Posted on Friday 28th July 2023
Tara Spandrzyk and Danielle Pountney from Perton Library
Children aged Four to eleven and their parents are being invited to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge which runs throughout the summer holidays.
The challenge invites primary school aged children of all reading abilities to read for enjoyment over the summer break. It’s FREE to take part, and last year nearly 10,000 children joined with 75% improving their reading skills.
The initiative is delivered by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts service and The Reading Agency, and funded by Arts Council England.
For this year’s theme, libraries have partnered with national children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust for Ready, Set, Read, allowing children to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots as they navigate a fictional summer obstacle course. Bringing the challenge to life are illustrations by children's illustrator Loretta Schauer, with children being rewarded with free stickers as they complete the challenge.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Our libraries do a fantastic job every year at encouraging children to read over the summer holidays.
“Not only can reading be fun, but it’s an important part of a child’s development and the scheme really helps support their overall literacy and language skills. It’s great fun and it’s free. I’d definitely encourage families to head over to their local library and sign up for the challenge this summer.”
People can find out more on the Summer Reading Challenge website or search on the library’s social media channels.