Central Bedfordshire Libraries launch 2023 Summer Reading Challenge
Thursday, 6 July 2023
Children invited to read 6 books over the summer. Chance to win £50 LEGO vouchers for children aged 4-16 years-old who complete the challenge. Ready, Set, Read theme encourages play, sport and games.
Central Bedfordshire libraries will repeat the popular Summer Reading Challenge for children from Friday 21 July to Saturday 9 September.
To take part, children are challenged to read six library books, e-book or magazines or listen to audio books of their choice over the summer. They will be rewarded with stickers along the way.
Children aged 4-16 years old who complete the challenge will be entered into a lucky dip at their library for the chance to win £50 in LEGO vouchers.
All children who complete the challenge by Saturday 9 September will be rewarded with a certificate, stickers and a medal.
This year the summer reading challenge is called ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ because it is themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity.
There will also be fun activities at local libraries over the summer including table-top sports game crafts with Kaye Mahoney; yoga for children run by Happy Little Yogi; and a visit from Matt Oldfield, co-author of Ultimate Football Heroes.
To take part, children can sign up at their nearest library at any time during the challenge. If they don’t already have a library card they can join on the day or join the virtual library online.
Books can be borrowed from a local library or children can read e-books, magazines and audiobooks that they can download for free using their library cards and the Libby and Borrowbox apps.
Councillor Simon Ford, our Executive Member responsible for Library and Culture, explains:
We are delighted to be running the Summer Reading Challenge in our libraries again this summer!
With this year’s theme being around sports and games, the Summer Reading Challenge will encourage children to keep their minds and bodies active during the summer holidays by giving them the opportunity to explore more reading materials as well as developing new skills and interests through fun activities in our libraries.
Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said:
We're delighted to see how library partners across the country are organising their own events and activities to support this year's Summer Reading Challenge. We are really looking forward to working closely with them to help get children reading, imagining, and staying active this summer.
Read more about the Summer Reading Challenge online or pop into your local library to find out more.
All events and activities planned for families during the summer holidays will be advertised on the Virtual Library or follow the libraries on Facebook.