A HOST of animal themed activities will be offered at libraries across Warrington over the next six weeks to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge.
The theme of this year’s challenge is Animal Agents – and the book collection comprises 70 must-have reads for children aged four-11, with something to suit every young reader.
Over the course of the summer holidays, children will be challenged to read six of the books in the collection, with all those that complete the challenge receiving a certificate and medal for their efforts. Staying with the animal theme, they will also be entered into a draw to become a keeper for the morning at Walton Gardens.
Every child who joins the Animal Agent challenge will also receive a fold-up wallet with six collector stickers, illustrated by the UK’s best-selling children’s illustrator, Tony Ross. There are also a secret message pen, a magnifying glass, and bookmarks to collect.
The free challenge is a major literacy campaign, which encourages primary school children to keep reading throughout the summer holiday. It’s run by libraries across the country in partnership with the Reading Agency.
Chris Everett, senior LiveWire advisor for reading, said: “Children’s reading can dip during the long summer holidays.
“The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to keep up their reading skills and confidence.”
As part of the animal-themed activities, Chester Zoo will be running in series of workshops at Warrington’s libraries to encourage children to learn more about nocturnal creatures or African animals.
The first Chester Zoo workshops have already been held in Birchwood and Warrington Central libraries, with further workshops to be held in August at Woolston and Stockton Heath libraries.
Express Arts will also be bringing their popular Day of Discoveries workshop to various libraries during the challenge, giving children a chance to participate in craft and drama activities.
Each library will also run their own animal-themed crafts for the duration of the challenge.
Chris added: “This year’s theme provides lots of fun for children to not just improve their reading skills, but also to act as mini detectives.
“To celebrate this theme, we’re really excited to be working with partners across Cheshire to bring some fantastic activities to libraries across the borough.”
Anyone aged five to 12 can take part in the challenge, which runs from now until 10 September.
There is also a smaller challenge for under 5s – with more information available at local libraries.
Summer Reading Challenge activities at Warrington libraries:
Monday August 7 – Express Arts workshop at Padgate Library, 10am-1pm
Tuesday August 8 – Chester Zoo workshops at Woolston Library, 10am and 11.15am
Tuesday August 8 – Chester Zoo workshops at Stockton Heath, 1pm and 2.15pm
Monday August 14 – Express Arts workshops at Warrington Library, 10am-1pm
Monday August 21 – Express Arts workshops at Westbrook Library, 10am-1pm
Wednesday August 23 – Tom Palmer’s Football Reading Game at Penketh Library, 4pm
Pictures show the Chester Zoo workshops at Warrington and Birchwood
