Children in Wiltshire challenged to ready six library books over summer

The Summer Reading Challenge is back kids!

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 10th Jul 2023

Wiltshire libraries are setting a challenge to children in the county over the summer months, with rewards on offer.

Children are being challenged to read six library books over eight weeks this summer as part of Wiltshire Council’s “Ready, Set, Read!” Summer Readying Challenge.

To encourage children to participate, Wiltshire libraries aren’t charging late fines for children’s books.

The challenge is open to children between 4 and 11 years old and runs from 15th July to 9th September.

This personal challenge aims to inspire more reading amongst children.

Children are able to choose any books to read, as well as eBooks and audiobooks, to cater for those just starting out, those who struggle or children who want to read a wider range of books.

Last year, over 6,000 children took part in the challenge, an increase of 39% from 2021.

This year’s summer reading challenge has teamed up with Nike and Rebel Girls to give away copies of their new, limited-edition book, Rebel Girls Kick It: World Champions Take the Pitch, and You Can Too.

The book features original illustrations of 28 Nike athletes, Q&As with coaches and football skill enhancing activities.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: “We very much hope that children will once again be inspired to take part in this important and successful programme, proven to make a real difference to children’s reading skills and attitudes to reading.

Children can sign up for the challenge here.

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