Libraries celebrate another successful Summer Reading Challenge

Buckinghamshire Libraries are celebrating another successful Summer Reading Challenge with more children taking part in the popular initiative over this summer compared to last.

This year’s 'Ready, Set, Read!' Summer Reading Challenge took place across the summer holiday and finished last month. It was themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity and involved events at libraries and a set reading list.

Now the council has collated the final information about just how many kids took part and the figures show what a fantastic success it was this year!

The numbers show the massive impact this year’s Summer Reading Challenge had on children’s participation in their local library. More than 4,500 children signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge, 22% more than last year.

Libraries also saw a 20% increase in customers during the Summer Reading Challenge period. 2,376 children under 14 became new library members during the period and more than 120,000 children’s booked were borrowed by children during this time.

The Summer Reading Challenge is organised by The Reading Agency and has been running annually since 1999. It helps to improve children’s reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for their return to school. With the help of local libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children.

Clive Harriss, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said:

“It has been fantastic to see so many children take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

“There is no doubt that reading is one of the best things children can do to boost their learning and development and our libraries offer access to a wide variety of free books to suit every age and interest.

“Well done to all those who took part this year. Keep up the good work and we look forward to welcoming you back for next year’s challenge!”