800 readers rush to take up challenge

MORE than 800 children signed up in the first weekend to take part in Leicestershire libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge.

The Mischief Makers-themed programme celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Beano comic.

It will encourage children to collect rewards as they complete the challenge, with medals and certificates collected when they finish reading or listening to six library books during the summer holidays.

Children aged between four and 12 can sign up to take part. Councillor Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for libraries, said: “When children are off during the summer, their reading can often dip.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a really fun and engaging way to encourage young people across the county to keep up their reading skills.”

The library service has launched a digital service, ComicsPlus, to support the youngsters in the challenge.

The online collection features titles for children, teenagers and adults including Transformers, Star Trek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Adventure Time.

The digital comics and graphic novels can be borrowed free through the Leicestershire Libraries website or by downloading the free Comics Plus app.

As well as borrowing books from the library, children can read the Beano online free using Leicestershire Libraries’ PressReader service, which gives library members access to thousands of eNewspapers and eMagazines.

Mischief Makers events will be held in libraries around the county.

To sign up or for more information, visit any Leicestershire library, or go to: To find out more about the digital library, visit: