The annual “Summer Reading Challenge” is taking place during the school holidays at Ruddington Library – and it starts TODAY.
The initiative, run by The Reading Agency, is aimed at 4 to 11 year-olds. The challenge is to read six or more library books between now and September 9th. It’s hoped that children who take part will become more enthusiastic about reading, maintain their reading level over the holidays and return to school keen and ready to learn. It’s also claimed that the initiative will boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Each year’s challenge has a different theme. This years theme is “Mischief Makers” and celebrates 80 years of the much-loved Beano comic. You’re invited to join Dennis, Gnasher and friends on a hunt for the Beanotown buried treasure…
In 2017 a total of 9,732 children joined in with the Summer Reading Challenge with 5,384 going on to read all 6 books and complete the challenge.
Ruddington Library has the following activities on offer for children aged 5 to 9 in support of the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge:-
- Mischievous Mix-ups – 31/7 2.30pm – 3.30pm
- Mischief Music Makers – 7/8 2.30pm – 3.30pm
- Pompom Gnashers – 14/8 2.30pm – 3.30pm
- Trickster Treasure Hunt – 21/8 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Booking is advised – just ask in the library to reserve your place.
Peter Gaw, Inspire’s Chief Executive commented: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great scheme to encourage to children to keep up the reading habit over the summer, with research showing it can help prevent the ‘dip’ in reading that can occur over the long break. We also know from the feedback we receive each year from children and families that the challenge can inspire and enhance a love of reading which can support children through their school years and beyond.”
Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Communities and Place committee, will be joining in this year’s challenge by pledging to read six library books himself. He added: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to encourage youngsters to read from an early age. I’m sure this year’s Beano theme will capture the imagination and I hope that local young people will be making full use of their local libraries by borrowing and reading six books over the summer holidays as I have pledged to do.”
Ruddington Library is open Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am to 1pm then 2pm to 6pm, on Fridays 9am to 1pm then 2pm to 5pm, and on Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Just pop in and say you’d like to do the Summer Reading Challenge – and they’ll get you started!
