South Gloucestershire Council Library Service is inviting all primary school aged children to visit their local library this summer and take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2024.
Libraries and The Reading Agency have partnered with leading arts charity ‘Create’ for this year’s challenge, named ‘Marvellous Makers’, to celebrate kids’ creativity and storytelling abilities. Children will be encouraged to explore new books, stories and complete the creative activities provided.
The free challenge runs from 6 July to 14 September and supports children to become more independent readers, improving reading confidence over the summer break from school. It also supports positive mental wellbeing and can boost self-esteem.
Children aged between four and 11, sign-up at their local library during staffed opening hours and collect a free activity bag to get them started. They then read books of their choice over the summer holidays and collect stickers to complete a collectors’ poster. Craft activities are also provided to keep the children entertained. Those who complete the Challenge will receive a medal and certificate along with a voucher for a free swim at their local Active Lifestyle Centre, provided by Circadian Trust.
Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi, said: “I’m delighted this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is now underway as it’s such a popular, annual event that is enjoyed by thousands of local children. Over 6,300 children took part in South Gloucestershire last year which is incredible as it supports their literacy and helps them to develop a love of reading from a young age.
“It’s a fabulous way to maintain children’s reading over the school, summer holidays when reading levels can sometimes dip. I’m sure everyone who takes part will have great fun this summer as they develop their reading skills and enjoy in some of the fantastic, free activities on offer.”
Families have seen the difference the Summer Reading Challenge has made to their children’s reading with a parent of a child who participated last year, saying: “I thought the challenge was brilliant and so did my children. It was a fantastic way to get them excited about reading over the summer. The craft activities were very clever and engaging. My eldest’s reading fluency noticeably increased during the challenge.”
Alongside the Summer Reading Challenge, South Gloucestershire libraries are holding free, fun activities throughout the summer. The activities are most suitable for primary school age children and include:
• Mystery Makers – a world of mystery with clued-up crafts and activities. (Free drop in)
• Story Crafters – fun crafts inspired by favourite stories. (Free drop in)
• Junk Box Builders – a junk box challenge to inspire children’s creativity. (Free drop in)
• Puppetry Workshop with Tiny and Tall Productions. Children attending must be aged six or over and accompanied by an adult. Places are limited for this activity and must be booked. (Tickets are free and can be booked at sglibraries.eventbrite.com).
Dates and times of all activities and more about the Summer Reading Challenge can be found on our website www.southglos.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge, or like us on Facebook for the latest updates www.facebook.com/sgloslibraries
Find your local Library at https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries/find-a-library/
