READING Borough Council’s annual Summer Reading Challenge has returned.
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.
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.
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.”
She explained: “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.”
The Summer Reading Challenge will run in libraries across the borough until Saturday 21 September.
For more information and to apply visit: www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/
