Warwickshire News Mine

The nationwide Summer Reading ChallengeTM is in its eighth year and will see 4-12 year olds make the most of their long break from the classroom by following a ‘top secret’ reading mission in the library.  The challenge starts on 15 July and runs until 10 September.

Children will be set the challenge of reading six or more books of their own choice during the break with those completing the mission qualifying to become special Reading Agents.

Warwickshire libraries will be helping children every step of the way.  Each participant will receive a Reading Mission pack in the style of a special agent attaché case, containing full details of their challenge, code-busting puzzles, tips on reading and help with charting their progress through the six books.

Mission Accomplished medals and certificates will reward all those who complete the challenge.  Bookmarks and secret message pens will also be available free from libraries.

Library staff will be on hand to encourage children in their reading and suggest interesting books for them to try.  They will also notify the young people about events, author visits and activities across the county.

The 2006 Reading Mission is being backed by Alex Rider, the junior MI6 hero from Anthony Horowitz’s bestselling series of children’s books.  He features in ‘Stormbreaker’, set for release in cinemas in July, and Alex Rider events and credit card style Reading agent cards will tie the scheme into the film further.

Anthony Horowitz is also supporting the scheme featuring on a dedicated website to support the Reading Mission.  The interactive suite will also feature other top authors including Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo and can be logged onto at http://www.readingmission.org.uk

Liz Wood, principal librarian with Warwickshire County Council, said:  “We’re hoping that even more children will take part in the summer Reading Challenge this year.  It’s a great opportunity to get children reading more books and find out about exciting events that are happening in the libraries over the summer holidays.”

Lynne Taylor, project manager for Summer Reading Challenge, said:  “This is a great way to give children a school holiday to remember.  The secret mission theme for this year will appeal to children’s interest in detectives and special agents and help the Summer Reading Challenge to go from strength to strength.”

The Summer Reading ChallengeTM is run by the Reading Agency and involves libraries across the UK.  Funded by the Arts Council England and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) it has become the UK’s biggest promotion of children’s reading since its launch in 1999. 

Around 600,000 children took part in last year’s event.  Participants borrowed 16 million books across the nation in 2005.  the scheme has been rolled out in 26 other countries with the help of British Council offices.

For further information on forthcoming events in your area, contact 01926 410410.

Link to WCC