A call has gone out for children aged between four and 11 to explore sport in a fun way by taking part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge 2023.
The challenge, produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries, allows children to collect rewards for reading books.
It’s free to join and runs from Saturday 1st July until Saturday 2nd September in all Leicestershire libraries, including community-managed libraries.
For this year’s challenge, The Reading Agency has partnered with the Youth Sport Trust for 'Ready, Set, Read! This year's Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep children's minds and bodies active over the summer break, inspiring young people to develop new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading.
Children set their own reading targets and collect rewards as they work their way through their chosen books over the summer holidays.
The aim of the Summer Reading Challenge is to encourage children to read whatever makes them happy, including library books, eBooks and eAudiobooks or having a story read to them – and to have fun while they do it! Once a child has read six books and visited a library three times, they will receive a certificate and a unique wooden medal for completing the challenge.
Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for adults and communities, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge plays an important role in supporting young children to read for pleasure. Over the summer holidays it’s very easy for a child’s reading and development to dip when they are not following their usual routine of being in school every day.
"Getting involved in the challenge allows children to keep up with reading while taking part in something enjoyable.”
There will be range of events on at Libraries across the County during The Summer Reading Challenge 2023, local libraries will have full details of the events as well as the libraries Facebook page, visit the 'Your Library' Facebook page.
Children taking part in the challenge can also receive free entry to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, 1485 Tithe Barn and Country Park, as well as The 1620’s House and Garden at Donington le Heath. Each child must produce their fold-out wallet and be accompanied by a full paying adult.
Leicestershire Libraries offer an opportunity to access the huge range of books available, including a range of e-books and e-audiobooks that can be downloaded from our digital library as well as the use of smart libraries for those who cannot attend during staffed hours. To find out more about the digital library, or download titles for free, visit the Digital Downloads page.
Children can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at any time throughout the summer at any Leicestershire library or online by visiting the Summer Reading page and the Summer Reading Challenge.