Children across Westmorland and Furness are encouraged to join this year’s Summer Reading Challenge which launches on Saturday 4 July and will run until 12 September.
Delivered locally by Westmorland and Furness Libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is organised by the Reading Agency and encourages children aged 4 to 12 to read four library books over the summer holidays. From fiction and non-fiction, to poetry, joke books or picture books, children can read any literature of their choice.
This year’s theme is ‘Read To The Beat’ and aims to inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading: powered by Universal Music Group UK, it inspires children to explore the connection between books and music. The initiative not only champions a love for reading but also helps to prevent the summer learning ‘dip’, ensuring children are ready for the upcoming academic year.
Signing up to the Summer Reading Challenge is quick, easy and free. To sign up you need to be a library member. If you or your child is not yet a member, you can join for free and get instant access to the library service’s online resources - including thousands of books, magazines and comics. BorrowBox is also free to library members and is a great way to get free access to Audiobooks and eBooks that can all be used to complete the challenge.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll receive your Read To The Beat folder, collecting stickers and incentives over the course of the summer holidays. Those that wish to read more than 6 books will be entered into a prize draw.
Some libraries will also be hosting events to celebrate this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with stories, colouring and games. Find out more about the events on our Trybooking page.
Children can access extra content online at the Summer Reading Challenge website.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said:
“We’re proud to support the Summer Reading Challenge once again this year. It is a great way to keep children reading during the school summer holidays – and this is fantastic to keep them engaged, curious and inspired.
Our libraries are amazing places and whatever you’re into, there is a book for everyone. Reading takes young imaginations to times and places across the world, and beyond!
“We hope families across Westmorland and Furness will take part in this year’s challenge and experience the joy and adventure that reading can bring.
Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, poetry, jokes or picture books, as well as the digital offer with eBooks and auduiobooks, there really is something for every child.”
For more information on this year’s challenge and how to get involved, visit our website.