Children aged between 4 and 11 from across South Gloucestershire are encouraged to sign-up to read books they enjoy over the school summer holidays as part of the 21st annual Summer Reading Challenge, 2020.
The Challenge opens on 25 July and is being delivered by South Gloucestershire Council’s Library Service to support children to become more independent readers and improve their confidence in reading over the summer break. It also supports positive mental wellbeing, boosting children’s confidence and self-esteem.
This year, the theme of the Challenge is fun and laughter and has been titled ‘Silly Squad’, with Children and families able to pick up a special Summer Reading Challenge Bag free from their library to do the Challenge at home. The bags contain everything children need to get started including a joining poster and scratch ‘n’ sniff stickers.
Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr June Bamford said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic initiative which has proved extremely popular over the years. It feels like it is needed now more than ever with it being likely that children will be spending more time at home over the summer holiday, so we are delighted that we can provide them with an opportunity to take part once again this summer.
“Not only does the Summer Reading Challenge help children with their reading as they get ready to return to school, it also supports mental wellbeing and boosts confidence and self-esteem. We hope this year’s theme of fun and laughter will inspire all children to enjoy reading this summer.”
Amanda Harris is a parent of a child aged 10 who has taken part in previous Summer Reading Challenges, she said: “I think the Summer Reading Challenge is lovely. My daughter does it every year and really enjoys it. She loves reading and it improves her reading and creativity each year.”
You can order a Summer Reading Challenge Bag for your child using our click and collect service www.sglibraries.eventbrite.com, phone 01454 865022 or collect one from your local library.
Children can also take part online at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk where they are rewarded with fun activities and incentives along the way, such as online badges, games and videos.
To find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge, borrowing library books and our great range of free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eComics, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sgloslibraries for the latest updates and activities.
For the latest information on changes to the Library Service following the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges
