‘Out of This World’ Summer Reading Challenge launches at libraries

AN ‘out of this world’ reading project aimed at encouraging children to use the libraries during the summer is launching soon at Warrington’s local LiveWire libraries.

The Summer Reading Challenge, which is now in its 20^th year, runs from Monday July 1 to Sunday September 8, is the Reading Agency’s annual scheme aimed at encouraging children to keep reading during the summer break from school by borrowing books from the library.

Last year over 1,700 children across Warrington took part in the challenge, with LiveWire’s libraries team hoping that even more get involved his summer.

The mission is for children to read up to six books over the summer. Youngsters can read whatever they like – fiction, fact books, poetry, joke books, picture books, audio books – just as long as they are borrowed from the library.

The 2019 theme is ‘Space Chase’ and youngsters taking part in the challenge will follow clues to help intergalactic family ‘The Rockets’ track down books that have gone missing from their favourite moon library!

Children receive rewards each time they finish a book and get nearer to solving the mystery of why books are disappearing from the moon library. There’s a certificate and medal for everyone who completes the challenge.

There will also be space-themed craft and activity sessions over the school holidays plus special workshops from Chester Zoo and Daresbury Laboratory staff at some libraries.

For younger children there is a separate Under-5s challenge with rewards along the way and a free book for anyone who completes the challenge.

LiveWire Community Librarian Matthew Entwistle said: “Join us in celebrating 20 years of the Summer Reading Challenge, the UK’s biggest free reading promotion. This summer we want the libraries to be full of families having fun sharing stories and joining in our special space themed activities. It will be out of this world!”

While all books and topics – fiction and non-fiction – are included in the Summer Reading Challenge, for some inter-galactic reading inspiration, check out last month’s Top 10 most-borrowed space-themed books.