The challenge, which ran throughout the summer in libraries across the borough, encouraged children to keep reading during the school holidays while exploring the Story Garden theme. Families also enjoyed over 100 events, including Lego and board game clubs, art and craft sessions, juggling workshops, a teddy bear’s picnic and author events.
Councillor Jack Douglas, Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to keep children engaged with reading during the holidays. It’s wonderful to see so many young people taking part and enjoying the activities in our libraries. Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to our volunteers and the Friends of RBWM Libraries for their support.”
Cllr Douglas joined celebrations at Maidenhead Library on Saturday 20 September to present prizes to some of the borough’s top young readers. This year’s winners were:
Ages five to seven
• First prize: Cian, who won a bug hotel and £20 book voucher
• Runner-up: Indy, who won a £10 book voucher
Ages eight to 11
• First prize: Riddhi, who won a bug hunting kit and £20 book voucher
• Runner-up: Amanda, who won a £10 book voucher
The Friends of RBWM Libraries supported the challenge and the programme of events, with volunteers Rachel Wood and Lindsey Pulsford joining the celebrations. Thirty-eight teenage volunteers also gave their time to help children take part, talk about the books they were reading, collect their prizes and join in activities.