Lunar samples to go on show at Otley library

Visitors will be able to handle lunar rocks and meteorites at a free family event on Saturday 14 November.

Otley Library and Community Hub is due to host the Touch the Moon event from 10.30am to 3pm, as part of Otley Science Festival.

The collection of lunar rocks and meteorites is on loan from the Science and Technology Facilities Council. The event information describes the samples as having been collected from impact sites around the world, after travelling to Earth from the Moon and deep space.

Alongside the samples, the programme is set to include space-themed books, interactive science stations, craft activities for different ages and a virtual reality tour of the International Space Station. The event is free to attend.

Poetry and space workshop

A separate poetry and space workshop with poet Matt Abbott will run from 10.30am to 11.30am. It is for children aged seven and over, and booking is required. The workshop is ticketed, so attendees should check the event information for details before booking.

The library’s event information says the activities are intended for visitors of different ages. It also says the lunar samples and meteorites will be available for visitors to handle during the event.

Part of Otley Science Festival

Touch the Moon is one of the events taking place as part of Otley Science Festival. Further festival activities are listed separately in the festival programme.

People interested in attending can find more information about Touch the Moon, including how to book the poetry workshop, on the Leeds Inspired event listing. The event is scheduled to take place at Otley Library and Community Hub on Saturday 14 November 2026.