | 10:30am to 12pm - alternate weeks - social club for retired and semi-retired professional/business people | |
Citizens Advice drop in | 1pm to 5pm | |
Writer's group | 9:30am to 11:30am, fortnightly | |
2pm to 4pm, fortnightly | ||
Citizens Advice drop in | 9am to 12pm, first and third Wednesday of the month | |
Shush book club (silent reading) | 5pm to 6:45pm, first Wednesday of the month |
Thursday
Activity | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
Book chat group | 2:30pm to 3:30pm, second Thursday of every month |
