A VARIETY of free activities for this year’s Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge ‘Animal Agents’ are on offer at Musselburgh and Wallyford Libraries.

Children aged four to 12 are being encouraged to read six books during the summer holidays.

They can collect all six cards and other prizes as they read any library books of their choice.

In addition, each time they borrow and read a book, they will get a prize draw entry.

Families can sign up to the challenge at the libraries and receive a free collector folder in which to keep the cards.

A mystery challenge has been devised and written by Prestonpans children’s author Annemarie Allan.

Youngsters will get the chance to join the Animal Detective Agency to investigate the crime at Musselburgh Library on Wednesday, August 2, from 11am until noon. An ancient and powerful magic wand has been stolen and it will be up to the young sleuths to find out who the culprit is.

Beforehand there will be a craft activity, when children will be able to make their own animal masks.

A teddy bears’ picnic for three-eight-year-olds will be held at Musselburgh from 10.30am until 11am this Monday.

This will feature a storytime with snacks included and youngsters can take along their favourite bear.

The Dogs Trust will be at Musselburgh Library from 10am until 10.45am on Tuesday. Children of all ages can learn how to look after their dog and enjoy fun and games.

The same day, Wallyford Library is the venue for a top secret craft session for youngsters aged seven upwards at 3.30pm, with booking required.

There is the chance to build spy credentials at Challenge Hour for five to 11-year-olds from 3pm to 4pm on Thursday, July 20, July 27, August 3 and August 10 at Musselburgh Library.

Another teddy bear’s picnic for two-eight-year-olds will be held from 10.30am to 11am next Monday (July 24) at Musselburgh Library.

A Chapter Challenge for children aged five and upwards is at Wallyford Library at 3.30pm next Tuesday (July 25) and the following Tuesday, August 1.

An animal crafts session for youngsters aged seven and upwards will take place at Wallyford Library at 3.30pm on Tuesday, August 8, with booking required.

Further information is available from Musselburgh Library, 10 Bridge Street, on 0131 653 5130 or musselburgh.library@eastlothian.gov.uk or Wallyford Library, 3 Fa’side Buildings, 0131 653 5140 or wallyford.library@eastlothian.gov.uk