Darlington Libraries are celebrating Shakespeare Week with a line-up of creative activities.
The national event, running from Monday, March 23 to Sunday, March 29, offers children the chance to explore Shakespeare’s stories, characters, and language through fun and engaging experiences.
Cllr Libby McCollom, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: "Shakespeare Week is a fantastic opportunity for local families to discover the joy of creative writing and gain an engaging introduction to the Bard’s life and works.
"It gives children the chance to explore Shakespeare from an early age, while the artwork competition and library activities provide an enjoyable and accessible way for young people to connect with some of our greatest stories."
Darlington Libraries will showcase their collection of Shakespeare’s books, plays and retellings.
Children aged 4 to 11 are invited to take part in the Shakespeare Week 2026 Play-Inspired Artwork Competition, where they can create art based on any of Shakespeare’s plays, such as The Tempest, Macbeth, or A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
To help children get started, the library’s Satur‑Yay session on March 28 will offer a free art session from 10am to 2pm.
Materials such as watercolours, pens, and pencils will be provided for children to use in creating their entries.
Adults can also get involved through Shakespeare’s Globe’s national script writing competition.
The winning playwright will receive £15,000 and professional development support, including rehearsal drafts with Globe specialists and partner organisations Climate Spring and Fern Culture. Entrants will also gain exposure to leading theatre decision‑makers.
Darlington Libraries is encouraging adults to enter and is offering information and support.
Details can be found at the library in person or online at www.shakespearesglobe.com/jobs-and-opportunities/climate-playwriting-prize-2026.
For those wanting a quiet place to write, The Ink Society meets regularly at Darlington Library.
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Alternatively, The Write Time, a weekly creative writing group, is held at Cockerton Library every Monday at 10am.
The session is free, open to all, and includes refreshments.
More information about events and library services is available at the Darlington Council website, through the Darlington Library App, or by following @DarlingtonLibraries on Facebook.
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