This year’s challenge, themed ‘Read to the Beat’, promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet as libraries celebrate the National Year of Reading with a programme packed full of music, creativity and fun.
The Summer Reading Challenge is free to join and open to children aged four to 11 year old, brought by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries. Participants are challenged to read six books over the summer holidays, helping to maintain reading skills and build confidence while school is out. Children will receive rewards as they progress through the challenge, with those who complete all six books receiving a medal and certificate and being entered into a prize draw to win book tokens.
To mark the launch, libraries will host a variety of special events featuring live music, including a drumming workshop at Maidenhead Library and a ukulele sing-along at Windsor Library. Throughout the summer, children and families can also enjoy a wide range of music-themed events, workshops and crafts across the borough’s libraries.
Cabinet Member for Highways, Customer Services, Libraries & IT, Cllr Geoff Hill, said: “Libraries play a vital role in helping children build confidence and a lifelong love of learning. I’m delighted that, thanks to the support of our funding partners, we’re able to offer such a rich programme of activities this summer that will help inspire young people and showcase our libraries as welcoming community spaces for everyone.”
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England, libraries are also partnering with Berkshire Music Trust to deliver interactive music workshops throughout the challenge. Berkshire Music Trust will also install digital pianos in Maidenhead and Windsor libraries later this month for public use.
Another brand-new addition this year is the RBWM Schools Reading Championship, which will see local schools compete for the title of ‘Reading Champions’. Every book read by participating pupils will contribute towards their school’s total, encouraging children to work together while celebrating reading for pleasure. The winning school will be awarded the Schools Reading Champions Trophy, engraved with the school’s name and held for the academic year.
This enhanced summer programme has also been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Spoore, Merry and Rixman Foundation, The Shanly Foundation, Ascot Fire Brigade Trust, Prince Philip Trust, Ascot Durning Trust, Friends of RBWM Libraries, Cox Green Parish Council, Old Windsor Parish Council, Eton Wick Village Hall, Horton Parish Council, Wraysbury Parish Council, Datchet Parish Council, Sunningdale Parish Council and Cookham Parish Council.
For more information and to sign up, visit your local library or visit our webpage.