Children and young people across Rotherham are invited to come along to their local library and get their reading hats on, find their favourite reading spots and get involved throughout the summer holidays in this free and fun challenge.
Taking part is simple, just sign up at any Rotherham library or go online. Children can then choose what they want to read, including books, comics or audiobooks. As they read, they collect rewards and work towards a certificate when they finish the challenge .
This year’s theme is “Read to the Beat”. It brings together music and storytelling to make reading feel exciting and aims to help children enjoy reading while building their confidence and skills.
The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme for primary school children. It is open to all children aged 4 to 11 and is designed so that every child can take part, whatever their reading level.
Cllr Lynda Marshall , Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste Services, Leisure and Green Spaces, said: "We want every child in Rotherham to achieve their full potential, and reading for fun can help them build a range of skills as well as their confidence. The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to keep children reading over the holidays in a fun but challenging way.
“Our libraries offer a range of books and are there to support families and children whether you’re looking for book recommendations, want to get involved in fun and free activities, or want to access the online catalogue. I encourage every child and their parents and carers to get involved this summer – I know I will be drawing up my own reading list.”
Across the country, reading is becoming less popular with children, with only one in three saying they enjoy it. At the same time, one in four children leave primary school without strong reading skills. The Summer Reading Challenge helps to tackle this by making reading fun and exciting giving children a reason to keep going during the summer break.
Reading for pleasure is one of the most powerful ways to support a child’s development. It boosts creativity and imagination, strengthens mental wellbeing and helps children build empathy by seeing the world through different perspectives. Those who complete the challenge will be invited to a special celebration event at Magna in October, giving them the chance to mark their achievement alongside other young readers from across Rotherham.
A range of free activities will also be taking place in Rotherham libraries throughout the summer, including story sessions and creative events linked to the “Read to the Beat” theme.
Rotherham Libraries website
Summer Reading Challenge website
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