Slough Libraries are delighted to be taking part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge, with the theme of Story Garden - Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors.
The challenge launches in Slough today (Tuesday) and runs until 13 September, to inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading and exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
Throughout the summer, children joining 'Story Garden' can discover new books, participate in free activities at Slough libraries and explore the link between reading and the great outdoors, where nature and imagination come together.
Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for children and lifelong learning, said: “This challenge is always a highlight of the library calendar. There are lots of exciting events planned in our libraries this year for the challenge, so I encourage children to sign up for free, join the challenge and come along to the activities.”
Slough Libraries will be celebrating the Summer Reading Challenge with an exciting, free programme of themed activities celebrating the natural world and the joy of reading that will help develop confidence, expression and literacy skills in a fun and supportive way.
The programme will include Flourish! creative hubs at each library, where children can let their ideas and imagination blossom, expressing themselves through words, sounds, pictures or movement. There will be materials and support for children to produce artworks of all kinds, including poetry, soundscapes and visual art, with an opportunity to showcase their work.
Children can complete the challenge by enjoying six library books over the summer, collecting stickers as they progress. Those that finish will be awarded a certificate to mark their achievement and children age 4+ will receive a bonus activity card to continue their reading journey.
The challenge presents reading as a fun and enjoyable activity and encourages children to become lifelong book lovers. It helps prevent the trend for reading skills to dip over the summer holidays and enhances and supports school reading initiatives. The Challenge is inclusive to children of all abilities as they can choose any library books that appeal to them to complete it.
Children will be encouraged to give their opinions on the books they have read through book chats with library staff and volunteers.
One of last year’s participating children in Slough said: “I liked the Summer Reading Challenge because the rewards inspire you to read 6 books with ease and the books you choose to read are really enjoyable.”
Young people aged 14 and over have a rewarding opportunity to support the challenge through volunteering with Slough Libraries. By sharing their passion for books, they will inspire and encourage children to achieve their reading goals and complete the challenge.
The annual Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by the Reading Agency, in partnership with public libraries across the UK, and it's free for children to take part.
Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency said: "The Summer Reading Challenge continues to be a bright light in what has recently been an uncertain picture of children's reading. Story Garden will create magical spaces where children can explore and be curious, combining the joy of reading with the proven wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature.”
This year it features artwork from award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola.