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.
Children can also join in via the official Summer Reading Challenge website, where they can sign up for a free profile and get book recommendations and tips for accessing books for free at home. They can review books, unlock digital rewards and access competitions, videos and games.
In 2022, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 723,184 children and families across the UK, with 608,015 children taking part through their local library service – a 31% increase compared to 2021. The Challenge also drove 132,223 new children's library memberships, which is 40% higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic total.
Find out more about Derby’s Summer Reading Challenge events on the In Derby website. All events are free but booking via the library is essential as spaces are limited. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.