With the school holidays and summer just around the corner, hopefully, so too is the return of our much-loved summer reading challenges at Reading Libraries.
This year, its bigger, bolder, and more bookish than ever with Reading Loves Reading, which launched at the start of May half-term and runs until 13 September.
We hope Reading Loves Reading will inspire future generations of readers, and maybe even writers like Jane Austen who of course attended the Reading Ladies Boarding School, based in the Reading Abbey Gateway at the time, which we are also celebrating as part of Jane Austen’s 250th celebrations this year.
Last summer, over 1,200 children across Reading took part in the Summer Reading Challenge – and this year we’re hoping to see even more families getting involved. As well as being lots of fun, there is a more serious reason for it. We all know how easy it is for reading habits to slip during the holidays with so much else to do, which can have an impact when children return to school after the long summer holidays. These challenges are a brilliant way to keep young minds engaged by having fun whilst learning.
On offer in all of our seven libraries in Reading are:
The Summer Reading Challenge – perfect for primary school children, with this year’s magical theme: Story Garden. Think enchanted worlds, curious creatures, and outdoor adventures.
The Mini Challenge – specially designed for under-5s, helping our youngest readers fall in love with books from the very beginning.
New Book Bingo Challenge – for teens and adults. Yes, grown-ups, this one’s for you too! Read three books, visit the library three times, and you’re in the running for a prize.
And speaking of prizes – there are great ones lined up: Duplo sets, Lego kits, and Amazon vouchers. Every completed challenge earns a certificate and a chance to win.
It’s all completely free, and all you need is a library card. If you’re not a member yet, no problem – it’s quick and easy to join online or at your local branch.
Summer in our libraries will also include craft sessions and planting workshops with RISC.
What I love most about this year’s programme is how inclusive it is. Parents can take on the challenge alongside their children and maybe swap some screen time for story time.
