Summer Reading Challenge

Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays. The Reading Agency’s annual Summer Reading Challenge delivered by libraries helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries to maintain their reading skills and confidence. Children (aged four to 11 years old) are encouraged to read six or more library books (including eBooks) during the summer holidays and receive rewards along the way.

The theme of the challenge this year is Wild World Heroes – The Reading Agency has teamed up with WWF to encourage children across the country to engage in fun reading activity focused on environmental issues. The challenge (which is absolutely free) will run in Wiltshire libraries from Saturday 10 July until Saturday 4 September and will play a role in supporting reading catch-up following the difficult year children have experienced.

Libraries will be running the challenge slightly differently to previous years – giving out packs of materials (a fold out map and stickers) to be taken away (while stocks last), with information for parents and carers regarding giving out the stickers to their children. Once children have read their six books they will be invited to return to the library to talk about their reading and receive their medal and certificate.

If they prefer, children will be able to take part in the challenge online, where they will also find games, competitions, book recommendations and much more to inspire them.

In 2019, when we last ran this in Wiltshire libraries, over 9000 children took part, over 39,000 books were read and 77% of participants said the challenge had improved their reading.

In addition, libraries will also be running the ‘Climate action footprint challenge’ – a number of fun activities with an environmental theme, including: saving energy, keeping fit, growing their own fruit or veg and recycling, with prizes for some lucky participants!