Summer Reading Challenge moves online this year
THE hugely-popular Summer Reading Challenge in Leicestershire’s libraries has moved online.
The annual challenge led by the Reading Agency last year involved more than 9,000 children across the county.
This year’s theme is Silly Squad, a celebration of happiness, laughter - and funny books. The theme features bespoke artwork from children’s illustrator, Laura Ellen Anderson.
Working online, children will set their own reading target and collect digital rewards as they work their way through their books over the summer holidays, collecting additional games, videos and activities along the way.
The aim is to encourage children to read whatever makes them happy, either books from home or from the libraries vast array of eBooks.
It will be fun and silly while supporting their confidence in reading, in what has been a time of disruption and change to routine.
Coun Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for libraries, said: “It’s easy for children’s reading to dip when they are not at school every day.
“During what has been an extended time away from the classroom for many, the Summer Reading Challenge will play an even bigger role in supporting youngsters to read for pleasure.
“A recent survey commissioned by The Reading Agency showed that 45 per cent of young people were reading more during the lockdown and I think it would be fantastic for Leicestershire’s children to keep this up throughout the summer.”
Leicestershire’s offer includes a range of campaign titles available on BorrowBox, the library’s digital reading app, as well as interactive animated stories with Spark Arts and the opportunity to contribute to a joke book, celebrating this year’s silly challenge.
Children can sign up for the challenge at any time throughout the summer at www.sillysquad.org.uk
To find out more about the council’s digital library, or download titles for free, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/digitaldownloads