Children's reading challenge sees 39% participation rise - Wiltshire
More youngsters took part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge, hosted by Wiltshire Council libraries
Over 6,000 children took part in Wiltshire Council libraries' Summer Reading Challenge - a 39% rise on last year.
Youngsters aged 4-11 got involved in the Gadgeteer themed challenge aimed to inspire children to use their curiosity and creativity.
Some 6,206 children across the county were given special packs containing a Gadgeteer poster and rewards for each book read.
Over half of the children (3,831) returned to collect their final rewards, including a medal and certificate, and to talk to staff and volunteers about their reading experience - an increase of 52% on 2021.
The 8-week scheme supports children to keep reading over holidays and avoid a skills 'dip' when they return to school.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Libraries at Wiltshire Council said:
“The Summer Reading Challenge was the successful culmination of a series of events for Wiltshire Year of Reading. Families were pleased to have the challenge back running face-to-face again in libraries after the last few difficult years due to the Covid pandemic.
“We have received a lot of great feedback from parents and guardians about the impact it has had on their child’s reading, with 85% saying taking part in the challenge had improved their reading.
“I would like to thank all the 158 volunteers that supported our library staff in delivering the challenge for their time and enthusiasm in supporting the children taking part. Between them the volunteers gave 2,454 hours of time.”
Some libraries offered additional activities, including LEGO Club sessions in Chippenham and Salisbury library which were "very popular", added a spokesperson from the council.
Parents and guardians wrote to the council, with some saying it had been the first time they'd successfully gotten their children to read.
"First time I have seen my daughter sitting down to read a book to herself in public, ignoring distractions, with good comprehension", said a dad from Chippenham.