Children in Leicestershire aged between 4 and 11 are being encouraged to dive into a world of books this summer with the Summer Reading Challenge 2024. This annual event, which is free and open to all, is designed to keep young minds engaged and foster a love for reading during the school holidays. The challenge is available at both Leicestershire County Council’s libraries and community-managed libraries, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate.
This year’s theme, “Marvellous Makers,” aims to ignite the creativity of children. Whether it’s through dance, drawing, junk modeling, or music, the theme encourages children to explore their creative sides while discovering new books. The challenge runs from 6 July to 7 September, giving children ample time to read and enjoy a variety of books.
Participants are encouraged to read whatever makes them happy, including library books, eBooks, and audiobooks. For those who read six books and visit a library three times, a certificate and a unique wooden medal await as rewards for completing the challenge. This initiative not only promotes reading for pleasure but also helps maintain children’s reading skills and development during the summer break.
Franne Wills, Head of Communities and Wellbeing at Leicestershire County Council, emphasized the importance of the challenge. She noted that the Summer Reading Challenge plays a significant role in encouraging young children to read for pleasure. During the summer holidays, it’s easy for a child’s reading and development to pause as they are not following their usual school routine. The challenge helps children keep up with reading, which is central to building a range of key life skills and aids positive mental health.
In addition to the reading rewards, children taking part in the challenge can also receive free entry to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and the 1620s House and Garden at Donington le Heath. This adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation for young readers.
The Summer Reading Challenge is developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries. This year’s theme has been developed in collaboration with Create Arts, a leading charity that brings creative arts to those who need it most. The bespoke illustrations for “Marvellous Makers” are created by the talented illustrator Natelle Quek.
Children can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at any time throughout the summer at any Leicestershire library. For those unable to visit a library, the challenge can also be completed online. Last year, more than 250,000 children’s books and over 13,000 eBooks and audiobooks were issued as part of the challenge, highlighting its popularity and success.
The challenge is simple: children aged between 4 and 11 read six books or other literature of their choice over the summer holidays and return to the library to share what they’ve read. There is also a mini challenge for children aged 0-3 years. Children can read fiction, fact books, poetry, joke books, or picture books. Those who complete the challenge will be entered into a prize draw for a Kindle eReader, generously donated by The Cumberland Building Society. The winner will also receive a fantastic certificate to display with pride.
Signing up for the Summer Reading Challenge is quick, easy, and free. To sign up, children need to be library members. If they are not yet members, they can join for free and get instant access to the library service’s online resources, including thousands of books, magazines, and comics. Borrowbox is also free to library members and provides access to audiobooks and eBooks that can be used to complete the challenge.
Some libraries will also be hosting launch events to celebrate this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with stories, coloring, and games. These events add to the excitement and provide additional opportunities for children to engage with books and reading.
The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual national event presented by The Reading Agency and funded by Arts Council England. It encourages children to set themselves a reading challenge to help prevent the summer reading “dip.” This year’s theme, “Ready, Set, Read!” promotes a collection of sports and games-themed books. Children can access extra content online at the Summer Reading Challenge website.
An exciting addition to the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge is Active Cumbria’s Season 7 Street Tag competition. Children can visit libraries this summer and help their school climb the Street Tag Schools Leaderboard by scanning the QR codes inside participating libraries and earning bonus points. This adds a fun, competitive element to the challenge and encourages children to visit their local libraries.
Cllr Virginia Taylor, Cabinet Member of Sustainable Communities and Localities for Westmorland and Furness Council, highlighted the benefits of reading. She noted that libraries are amazing places where children can go on free visits to other countries and planets, to the past and the future. Reading helps children do well at school, beats boredom, and helps them feel good and have great ideas of their own.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Executive Member of Vibrant and Healthy Places for Cumberland Council, added that the Summer Reading Challenge is a great activity to keep children reading during the school holidays. The chance to win fantastic prizes is a real bonus, and the libraries’ digital offer provides access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks for free from the comfort of home.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for children to stay engaged with reading over the summer holidays. It promotes a love for books, helps maintain reading skills, and provides a fun and rewarding experience for young readers.
Source: BBC News, Leicester
