Summer reading challenge for youngsters

Children take on the reading challenge: Visit your local library from 4 July for the Summer Reading Challenge.

Children are being encouraged to be imaginative in the school holidays.

Whether its knights, castles, dungeons or dragons; fantasy is the key for this years Summer Reading Challenge.

All libraries across Rochdale are taking part in the 11th Annual Summer Reading Challenge for children, starting next Saturday (4 July) until September.

The Summer Reading Challenge is a government initiative to encourage children of all ages to read more during the summer holidays.

Last year 1600 children took part and with this year’s theme of ‘quest-seekers’ organisers are expecting an even bigger turn out this summer.

Children taking part in the challenge need to visit their local library up to four times during the summer holidays and are required to read six books to complete the challenge.

Ray Stearn, Children's Services Manager at Rochdale Council said: “Children really enjoy taking part in the popular annual Summer Reading Challenge.

“It’s a great way to keep them entertained over the holidays but more importantly, we know that children who take part read more books and read more widely than those who don’t, with potentially life-changing results.”

All participants will receive a quest-seekers poster, and then as they complete the challenge there will be stickers to collect to fill the poster as well as free gifts including book marks and model dragons.

Everyone who completes the challenge will receive a certificate, quest -seekers medal and also be entered into a price draw to win a mystery star prize.

The Summer Reading Challenge ends on 19 September and the quest-seekers competition will still run till the end of September.

Visit your local library from Saturday 4 July onwards and ask about the Summer Reading Challenge to get started.