Successful summer of reading in Reading
- Reading Libraries space-themed summer reading challenge enjoyed by more than 1,300 primary aged children
- Twenty-five young volunteers regularly supported children, parents and library staff to make the summer programme a success
Hundreds of Reading children took part in a fun space-themed reading challenge run by Reading Libraries this summer.
Twenty-five young people also volunteered to regularly support children, parents and staff in the event which was held in libraries across the borough.
Almost 300 teens and adults also enjoyed the Reading loves reading challenge by joining in Book Bingo.
Primary school aged children taking part in the challenge were tasked with reading six library books and visiting a library at least three times over the summer months, when children’s literacy skills traditionally dip.
A total of 1,309 children took part and explored their local community libraries or the new Central Library in the Civic Centre.
There were also fun themed craft activities and colouring competitions organised throughout the summer.
Twenty-five young volunteers regularly helped and contributed more than 321 hours of their time to support the programme.
Their tasks included:
- Talking with and listening to children aged four to 12 about the books they were reading and suggesting other titles to read
- Helping to explain to children and parents how the reading challenge works
- Handing out reading rewards and helping with administration
- Assisting library staff to run Reading loves reading events and craft activities
An event was recently held at Central Library to thank the volunteers for their support, attended by Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, and Reading Mayor Cllr Paul Gittings who presented certificates to the 14 young people who attended.
A total of 291 adults and teens completed the Book Bingo challenge by reading at least three books and visiting the library three times.
Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:
“It is brilliant that so many children spent some of their summer reading books and visiting Reading’s libraries as part of the Reading loves reading challenge.
“A big thank you to the young volunteers who gave up their time to support the challenge by engaging with children and assisting library staff. They make a very important contribution to the programme throughout the summer.
“I would also like to congratulate all the children, and adults, who completed the Reading loves reading challenge and hope they continue to enjoy visiting Reading’s excellent libraries.”
The new Reading Central Library in the Civic Centre features a colourful expanded children’s library and a dedicated teen space with age-appropriate books.
There is also a lot on offer for children and young people at the community libraries – Battle, Caversham, Palmer Park, Southcote, Tilehurst and Whitley.
Details of how to join Reading Libraries and the different services on offer can be found at: https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/. It is free to join and there are no charges for late items.