Shanklin Community Library has helped launch the 2017 Summer Reading Challenge with a visit by the Chair of Isle of Wight Council’s Children Services Policy Committee, Councillor Vanessa Churchman and junior members of the library.
The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual challenge that aims to keep children enthusiastically reading during the summer holidays. Children are challenged to read books during the holidays, and receive stickers and prizes along the way, culminating in a medal and a certificate when they have read 6 books. Any book counts – fiction or non-fiction, easy or hard, new author or old favourite – as long as they’re borrowed from the library.
This year’s challenge is called Animal Agents, with original illustrations by Tony Ross of Little Princess and Horrid Henry fame. The reading challenge involves a team of animal detectives working to solve a library based mystery; with young readers collecting stickers as they read all of the books.
Shanklin Community Library co-ordinator Maria Darbon said:
“We’ve just invested in a new bean bag and seating for the children’s section, and the Summer Reading Challenge promises to provide our young readers with an opportunity to read a new range of books, and collect stickers and other goodies on the reading journey”.
Cllr Churchman added:
“It’s good to see all Island Libraries take part in the Reading Challenge, and I know last year over 2,000 children took part, with 1,613 children receiving a medal for completing the challenge – we hope to see similar numbers participate this year”.
The challenge is designed for children aged between 4 and 11 years, but older and younger children can take part, if they wish. The challenge is free to join – just visit your local library to register
Shanklin’s Community Library is open all day Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s, as well as Saturday mornings. The Summer Reading Challenge closes on Saturday 9th September 2017.
