The Summer Reading Challenge is back at Derby Libraries for 2024, with a new theme – Marvellous Makers!

Developed in partnership with Create, a leading charity bringing the creative arts to those who need it most, this year’s Challenge aims to fire up children’s imaginations and unleash storytelling and creativity through the power of reading.  

The annual Challenge is delivered in partnership with libraries, and it’s free to take part. There will also be free events taking place at Derby Libraries. 

The ‘Marvellous Makers’ theme is all about sparking children's curiosity and creativity. By reading, they will explore a world of possibilities and discover how to tell their own stories through fun activities and resources. The Challenge aims to show children the magic that happens when reading and creativity collide, empowering them to become ‘Marvellous Makers’ themselves!

The Challenge starts on Saturday 6 July and ends on Saturday 31 August. Children need to read six books, which can be factual, fiction, joke books, picture books, audio books and eBooks - just as long as they are borrowed from the library. The challenge is aimed at children aged from four to 11, but younger and older children are welcome to join in too.

As well as taking part in the Challenge, children and their families can have fun at free events at Derby Libraries. Alvaston, Mickleover, Normanton and Riverside libraries will be hosting some fantastic sessions during August.

Whilst the school summer holidays are a well-deserved break for children, their reading can 'dip' if they do not have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure. 

The Summer Reading Challenge helps children maintain their reading skills by:

  • Encouraging reading for pleasure; this is one of the most important contributory factors in a child’s reading ability
  • Offering them a wide range of stories and fact books to read.  This has a positive impact on a child’s reading ability, range and motivation
  • Boosting their confidence with reading which leads to a more positive attitude towards reading and learning

Evidence shows that children who enjoy reading are likely to score highly on reading assessments and those who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers.

Details of Derby Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge events are available on the In Derby website. Events are free but booking via the library is essential as spaces are limited. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by the Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries and Create. Illustrations are by Natelle Quek and logo artwork is by Lizzie Everard. There are more reading ideas and fun themed activities available on the Summer Reading Challenge website.