CREDITON Library is gearing up for an action-packed weekend full of fun and frolics, with the annual Fun Palaces celebrations.

Fun Palaces is a free, nationwide campaign taking place on Friday and Saturday, October 6 and 7.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity responsible for running Devon and Torbay Libraries is committed to providing culture for all, and this year 31 of the charities 54 libraries will be holding their own free Fun Palaces for all to enjoy.

Crediton Library has pulled out all the stops for this year’s Fun Palaces weekend and will be offering visitors the chance to have-a-go on a Smoothie Bike, a stationary bike that is attached to a blender and creates a delicious smoothie as you pedal.

The bike will be available during library opening hours on both days. On Friday there will also be an introduction to British Sign Language at 10am, and French songs, games and stories for anyone looking to learn a new language at 10.30.

The library team will be taking people on a three parks walk through Newcombes Meadow, People’s Park and St Lawrence Green with Redvers Ramble guide Heather Sansom. This is a level route that is suitable for families and pushchairs and will start at the library at 1.30pm on Friday.

On Saturday there will be a drop-in knitting session for those looking to get crafty (knitting needles and wool will be provided), and a Redvers Ramble through the local scenery starting at the library at 10am.

Fun Palaces promote community at the heart of culture and culture at the heart of community, through an annual weekend of action created by, for and with local people.

Those hosting Fun Palaces are encouraged to combine arts, craft, science, tech, digital, heritage and sports activities to bring people and communities together. The events and activities are led by local people for local people, sharing their own passions and skills, as a catalyst for community-led transformation, with active participation for all ages.

Rachel Gee, Libraries Unlimited Service Development Manager said: “Libraries Unlimited first joined the Fun Palaces campaign in 2016 and it has been inspiring to see it grow in Devon ever since. Visitors to our libraries can expect everything from taking part in Tai Chi to making their own smoothies using a bike!

Each participating library has something fun, free and community-led. We love everything about Fun Palaces at Libraries Unlimited, not only do they bring people together, but they help communities to make positive change, share new skills and give everyone access to culture, art, science, technology and much more.

“We’re incredibly pleased and proud of all of our libraries that are getting involved in this year’s activities and we look forward to seeing lots of people in our libraries.”

Since 2014 a total of 934 Fun Palaces across the world have been made by 24,000 people (“Makers”) with 340,000 taking part.

This year marks the fifth Fun Palace weekend and is set to be the biggest weekend yet.

A full list of timings and other events can be found on the website: devonlibraries.org.uk or by visiting the Fun Palaces website: www.funpalaces.co.uk .