Free pretend play sessions at Barnsley libraries this January

We’ve joined up with Barnsley Libraries to offer free play sessions for local families.

Here’s some exciting news to share on behalf of our Little City South West Yorkshire branch: we’ve got some free pretend play sessions coming up for children and toddlers in Barnsley!

We had some fantastic festive sessions before Christmas, and we are delighted to be running more free family play sessions at Barnsley Library at the Lightbox on the following dates. 

• 30 January 2026

• 31 January 2026

Pre-booking is essential, and you can book your place directly with Barnsley Libraries. 

How are we offering free interactive play sessions to children in Barnsley?

These sessions are funded by the Government’s Know Your Neighbourhood scheme. It aims to bring communities together, tackle loneliness, and encourage volunteering in disadvantaged areas. 

Through this collaboration, families can enjoy play-based fun and discover new ways to connect with their local library and community. 

Our imaginative role-play sessions for children perfectly match storytelling and a love of reading.

As you know, we have built our reputation on creating safe, structured spaces where children learn through play. It makes perfect sense that our approach, which lets children step into roles like shopkeepers, doctors, or builders using their imagination, perfectly complements Barnsley Libraries’ mission to inspire a love of reading and community connection. 

After all, what can be better than pretend play in an environment where your imagination holds nothing back?

As Amy Holdsworth from Little City in South West Yorkshire says, 

“We were incredibly excited to be part of this initiative, and the sessions which we held before Christmas were hugely popular, which is why we’re thrilled to be running more sessions this January. We love being able to partner with Barnsley library at the Lightbox because pretend play and reading can come together to build a child’s imagination and create a world where the impossible becomes possible.” 

“These family play sessions were so much fun, not just for the children who get stuck into the toys and equipment, but also for the parents and carers who come along.”

The purpose of the funded play sessions is to tackle loneliness and isolation.

We know that many parents welcome our pretend play sessions because grown-ups can get just as much out of them as children do. 

Every week, our team hear stories across the country from parents and carers who tell us they welcome the prospect of meeting like-minded adults because it reduces the isolation they might feel at home. 

As Amy explains, 

“The purpose of the Know Your Neighbourhood scheme is to reduce loneliness and tackle isolation. When the children are playing freely in a safe, structured environment, the adults have time to relax and unwind. The kids can play and learn, and the adults can feel supported and welcomed. It’s a real win-win for everyone.”

Adding to the conversations, Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, says, 

“We’re delighted to welcome Little City back to Barnsley Libraries. These sessions are a fantastic way for families to come together, enjoy creative play, and discover everything our libraries have to offer.

Through initiatives like this and our Love Where You Live work, we’re helping build stronger, more connected communities. Love Where You Live shares the same aims as the Know Your Neighbourhood scheme: encouraging people to get involved locally, supporting one another, and making Barnsley an even better place to live.  We’re really looking forward to welcoming children and families to join us in January and experience the joy of imaginative play in their local library.”

Will Little City be offering free play sessions for children anywhere else?

Currently, this is just a Barnsley-specific initiative. However, with more than 38 franchises across the UK, we’re always looking to partner with local authorities, public sector organisations, corporate businesses and schools to make pretend play accessible for everyone. 

If you’d like to find your nearest Little City, our interactive map is there to help. 

Our emails are always open to anyone seeking collaboration, so if you have an idea that you would like to discuss with us, please feel free to get in touch with our founder, Vicki!