Summer Reading Challenge 2015 In Full Swing In The East Riding

The Summer Reading Challenge 2015 is well under way in East Riding Libraries, with over 1100 children participating across the area.

The Challenge, aimed at primary school children and families, takes place annually, setting children the target of reading six books over the summer break, and attending weekly activity sessions at their local library. This year, the programme has been extended, which has resulted in signups from 50 children from more rural and harder to reach areas within the East Riding. Research shows that children who take part in the Challenge return to school after the holidays as more fluent, confident and happy readers.

This year’s theme is ‘Record Breakers’, sponsored by Guinness World Records™, and East Riding libraries have been showcasing some of the most impressive title holders.
Big Jake, the world’s tallest horse, has been causing quite a stir in the entrance of North Bridlington Library, standing at 210.2cm tall (82.75”) . Also, in Beverley children’s library, a lifesize poster of Sultan Kösen, the world’s tallest man, stands at 251 centimeters (8 ft 2 3⁄4 in), towering above the Summer Reading Challengers!

Throughout the Challenge, children are taking part in ‘East Riding Records’, which includes mini-challenges such as moving peas with a straw, tongue twisters, and building matchstick mountains with prizes for the weekly Record Breaker in each branch.

Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, said: “I am delighted that East Riding Libraries have also recruited 26 young volunteers, who are using their time and skills to help to run the Record Breakers sessions in branches. The enthusiastic volunteers have been an invaluable help in the running of the Challenge this year, and in turn this has allowed us to increase the number of children taking part.”