Children take one giant leap into libraries
Libraries across Warwickshire are getting ready to launch children into orbit for an intergalactical adventure that will keep them reading throughout the school summer holidays.
The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge starts on July 19 and it’s all free fun, which is out-of-this-world news for parents.
The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge has a space theme. Called Space Hop, it will enable children to boldly go to new worlds, to discover the joy of reading and nurture a life-long love affair with reading and books.
Illustrated by leading children’s book artist Tom Percival, Space Hop coincides with the 350th anniversary of The Royal Society’s scientific endeavours, and the 2010 BBC Year of Science.
Warwickshire County Council runs the Summer Reading Challenge every year to encourage four to 11-year-olds to carry on reading through the long school holidays, when schoolchildren’s interest in books would otherwise tend to drop.
They can join the Challenge for free at any Warwickshire library, and receive stickers and other incentives for taking part. Those who read six or more books over the summer are awarded a medal and certificate. Craft workshops and other supporting events are organised every year.
Elaine Barker of Warwickshire Library and Information Service said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is great fun for children and really inspires them to keep reading throughout the long summer break. And children will be able to take part in space-themed events across the county.“
In a new departure for Warwickshire this year volunteer reading buddies, aged 14 to 17, will be working with younger children in local libraries, helping them to register for the Summer Reading Challenge and talking to them about the books they have read.
Elaine said there would be a new and exciting dimension for youngsters joining the Challenge at Atherstone Library this year. They will be able to bring their Children’s University learning passports to earn stamps when they take part in Space Hop.
The Summer Reading Challenge is now in its twelfth year and involves up to 750,000 children nationwide. It was created by The Reading Agency, an independent charity that works to inspire more people to read more, and is supported by children’s publishers.
Children can sign up at their local library from Monday July 19 and all materials are absolutely free.