Libraries set for Summer Reading Challenge
Libraries across Devon are offering young readers the chance to explore some of the astonishing real-life achievements and world records featured in the Guinness World Record books, in this year's Summer Reading Challenge launched on Saturday (11 July).
Organised by Devon Libraries and The Reading Agency charity, the annual Summer Reading Challenge, aimed at 4-11 year-olds, is simple and fun. Children are encouraged to read six or more library books of their choice during the summer holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal for every child who completes the challenge. Children can sign up for free at their local library at the start of the summer holidays. And for pre-school-age children, there is a mini challenge
Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for libraries, said: “Parents and children love taking part in our summer reading challenge. It’s free , fun and is a good way to encourage children to continue to read during the school holidays, improve their reading skills, and get them out and about visiting their library. Last year nearly 12,000 children took part in Devon.”
This year the Summer Reading Challenge has teamed up with Guinness World Records - the global authority in record-breaking achievements and publisher of the annual Guinness World Records book – to establish a ‘Record Breakers’-themed challenge. Record Breakers brings together fact and fiction, challenging young readers to explore astonishing real-life achievements and world records.
Collecting stickers as they go, young readers will discover the weird, wonderful and wacky records from around the world in six different categories: Cool Tech, Way to Go! The Big Stuff, Animal Magic, People Power and Action! Adventure.
As part of this year’s challenge, children, parents, carers, young volunteers, teachers, children’s authors and important figures in communities around the UK will be asked to make a pledge to help set a new Guinness World Records title for the Most Pledges Received for a Reading Campaign. Libraries across Devon will be collecting pledges between Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July –information on times and other details are available in local libraries.
Every child starting the Summer Reading Challenge in Devon will be given an ‘Active Summer’ bag containing goodies and info encouraging children to be active during the summer holidays – including a step counter, bubble mixture and lots of ideas for activities in Devon. They will also be entered into a prize draw to win one of a number of scooters donated by Tesco.
Active Summer is a partnership between Devon Libraries, Devon Public Health and Active Devon.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for health and wellbeing, said: “We’re really pleased to be a partner in this project, which as well as giving young people the chance to discover the wonders of reading, will also help them enjoy an active summer holiday, with the free goodie bag on offer.
“There is a strong link between healthy mind and body, and this initiative is a great way to improve children’s all round health and wellbeing.”
For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge including how to get involved, and resources for schools, go to the website.
In addition, Fantastical Feats is an exciting new digital game for children aged 4-11 years developed by SW Library Services and Pavilion Dance South West. Fantastical Feats combines the magic of dance, stories, video gaming, film and illustration to inspire children to read. Designed to complement The Reading Agency’s 2015 Summer Reading Challenge, the game can be found on the website.
Libraries across Devon will also hold events and activities for children through the summer holidays – find out more.
Find the Summer Reading Challenge on Facebook.
Visit the Summer Reading Challenge Record Breakers’ website, try the Book Sorter which helps children choose what to read next.
