Whether you’re raising a young bookworm, honing your own writing skills or simply looking for a story‑filled day out, February brings a packed programme of literary‑themed events to Suffolk.
From creative family history workshops to augmented reality trails, there are plenty of ways to get involved in celebrating reading and writing as part of the Born & Read in Suffolk campaign.
READ MORE: Born & Read in Suffolk celebrates the joy of reading
Here are a selection of upcoming reading and storytelling events to add to your calendar:
FREE WEEKLY LIBRARY SESSIONS
Wordplay
Wordplay sessions for under fives take place at all libraries across the county with fun, friendly sessions of stories, songs and rhymes for babies and toddlers. See Suffolk Community Libraries website for dates and times of these and other reading activities – suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk
Busy Booktime
- Great Cornard Library
- Every Sunday, 11am–12pm
- Free (donations welcome)
A weekly drop-in session of stories and simple crafts designed to spark imagination and encourage shared reading for children and their families.
Little Storymakers: Story & Crafts
- Gainsborough Community Library, Ipswich
- Every Tuesday, 10.30am–11.30am
- Free, book via Gainsborough Community Library
A weekly session of stories and simple crafts for children aged 18 months to 5 years, designed to spark imagination and confidence around books and reading.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Brandon Library Poets
- Brandon Library
- 11am–12.30pm
- Free drop-in session
A friendly, monthly poetry group where adults can read, write and share poems.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Wolsey Writers
- New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
- 10am–12pm
- Pay what you feel, book via New Wolsey Theatre
A mixed‑genre workshop led by award‑winning Suffolk author Katie Ward.
READ MORE: Why reading matters more than ever in 2026
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 – FRIDAY, JULY 3
AR Trail: Ipswich Journey of Words
- Ipswich town centre
- Daily, self‑guided
- Free, download the Go Jauntly app
This immersive walking trail celebrates writers and wordsmiths with links to Ipswich, blending audio, augmented reality and archive material into a literary stroll around the town. Hosted on the Go Jauntly app and created with University of Suffolk staff, students and local experts, it’s a playful way to explore local stories, landmarks and language at your own pace.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Our Family Story: A Family-Friendly Workshop
- The Hold – Suffolk Archives, 131 Fore Street, Ipswich
- 10am–12pm
- £8, book online here
Bring the family for a fun, hands‑on introduction to family history, with a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the archive plus the chance to create your own DIY time capsule and family tree together. No prior experience is needed – just curiosity – and the session is designed for ages 7 and over, with all children attending alongside an adult
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Creative Writing Workshop
- Level Two Youth Project, 54 Cobbold Road, Felixstowe
- 11am–3pm
- Free, register via Level Two
Young people aged 11–18 can spend a day developing their own stories in this supportive workshop, using prompts and games to spark ideas, build characters and experiment with different ways of putting words on the page.
This article is part of Born & Read in Suffolk – a year-long initiative delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, sponsored by Sizewell C and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club highlighting the importance of reading and writing. Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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