A READING museum will hold a series of environmentally-conscious workshops on March 11.
Following on from World Book Day and leading into British Science Week, visitors at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) can try their hand at paper-making, iron gall making and book binding.
Entitled Bookfest, the family-friendly workshops will feature historical craft techniques which have sustainability aspects.
The MERL and Special Collections holds a large selection of books, archives and art works that are all created from naturally occurring or recycled materials, including paper, parchment and plant dyes.
Over time, people have reused library and archive components to create new objects, which can be seen in the books the museum has in its collection today.
All children who attend any of the three sessions must be accompanied by an adult.
Children aged seven and above can try their hand at making iron gall ink and writing with a quill at the Inky Fingers session.
It takes place from 10.30am-11.30am and must be booked in advance. The session costs £1.50 per participating child and is suitable for children aged seven and above.
Booking is also required for Pulp Fact, which will run from noon-1pm, and costs £1.50 per participating over threes. They’ll be able to make paper by forganing and collecting fibre.
The Bookmakers session will see youngsters of all ages making their own notebooks from recycled materials. The free, drop-in event takes place from 2pm-3pm.
For more information, visit: merl.reading.ac.uk
