Library service launches summer reading challenge

A SUMMER reading challenge for children Wicklow Libraries will be running during the school holidays.

The challenge is a national initiative being run in libraries across the country. It is completely free of charge but children do need to be members of the library in order to take books out.

It will start in Wicklow Libraries from Monday next, June 26. Children will get a reading card when they join to keep track of their progress and the challenge is to read eight books. They’ll get a range of prizes for different milestones along the way from bookmarks, to bags, pencils and wristbands.

At the end if the children finish the challenge they will get a certificate with their name on it.

Children and families will also have access to fun reading activities on the Summer Stars website, www.summerstars.ie.

The site has lots of online activities as well as a range of animated ebooks.

You will find a children’s books discussion board and interviews with well-known people about their favourite books.

There are also helpful tips for reading and recommended titles by age group for children to read.

The books can then be borrowed from your local library service, and it’s all free.

Many of the Wicklow library branches will be running events to tie in with the challenge. Those can be found online at wicklow.ie. The challenge runs until the end of the holidays and children can register at any point.

The challenge is a fantastic way of encouraging children to keep reading during their holidays at a time when reading levels tend to drop.