Get set for this year’s Olympic reading challenge!

This summer, libraries across Shropshire will be bursting with activities to support the Summer Reading Challenge.

The Summer Reading Challenge is a national reading scheme devised by The Reading Agency, and widely recognised as a great way to keep children reading over the long summer holidays. The theme is Storylab, and there will be over 80 library events to choose from including visits to libraries by author turned scientist Dr Julius Drake, craft sessions, story and rhyme times, treasure hunts, creative writing groups and much more.

New for this year, children who are members of the Children’s University can also gain six passport credits for completing the challenge, in addition to their medals and certificates. They can also gain one credit for either joining the library to take part in the reading challenge, or for already being an active library member.

Children age 0-4 can register for the Bookstart Bear Club, and the Storylab challenge is open to children and young people aged from four to 12 years.  Launch days and activities will take place in libraries from Saturday 14 July; people should ask at their local library for details of events near them. Alternatively they can check out the events listings on the new Shropshire Council library webpages or the Shropshire Families Information Service directory.

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said:

“Making reading fun is a great way to keep children interested over the summer holidays. I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved and find out what your local library has to offer.”