Summer Reading Challenge 2023

West Berkshire Libraries will be challenging primary age children to read up to six library books between 1 July and 15 September and to collect free incentives from their local library for their achievements as they read - with medals and certificates for everyone who completes the challenge.

From 1 July, children aged 4-11 years can visit a library to sign up for the free Summer Reading Challenge. The theme of this year's challenge is 'Ready, Set, Read!' delivered in partnership with national children's charity the Youth Sport Trust and aims to empower young people to unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading. Children will be able to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots as they navigate a fictional summer obstacle course brought to life with illustrations by children's illustrator Loretta Schauer.

There will also be a mini-challenge for pre-school children and one for the grown-ups too!

The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way for children to keep up their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays and prevent the common holiday 'reading dip'.

Councillor Janine Lewis, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Public Health, Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside, said:

"The Summer Reading Challenge is extremely popular and really is the perfect mix of fun and learning. Children love the themes and collecting their medals and certificates, this year's theme - 'Ready, Set, Read!  - will help to keep their minds and bodies active over the summer break."

There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved by volunteering to help run the Summer Reading Challenge at their local library over the summer. People who are interested should please contact www.westberks.gov.uk/volunteer

For additional activities, games, competitions and suggestions for further reading visit https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

It is free to join and borrow books from West Berkshire Libraries for all people living, working, or studying in West Berkshire. Babies and young children can have their own library cards and borrow up to 15 books at a time. There are also audiobooks (on CD), e-books and e-audiobooks, all available to borrow for free. DVDs for children are available to hire. All details, including current library opening hours, can be obtained on: www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries.