Published: 22 June 2023

This summer, children can join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots by getting involved in The Reading Agency’s 2023 Summer Reading Challenge. Developed in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust, the challenge is themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity.

The Summer Reading Challenge aims to help children of all reading abilities maintain their reading skills over the long summer break from school. This is because evidence shows that children's reading skills can decline if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure which can be a real problem for schools to correct.

By participating in the scheme, children aged four to 11 will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills and discover new interests. Along with the team and their mascots, they’ll navigate a summer obstacle course brought to life by children's illustrator Loretta Schauer.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs from Saturday 8 July until Saturday 2 September and all Derby libraries will be taking part. Children are challenged to read six books borrowed from their local library, collecting special stickers and rewards along the way. Alongside the challenge, Alvaston, Mickleover, Normanton and Riverside libraries will be hosting some fantastic events for children and families during August.

Events

Get Moving! with author Kev Payne. Expect a high-energy session full of movement and imagination. Plus, everyone will get to to take home a hand-illustrated bookmark by Kev.

All events are FREE. To book please call the library you would like to attend.

• Normanton Library, Mon 7 Aug, 10 am - 01332 642640
• Alvaston Library, Mon 7 Aug, 1 pm - 01332 647920
• Riverside Library, Tue 8 Aug, 10 am - 01332 641702
• Mickleover Library, Tue 8 Aug, 1 pm - 01332 647884

Inspired by this year's Summer Reading Challenge theme 'Ready, Set, Read!' hop, skip and jump into a world of animals and 'Move Like A Lion!' with Lauren Finlay from Derby County Community Trust and special guests Derby County mascots Rammie or Ewie!

All events are FREE. To book please call the library you would like to attend.

• Alvaston Library, Thu 10 Aug, 2 pm - 01332 647920
• Riverside Library, Tue 15 Aug, 10:30 am - 01332 641702
• Normanton Library, Thu 17 Aug, 3 pm - 01332 642640
• Mickleover Library, Tue 22 Aug, 1:30 pm - 01332 647884

For more information contact Rosa Straw at Rosa.straw@derby.gov.uk

https://www.inderby.org.uk/libraries/childrens-and-family-activities/reading-challenge/

Education