Hundreds of young readers took part in Summer Reading Challenge

More than 900 children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge across the borough’s libraries.

Taking place during the summer holidays the annual challenge encourages children aged four to 11 to read six books. The theme this year was ‘Animal Agents’, with libraries getting on board with a range of animal-related reading and craft activities. All children who completed the challenge were presented with certificates and medals.

Ten out of the borough’s 17 libraries saw an increase in the number of children completing the challenge compared to last year, with Alkrington Library recording a record 53% increase on 2016.

All young people who completed the challenge were entered into a prize draw and on Saturday 30 September the Mayor of Rochdale will present one randomly selected participant with a family ticket to the Spynosaur event with author Guy Bass, being staged as part of Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival next month.

Councillor Janet Emsley cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture said: “Congratulations to all the children who read six books during the school summer holidays. Keeping children interested in reading can be a challenge but once again I have been amazed by the hard work and dedication of all our library staff who have really embraced it again. Roll on next year.”

The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre supported the programme, running an Animal-Agents inspired colouring competition. From over 80 entries received, the winner was nine-year-old Taniya Kabir who collected £250 of toys from the centre. All the entries are on display on the lower mall, next to Wilko’s.