Get the “creeps” this summer

Goblins, ghosts and ghouls are not just for Halloween, children can get their “creepy kicks” with this summer’s reading challenge

Goblins, ghosts and ghouls are not just for Halloween, children can get their “creepy kicks” with this summer’s reading challenge when they meet Granny Hyde, Headless Harry or Monsieur Ghoulash at the library.

Every year during the summer holidays, Rochdale Borough Libraries encourages children throughout Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale to take part in a reading challenge with a difference. Although most suitable for children aged 4-11, any child can take part for free.

This year’s theme is “Creepy House” with book recommendations especially for children who love all things fantastical.

If creepy stories are not your child’s thing, any six books can be read and not just story books. Sport, cars, knitting, indeed anything from the non-fiction shelves count towards their “six at summer”.

To take part children need to join their local library and commit to reading six different library books (of their own choice). Every time a child completes a book and returns to the library to collect their next one they will receive stickers to complete a fabulous “Creepy House” poster and collect other rewards. It’s on the sticker sheets that they meet characters like Headless Harry. Children who complete the challenge by 7 September receive a special “Creepy House” certificate and medal.

In celebration of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, that’s in full swing now that schools across the borough have finished, Rochdale Boroughwide Libraries is hosting a special competition for would-be writers too . The short-story competition asks children to write 500 words to be in with a chance of winning book tokens to be presented at Rochdale Boroughwide Libraries first Literature and Ideas Festival taking place from 25-27 October 2013. Ask at your local library for an entry form which gives you the start of the story. Children have all summer to ink their stories to paper and submit them to their local library by Saturday 7 September 2013.

Councillor Peter Williams, cabinet member for economic development and customer services (including libraries), said: “Reading for pleasure is essential for maintaining your child’s literacy skills during the summer-term break. Reading a book a week is an achievable challenge and the benefits it will bring to your child are priceless.

“We know that reading improves a child’s academic attainment through improved vocabulary and basic speech skills, enhanced concentration and discipline and most importantly it’s relaxing and fun. I’d encourage every parent to sign their child up.”