Summer Reading Challenge 2019 lifts off in Leicestershire

More than 1,200 children signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge at Leicestershire Libraries over the weekend.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs every year in Leicestershire libraries and is open to children aged between four and 12. In 2018, more than 9,000 youngsters took part in the challenge. 

Following a special launch event held at the National Space Centre on 25 June, which saw pupils from Highcliffe Primary School in Birstall attend, the challenge officially launched in libraries across the county on Saturday (6 July).

It’s easy for children’s reading to dip when they are not at school every day. The Summer Reading Challenge is a fun and engaging way to encourage children to visit the library with their family and read for pleasure, to keep up their reading skills over the long summer holidays.

Person:Councillor Richard Blunt, cabinet member for libraries

This year’s theme is ‘Space Chase’, an out-of-this-world adventure celebrating 50 years since the moon landing and the twentieth anniversary of the Summer Reading Challenge. Children will collect rewards as they work their way through six books over the summer holidays, with medals and certificates presented when they complete the challenge. 

As well as borrowing books from the library, children can also take part digitally, making it easier to get involved in the Summer Reading Challenge during the busy holidays. Once children have signed up to the challenge in the library, they can use the digital library to download eBooks and eAudiobooks anywhere in the world; in the car, on a plane, or at home.

Look out for Space Chase events in your local library. To sign up, or for more information, visit any Leicestershire library or head to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge

To find out more about the digital library, or download titles for free, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/digitaldownloads

This year’s Space Chase theme features bespoke artwork from children’s illustrator, Adam Stower.