By Cllr Jason Brock
Just like that, the school summer holidays are upon us. No doubt some of you see that as good news, while others have that familiar feeling of dread as you wonder how to keep them occupied over the next six weeks or so.
I may have just the thing in the form of Reading’s ever-popular Summer Reading Challenge, which you can access in a local library near you.
This year is a sport-themed challenge – Ready, Set, Read! – and runs until September 2. It’s aimed at children and young people aged four to 11 who can sign up to the challenge of reading at least six books over the summer.
It’s a long summer break ahead and it’s normal that reading skills can dip over the period, which is where the challenge comes in.
Not only is it an opportunity to take advantage of all seven of our wonderful libraries across Reading, but it also allows children and young people to keep their reading skills honed so they can hit the ground running when term restarts in September.
This year, we’ve partnered with the Youth Sport Trust, a national children’s charity, to bring the challenge to younger residents. A fictional superstar team consisting of Naveen, Naomi, Noah, Sophia, Ollie, and Alesha (and complete with animal mascots) will help keep children reading and active through the summer months.
To get started, head over to your local library and pick up a free starter pack.
Inside, you’ll find a collector folder, stickers, and everything you need to embark on an exciting journey in the form of Sophia’s obstacle course. Along the way, keep an eye out for the six golden books hidden throughout the course.
There is also a special ‘mini’ challenge for little readers under four.
If you’re not a member of your local library, you can join instantly at www.reading.gov.uk/libraries or by visiting your local library – quick, easy, and completely free.
Every child who takes part in the challenge will receive a folder, stickers, bookmark, certificate, and medal and also get a free book on their second visit.
If you can’t make it to the library, you can also join in online via the official challenge website at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.
To support the challenge, we’re also searching for enthusiastic volunteers aged 14 to 18 who have a love for reading. Being a Reading Challenge Volunteer is a good chance to learn new skills, gain valuable work experience, and become a positive role model for younger children. It will involve chatting with younger children about the books they’ve been reading, suggesting new reads, and helping out with events and craft activities.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please do get in touch with your nearest library branch.
We have opportunities at Battle Library, Caversham Library, Central Library, Palmer Park Library, Southcote Library, Tilehurst Library, and Whitley Library. The library will provide you with training, supervision, and all the support you need.
Reading’s Summer Reading Challenge runs until Saturday, September 2, and we are asking our volunteers to commit to a minimum of six sessions over the summer. The library team will work with you to find the perfect days and times that suit your schedule. Plus, we will provide you with both a volunteering certificate and a reference letter if you complete the minimum commitment.
Happy reading, Reading.
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and ward member for Southcote
