READING Borough Council’s Summer Reading Challenge has officially begun.
Children between 4-11 years old are invited to libraries around Reading to take part in the yearly challenge to read at least six books during the summer holidays.
This year is embracing the theme of sports and games in Ready, Set, Read, delivered in partnership with national children’s charity Youth Sport Trust.
The free challenge aims to tackle a dip in literacy skills development which is often observed in children while they take a break from school during the summer.
It offers a more fun way of engaging young people with their local libraries and catch up with reading proficiency by putting rewards in place for completing books.
Children taking part will receive stationery and bookmarks, as well as a certificate and medal of participation, and a free book on their second visit to the scheme.
This year participants will be able to join the fictional superstar team–Naveen, Naomi, Noah, Sophia, Ollie, and Alesha– as well as their animal mascots.
Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “I’m delighted the Summer Reading Challenge is back from 8 July across all Reading Libraries.
“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 sporty theme is sure to encourage even reluctant readers to read for pleasure this summer.”
She explained: “There are loads of goodies 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.
“In previous years the challenge has seen thousands of children in Reading taking part and I’m eager to see as many youngsters as possible join in with this year’s free, fun-packed ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ challenge and make the most of their local library this summer.”
The scheme is also seeking volunteers aged 14-18 to help younger children take part and provide peer encouragement.
Roles will include include talking with and listening to younger children about the books they have been reading and suggesting other things they may like to read, alongside providing support for library staff.
Volunteers are needed across all of its branches, including Battle Library, Caversham Library, Central Library, Palmer Park Library, Southcote Library, Tilehurst Library, and Whitley Library.
Training will be provided alongside support and supervision to help volunteers develop work experience and to add to their CVs.
Cllr Barnett-Ward explained: “Last year, over 30 young people from Reading volunteered with the library service to support the 2022 challenge.
“This is a great opportunity for young people between 14 and 18. Reading Challenge Volunteers will learn new skills, gain valuable work experience, and have fun doing so.
“The only qualification you need is a love of reading. Volunteers supporting the Reading Challenge this summer will play a valuable role in keeping children engaged with books by being positive role models and advocates for reading.”
Volunteers will be asked to commit to a minimum of 6 sessions over the summer, though days and times would be negotiable with the library branch managers.
The library will provide a volunteering certificate and would be happy to supply a reference letter to any volunteers who successfully complete the minimum commitment over the summer.
The Summer Reading Challenge will run between Saturday 8 July and Saturday 2 September.
The closing date for applications is Friday 21 July 2023.
For more information and to apply visit: www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/
