Westmorland and Furness Libraries are encouraging children to join this year’s Summer Reading Challenge which launches on Saturday, 13 July, and will run until mid-September.

The Summer Reading Challenge, organised by the Reading Agency, encourages children aged 4 to 12 to read six library books over the summer holidays. From fiction and non-fiction, to poetry, joke books or picture books, children can read any literature of their choice.

This year is themed ‘Marvellous Makers’ which seeks to spark creativity within young minds, encouraging them to create their own narratives through the power of reading. The initiative not only champions a love for reading but also helps to prevent the summer learning ‘dip’, ensuring children are ready for the upcoming academic year.

Signing up to the Summer Reading Challenge is quick, easy and free. To sign up you need to be a library member. If you or your child is not yet a member, you can join for free at westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk and get instant access to the library service’s online resources – including thousands of books, magazines and comics.

BorrowBox is also free to library members and is a great way to get free access to Audiobooks and eBooks that can all be used to complete the challenge.

Once you’re signed up, you’ll receive your Marvellous Makers collector folder, collecting stickers and incentives over the course of the summer holidays. Those that complete the challenge will be entered into a prize draw for a Kindle e-reader generously donated by The Cumberland Building Society. The winner will also receive a fantastic certificate to display with pride.

Libraries at Penrith, Kendal, Barrow, Walney, Ulverston and Askam will also be hosting events to celebrate this year’s Summer Reading Challenge with stories, colouring and games. Find out more about the launch events on Eventbrite.

Children can access extra content online at the Summer Reading Challenge website.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member of Sustainable Communities and Localities, said:

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a great activity to keep children reading during the school holidays. For parents and carers, nothing could be better for every aspect of children’s development than reading with you, and later on their own. In our libraries reading is always free and fun for grownups and children alike and the Summer Reading Challenge will make it even more exciting.

“Our libraries are amazing places. You can go on free visits to other countries and planets, to the past and the future. You can find out about all sorts of real things – stars, birds and dinosaurs – in your own way. You can feel what it’s like to be someone else, somewhere else, an animal or a magical creature. Everyone knows reading can help you do well at school but it’s fun anyway – books beat boredom and help you feel good and have great ideas of your own! 

“Don’t forget the libraries’ digital offer too, which provides access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks for free to your smart device from the comfort of your home.”