Thursday July 13th 2023
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Young people in Midlothian are in for an exciting summer of reading and fun activities with the launch of the popular annual Summer Reading Challenge.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a national initiative that takes place each year in libraries across the UK. It encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six books over the summer holidays and take part in fun activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing.
This year’s theme is ‘Ready, Set, Read!’. It has been developed in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust and promotes teamwork and community.
Once participants have signed up for the challenge and started reading, they can collect stickers to add to a special Summer Reading Challenge collector card. All children who complete the challenge will receive a medal and a certificate and be entered into a prize draw. Prizes include vouchers for activities like tubing at the Hillend Snowsports Centre and family swim passes.
Libraries across Midlothian are running lots of free activities during the school holidays to link to the challenge. This includes arts and crafts and both indoor and outdoor events.
Cllr Ellen Scott, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education, Children Young People and Partnerships said:
“I am delighted to see the return of the Summer Reading Challenge. It is a great way to encourage children to read during the summer. Reading, we know, not only develops the imagination, improves literacy and knowledge – it opens up exciting new worlds. Our librarians are welcoming and absolutely passionate about passing on their love of reading to a new generation and best of all it is absolutely free! Go on – encourage your kids to take the Challenge!”
More information about the Summer Reading Challenge and how to sign-up is available at local library branches. Details of each branches events programme can be found on the Midlothian Council website.
Children have till Friday 26 August (the week after schools go back) to complete the challenge.
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