Wiltshire children urged to pick up a book as Summer Reading Challenge returns
Organisers hope it will help boost reading after tricky year
Wiltshire Council Libraries are encouraging families to take part in this year's wild-themed Summer Reading Challenge which aims to inspire children to read as much as they can.
The challenge encourages 4 to 11 year olds to read six or more library books (including eBooks) during the summer holidays and receiving rewards along the way.
The annual event is produced by the Reading Agency and delivered by Wiltshire Council libraries.
It's hoped this year's challenge will not only help young readers' devop their skills and confidence during the long break from school and will support reading catch-up after a difficult year.
This year the scheme has partnered with WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) to create a nature themed challenge called 'Wild World Heroes.'
Steve Backshall,Ambassador for the challenge, said he was 'thrilled' to be supporting the event and hopes it will "inspire children to take action for the environment."
"Wild World Heroes will spark conversations about the issues facing our planet, from plastic pollution to wildlife decline, and will show how we can all work together to look after our world. By taking part in the Challenge, children will unlock the benefits of reading for pleasure - it's never been more important for young people to keep up their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays."
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The free challenge will run from Saturday 10 July until Saturday 4 September.
Packs of materials, including stickers, can be picked up from libraries from 10 July, while stocks last.
From Monday 2 August, and once children have read their six library books, they can collect their gold medal and certificate from their local library.
Children can read whatever books they like for the challenge (they don't have to be part of the theme)
Those taking part will need a library card to take part in the challenge.
CHANGES
This year, some aspects of the challenge will be run slightly differently to maintain COVID-19 safety measures.
A few of the changes include:
- Libraries not being able to listen to the children talk about their books,
- Core materials being handed out in bags,
- Families encouraged to visit at the quieter times such as afternoons as there may be queues.
YOUNG BOOKWORMS
In 2019, when the council last ran the challenge in Wiltshire libraries, 5,928 children completed the challenge and 39,321 books were read in total
77% of participants said the challenge had improved their reading.
One parent fed back:
"My seven year old boy has really enjoyed the reading challenge. He is having reading interventions at school and I think this has really helped his confidence. Thank you for making my little boy smile and enjoy his reading through the summer."
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Libraries said:
"We look forward to welcoming many children and families into our libraries over the summer to take part in this wonderful initiative. As well as being great fun it also encourages children to improve their reading skills, which will benefit them on their return to school. Developing reading for pleasure also supports good mental health, particularly important after the last year, so I hope we will see lots of children in libraries this summer."
You can find out more and take part in the challenge here: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-childrens-area-summer-reading-challenge
If they prefer, children will also be able to take part in the challenge at www.wildworldheroes.org.uk,
In addition to the Summer Reading Challenge, Wiltshire libraries will also be running the 'Climate action footprint challenge': a series of fun mini-challenges including recycling, keeping fit and saving energy.
Participants who complete these challenges will be entered into a the prize draw, with a chance to win prizes kindly donated by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Tesco.