Suffolk Libraries is hoping for another successful summer of reading as it launches this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with an appeal for volunteers.
This year’s theme is ‘Mischief Makers’, inspired by the much-loved iconic children’s title The Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.
The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays and helps to get three quarters of a million children into libraries across the country. The number of children taking part in Suffolk has been increasing year on year since 2013 and last year reached nearly 8,400.
It’s a fun and engaging way of encouraging children to keep reading during the long summer holidays when reading can dip if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure. The campaign is produced by the Reading Agency and delivered by libraries.
The idea is for young children to read six library books of their choice and collect special stickers and other incentives along the way. Visiting the library to choose and talk about books is an important part of the campaign and volunteers are always needed to help out. You just need to be able to come to the library for an hour or two every week during the holidays. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible – you can contact their local library or register online via www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/src
Children will be able to sign up for the summer reading challenge just before the summer holidays and there will be more details available in libraries. Volunteers will be reading with children but are never left on their own with a child; there is always a staff member present.
