CHILDREN from Kingswinford schools are currently putting the finishing touches to a new staging area at their local library.

Kingswinford Library is currently having a staging area created to provide an area for drama, music and arts events performances.

Children from local schools and community groups have been at the library during the installation, alongside community artist Matt Lloyd, to decorate the stage under the theme ‘The Secret Garden’.

The stage will help showcase the events as part of this year’s Books into Art project which will be officially launched at the Market Street library, on Saturday, July 4.

Councillor Rachel Harris, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The stage at Kingswinford will be offered to local musicians, artists, theatre and community groups to use.”

The launch of Dudley’s Books into Art project will take place between 11am and 5pm, and feature storytelling, music and artist workshops.

Other events include a children’s storytelling session on Wednesday, July 8, from 10am until 11am, an artist activity from 11am to 3pm on Saturday July 11, and a storytelling cafe on Tuesday July 14, between 7.30pm and 10.30pm, to celebrate Black Country Day.

The event will also mark the start of the annual Summer Reading Challenge for children.

For more information, visit www.dudley.gov.uk/libraries or call 01384 812740.