4 July 2025

Handmade bees are buzzing in for Woodside Library’s Summer Reading Challenge

Megan Peoples from Woodside Library holding one of her crochet bees for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge.

There’s a new buzz around Woodside Library this summer.

Megan Peoples, a Library Assistant at Woodside, has gone above and beyond to make this year’s Summer Reading Challenge extra special for every child who takes part. She has spent weeks crocheting dozens of adorable little bees to give away as prizes to young readers who complete the challenge.

“I wanted the kids to feel really excited about finishing the challenge,” Megan said.

Megan designed the bees to be fun, safe, and even a little bit Minecraft-y. Some are chunky, some are tiny, some look cross, and some look cuddly. However, each one has its own personality! And best of all, when children reach the second stage of the challenge, they’ll get to choose their bee from the special bee box and give it a name.

She’s made more than 50 already. She often crochets on the bus to and from work and even stays up late to finish them. Each bee takes around an hour to make, and Megan has used her own time and materials, including hypoallergenic stuffing, so they’re safe for everyone.

This isn’t the first time Megan’s brought her creativity to the library. In the past, she’s made decorations for Halloween and Christmas. Including spooky ghosts and cheerful candy canes. She’s even made crochet bunting to brighten up the library space!

Megan grew up loving the library and wants today’s children to feel the same way. “The library was always a safe and happy place for me,” she said. “And I want it to feel that way for all kids, especially those who might find other places a bit overwhelming.”

See some of the effort colleagues at Woodside have gone to.

A selection of the bee's Megan has created.
The story garden at Woodside
Other crafts the children can collect.