This year the theme “Ready, Set, Read” is all about sport and games.
The Summer Reading Challenge, which begins on 8 July 2023, is presented by The Reading Agency, who this year have teamed up with the Youth Sport Trust to inspire children to discover the power of sport and play through reading.
It is delivered in partnership with libraries and designed to ensure that primary school children’s reading doesn’t ‘dip’ over the summer, as well as providing much-needed entertainment.
Children aged between 4 and 11 can sign up at their local library. The challenge is to read 6 or more library books over the summer. Youngsters will get 6 stickers if they finish the challenge and once they’ve collected them all they’ll get a medal and certificate!
Derbyshire libraries will be hosting a variety of activities to entertain children over the summer holidays. Please see our libraries' Facebook page or contact your local library for details.
Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, said:
“The long summer break can have a negative effect on children’s reading, so the Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to keep those reading skills sharp. It also introduces Derbyshire youngsters to all the brilliant things our libraries have to offer them.
“Encouraging children to read independently and helping them to develop a love of reading and books has huge benefits for their education and enjoyment for the rest of their lives.”
The challenge launches on Saturday 8 July 2023, with a special launch event at Chesterfield Library from 10am to midday, with classic and traditional games, as well as newer technology for children to get involved with.
The challenge is free to join and runs until 9 September 2023.
Visit your local library, or find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge.