Over 1300 Children Sign Up For The Summer Reading Challenge

East Riding Libraries are expressing their delight that over 1300 schoolchildren have signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge Big Friendly Read this year.

The sessions started last week, and 1302 young people have signed up.

Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, said: “This figure represents an increase over last year, which is great news.”

Librarian Jess Thewlis added:

“We have actually had waiting lists for the Summer Reading Challenge at some branch libraries, and so we have organised our resources to ensure that we have been able to sign up as many children as possible to their local branch library to take part this summer.”

The Summer Reading Challenge, which is produced by the Reading Agency and delivered by libraries, takes place every year during the summer holidays.

Children aged four to eleven can sign up at their local library to read six books of their choice and attend weekly themed activity sessions, collecting stickers and rewards, all for free. This year’s
theme is Roald Dahl, marking the centenary of his birth.

Councillor Burton added :

“We are delighted that all places across East Riding Libraries have now been filled, making this one of our most successful Summer Reading Challenges to date. It is fantastic to see so many parents and families supporting this free organised activity and inspiring their children to read.”