Children invited to Be a Marvellous Maker in national reading challenge

Children from across Staffordshire are invited to ‘Be a Marvellous Maker’ as part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The national reading challenge starts on Saturday 6 July and will run in all Staffordshire libraries throughout the summer holidays.  Last year in Staffordshire, more than 10,600 children took part in the challenge.

Open to children aged four to 11 years old, the scheme hopes to encourage youngsters to read for pleasure over the summer holidays.

Children are being encouraged to borrow and read books from the library and collect rewards including stickers, a medal and certificate along the way. Younger children under four can also take part in a mini challenge and parents can find out more at their local library.

Sue Ball, Libraries and Arts Manager at Staffordshire County Council said: “Our libraries service has always recognised the importance of encouraging children and young people to read for pleasure and, the earlier they can start, the better.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is our main activity that keeps young people reading during the school holiday and is something our staff and volunteers look forward to each year. It’s a great opportunity to engage with our young readers and to promote all the other brilliant things available in our libraries.

“This year’s theme sounds like a lot of fun and I do hope that parents get their children signed up for a summer of reading, exploring and being creative.”

Activities including reading groups and craft workshops will also run in libraries during the summer holidays.

Further details on the Summer Reading Challenge and library activities are available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries