Ready, Set, Read! Summer reading challenge launches

Sunday 09 July 2023

The summer holiday reading challenge has officially kicked off, with this year's theme 'Ready, Set, Read!' celebrating sport as well as books.

The Summer Reading Challenge – which will run from Saturday 8 July to 16 September – is an annual event for children aged 4-11 which challenges them to read books during the summer holidays.

This year's theme of 'Ready, Set, Read!' is a celebration of reading, sport, games and play which hopes to encourage children to learn the key qualities in sport, such as teamwork, resilience, coordination and creative thinking.

Pictured: The challenge takes place at the Town Library, Communicare and Mobile libraries.

Challenge participants have to read six books during the summer holidays. For each completed book, they receive a sticker – of which there are six to collect.

Those who complete the challenge this year will receive a medal, certificate and pass for a free swim at AquaSplash during a public swim session.

A 'bite-sized' mini-challenge is available for children aged three and under.

Pictured: The Silent Garden puppet show is one of the free events offered as part of this year's reading challenge.

In line with this year's theme, the Summer Reading Challenge is also teaming up with Nike and Rebel Girls to give away copies of their new book, ‘Rebel Girls Kick It: World Champions Take the Pitch, and You Can Too’.

The challenge takes place at the Town Library, Communicare and Mobile libraries. Samarès and Trinity schools will also be opening their libraries on select days throughout the summer.

Samarès school library will be open every Wednesday between 26 July and 30 August from 09:30-11:30. Trinity school library will be open every Friday between 28 July and 25 August from 09:00-11:00.

There will also be free events taking place throughout the challenge, including a Silent Garden puppet show and UK storyteller Tayna Landman.