What happens at the Young Readers Festival? There are over 100 events over two weeks for families and children and young people of all ages including lots of half term activities and the ever popular Book Bash. To find out the full programme use the links from the menu on the left. Highlights include:

Potted Potter/Out of Africa - Tickets on Sale Now! This year, we have two FANTASTIC theatre events to start and close the Young Readers festival. Both events take place in the Library Theatre, just round the corner from Central Library. Out of Africa Saturday 17 May 2pm-3.15pm Storytelling and puppets from the The Storytellers Theatre Company. Potted Potter Saturday 31 May 2 showings at 1pm-2.05pm and 4pm-5.05pm The Unauthorised Harry Experience - A Parody by Dan and Jeff takes you through all the Harry Potter books in 60 minutes! Tickets for each show are £2.50 each or £10 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children). Book online now at Birmingham Box Office Find out more about these shows and other events during half term.

Darren Shan and Melvin Burgess Meet two of the UK's top authors. Darren Shan, famous for his vampire tales will be talking about his new title in The Demonata Series ( Library Theatre, 28 May) and Melvin Burgess will introduce his thriller Sarah's Face ( Centre for the Child and Sutton Library, both 30 May ). The events are free, but you need tickets for the Darren Shan event - book by telephone on 0121 303 2323 and your tickets will be sent out to you or call in to the Box Office in Central Libray to pick up tickets in person (online booking is not available for free events). Find out more about these events and other half term activities.

Half-term Events Look out for our local Family Fun Days happening at lots of libraries across the city during half term week. Plus storytelling at Birmingham Nature Centre and Soho House and a special Young Readers Birthday celebration at Central Library including a treasure hunt, face painting, disco dancing and the chance to meet Winnie the Witch! Find out about half term events across the city and the special Sutton Libraries festival.

The Lord Mayor's Book Bash - Sunday 25 May Join us for lots of family fun on the bank holiday Sunday of the Lord Mayor's Show. This year the Book Bash will happen on one day only so arrive early to avoid disappointment! Events will be held in marquees at Cannon Hill Park with the chance to meet poets, storytellers and authors and join in with plenty of other activities. Find out about the full Book Bash programme now!

Schools Programme - Limited places left! If you are a teacher or you educate your children at home you could book your children onto this year's Young Readers Schools programme. There are over 40 events from Monday 19 May to Friday 23 May. Book online now to avoid disappointment. There are still a few spaces left but they are filling up fast!