Family activities at libraries and museums this May half term

There are exciting free activities for families planned at local libraries and museums during the May half term.

Pirates will be taking over the Lord Louis Library for the week, with the opportunity to make a parrot on a stick, a pirate spoon puppet, a treasure map and a pirate hat.

There will be pirate tales and a fancy-dress competition.

Contact the Newport library to find out the dates, times and book your small pirates a place.

At Sandown Library there is a chance to meet children's author, Jules Marriner, for a special puppet show, story time and craft session. Places are limited for this interactive event, please contact the library to find out more.

At Ryde Library there is an Elmer the Elephant story and craft session, Cats Protection will be visiting Sandown Library, there will be Froggie Craft at Freshwater and snake making at Ventnor Library.

The library activities are all free but booking may be required so please contact your local library to find out more.

Meanwhile, at the Museum of Island History, to accompany the new display of landscape pictures, families will be able to create their own artwork with a time traveller twist. There will also be a photo hunt around the gallery — can you spot the items which may have time travelled to the past?

The museum is open on Tuesday, 28 May and Thursday, 30 May between 10am and 1pm and entrance and all activities are £1 for adults and 50p for children.

Newport Roman Villa will be hosting a ‘Build it like a Roman’ Clay Day on Friday, 31 May (10am-2pm). Visitors can be inspired by the skill of Roman builders and make their own unique tile to take home. Entry to the villa on this day will be £1 each.

Booking is not required and visitors are welcome to drop in and explore these incredible sites, as well as taking part in the craft activities.

The museum events are organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Heritage Service.