Get Creative - Reading Libraries Popular Summer Reading Challenge Returns
- Summer Reading Challenge launched Saturday 6 July 2024
- Children aged 4-11 encouraged to sign up to read six books over the summer
READING Library Service’s much-loved yearly Summer Reading Challenge is now available in all Reading Libraries.
The council’s library service is calling for children aged 4 to 11 to sign up to read six books this summer as part of the exciting free reading challenge which aims to get more children reading over the summer period – a time when children’s literacy skills traditionally dip. The challenge offers a fun way for children to rediscover and re-engage with their local library and catch up on their reading skills. There will also be a mini-challenge for pre-school children too.
Children are challenged to borrow and read six books over the holidays and are rewarded for each book read. This year every child receives a free folder, stickers, medal and certificate. This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is all about getting creative: music, junk modelling, photography, dancing, story writing the creative possibilities are endless.
To take part in the library challenge families can drop in to pick up a free starter pack at their local library branch. The challenge launched on 6 July and runs until 21 September.
Anyone who is not a member can join the library instantly at www.reading.gov.uk/libraries or by popping into their local library. The latest details and full opening times can be found at: www.reading.gov.uk/libraries
Children can also join in the fun online, here on the official challenge website: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture said: “I’m delighted the Summer Reading Challenge is back across all Reading Libraries a great way for children to keep up their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays and prevent the common holiday 'reading dip'."
"Our Reading Challenge is always popular, but after such a difficult and unsettling couple of years for children the programme is more important than ever, keeping minds and bodies active while school’s out for summer. In previous years the challenge has seen thousands of children in Reading take part and I’m eager to see as many youngsters as possible to make the most of all seven of our wonderful local libraries this summer."
"We know children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure, impacting their learning at the start of the next school year, but this year's creative theme is sure to encourage even reluctant readers to get involved and achieve something amazing this summer. There are loads of rewards available for everyone taking part and best of all, it is completely free! Don't worry if you are not yet a library member - you can sign up quickly and easily online or at your local library.”
Find out more on the official challenge website: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk and www.reading.gov.uk/libraries.
Notes to editors
About The Reading Agency
The Reading Agency is a national charity that tackles life’s big challenges through the proven power of reading. We work closely with partners to develop and deliver programmes for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Reading Agency is funded by Arts Council England.
About The Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge is run by the Reading Agency for children across the UK and is delivered in partnership with public libraries. It aims to foster a lifelong love of reading and tackle the drop-off in reading that happens over the school summer holidays. Children are challenged to read as many books as they can over the summer and encouraged to enjoy reading for pleasure.