YOUNGSTERS across Warrington are being encouraged to visit their local LiveWire library throughout the school holidays and take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.
This year’s theme is Mischief Makers inspired by the much-loved iconic children’s title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary. Children, aged five to 12, are invited to join Dennis the Menace, Gnasher and friends on a hunt for buried treasure.
Children taking part in the challenge this year will follow clues to explore their colourful collector’s map of Beanotown; meeting Dennis, Gnasher and friends along the way.
Over the course of the summer, children will be challenged to read six of the books in the collection, receiving rewards along the way, and a special gold sticker and free book on completion of the challenge.
Libraries across Warrington will be holding activities and events throughout the summer to support the challenge, including craft sessions, story times and interactive talks with bestselling authors.
LiveWire launched the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge by holding a series of reading workshops with school children at Culcheth Library on Wednesday June 27, featuring much-loved author and poet Craig Bradley.
Craig is a professional poet, writer and performer who tours the country sharing his passion and infectious enthusiasm for words. Craig has published poetry, fiction, non-fiction and children’s poetry and has written five books.
Chris Everett, Senior Community Librarian, said: “We’re really pleased that author and poet Craig Bradley helped us to launch our Summer Reading Challenge. Craig impressed the children with his unique style and he has certainly encouraged the children to take part in the challenge.
“The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to encourage children to keep reading right through the summer holidays. Anyone aged five to 12 can take part in the challenge, which runs from now until 10 September.
“Reading for pleasure is hugely beneficial for people of all ages – and our libraries will continue to encourage people young and old to make the most of our extensive book collections throughout the summer and all year round.”
The free challenge is a major literacy campaign, which encourages primary school children to keep reading throughout the summer holiday. It’s run by libraries across the country in partnership with the Reading Agency.
Chris Everett added: “This year’s theme provides lots of fun for children to not just improve their reading skills, but they also follow clues to explore Beanotown, meeting old favourites including Dennis and Gnasher who help them find mysterious buried treasure!
“To celebrate this theme, we’re really excited to be holding some fantastic events and activities at libraries across the borough.”
Anyone aged five to 12 can take part in the challenge, which runs from now until September 10. There is also a smaller challenge for under 5s.
Visit your local library for more information or visit the news section of the LiveWire website: https://livewirewarrington.co.uk/news
For more information about the challenge, visit: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
