Local children and their families were joined by Vice-Chair of South Gloucestershire Council Cllr Rachael Hunt at Staple Hill Library to launch Animal Agents, 2017\u2019s Summer Reading Challenge.<\/p>\n
The children were taking part in a special Animal Agents themed Lego Club to celebrate the launch.<\/p>\n
Libraries in South Gloucestershire are inviting all children aged 4 to 11-years-old to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2017. This year\u2019s theme is Animal Agents, based on a detective agency staffed by a variety of clever animals \u2013 furry, scaly and slippery \u2013 who are out to crack a case at the library with a little help from their friends.<\/p>\n
The challenge launched in all South Gloucestershire libraries on Saturday 15 July and runs until 16 September. It\u2019s free to join in the fun – all children need to do is head down to their local library. As children read six library books over the summer, they collect stinky stickers which will help them crack the clues and help the Animal Agents find out what’s really been going on behind the scenes.<\/p>\n
Super sleuths who read all six books to complete the challenge and solve the case get a medal, certificate and a complimentary child\u2019s ticket for Wild Place Project* or free library DVD hire.<\/p>\n
Children at Staple Hill Library\u2019s Lego Club were joined by Cllr Rachael Hunt, Vice-Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, to launch Animal Agents on Saturday 15 July. Cllr Hunt said: \u201cWe know from listening to local families and children how much fun they have taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Children\u2019s literacy skills can \u2018dip\u2019 during the long summer holidays but taking part in the Challenge keeps children reading. More than 6,600 children in South Gloucestershire took part in last summer\u2019s Challenge \u2013 The Big Friendly Read. This year we hope more children than ever are inspired to take part and make use of their local library throughout the summer and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
Families love doing the Summer Reading Challenge, not only is it fun and free, but taking part makes a difference to children\u2019s reading. One parent said: \u201cMy children really enjoy the challenge and it certainly encourages them to read and share the stories with the family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Libraries are also holding free activities throughout the summer to help children complete the challenge including: Bristol Zoo workshops, \u2018meet a guide dog\u2019 visits, \u2018a day at the zoo\u2019 number fun with Explore Learning, and craft sessions. Go to www.southglos.gov.uk\/childrenslibrary<\/a> or drop in to your local library to find out more.<\/p>\n