Magna Hosts Rotherham Summer Reading Awards

Magna Science Adventure Centre was delighted to partner with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) to once again host the Summer Reading Awards on Sunday, 21st September. More than 1,500 visitors enjoyed free entry to the popular attraction, celebrating the achievements of young readers who completed the Summer Reading Challenge.

Spread across three sessions, Rotherham’s youngsters were treated to an awards ceremony featuring a free drink, live entertainment and the distribution of 15 Many Magna Returns annual passes as prizes for reading six or more library books over summer. The challenge, which was organised by RMBC, aimed to encourage children aged four to eleven to read for pleasure over the six-week holidays.

This year’s challenge encouraged children to explore the connection between storytelling and nature. Through reading, children uncovered magical creatures, vibrant plants, and enchanting landscapes brought to life by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola.

Rotherham libraries were transformed into immersive gardens of adventure where children’s imaginations can flourish, supported by free activities and resources. Story Garden aimed to inspire curiosity, creativity and connection to the natural world, building reading confidence while promoting wellbeing.

Emily Walsh, Family Learning Coordinator at Magna said: “There’s a real value in encouraging children to read outside the classroom. We were thrilled to hear the Summer Reading Awards were joining Magna again for 2025 and we truly believe the importance of celebrating the impressive achievements of young people in the region. Congratulations to those who won an annual pass – we can’t wait to see you again soon!”

Only one in three children report enjoying reading, which is a dramatic 33% decline since 2005. The summer reading challenge addresses the reading engagement crisis by transforming reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones, with 95% of participants reading for enjoyment weekly after completion. Last year alone, the Challenge created over 100,000 new library members and facilitated the borrowing of 13.4 million books during summer months.

Magna’s involvement with this initiative reflects The Trust’s wider commitment to engaging with and giving back to Rotherham’s community and beyond. As one of South Yorkshire’s leading visitor attractions, Magna is dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of learning in young people across the borough.

As Magna approaches its 25th anniversary, the attraction continues to strengthen its ties with the local community through events like the Summer Reading Awards. Funded by the Millenium Commission, Magna opened its doors in 2001 standing as a lasting reminder of South Yorkshire’s roaring steel heritage. Plans marking the 25th anniversary are set to be announced soon.

Magna website

Images: Magna / RMBC