Over 900 children take part in annual Summer Reading Challenge

MORE than 900 children took a walk on the wild side this summer in the annual Summer Reading Challenge at LiveWire libraries – which this year had a wildlife theme.

Following last year’s virtual event, this year LiveWire staff were delighted to be able to bring back the event to libraries, with children being able to access collectors packs, stickers and other incentives.
And despite all the challenges which libraries and library users have had to face due to the ongoing pandemic, this year 934 children too part in the challenge – which aims to encourage youngsters to keep reading over the summer holidays.
This year’s challenge had the theme ‘Wild World Heroes’ and teamed up with the World Wildlife Fund to encourage children to think about the natural world around them, including environmental issues.
Libraries held ‘Wild World Heroes’ themed events and activities delivered by LiveWire staff and young Summer Reading Challenge volunteers.

Summer Reading Challenge Statistics
· 934 children took part
· 102 children participated in the Under 5’s challenge
· 97 children from Warrington joined in the challenge online.
· Almost half (436) completed the challenge by reading at least 6 books over the summer holidays
· 55 children joined Livewire libraries to take part.
· 7 young volunteers participated who completed 70 hours of volunteering.
· 23,330 children’s physical items were issued over the summer
· 290 children’s ebook and audiobooks were issued

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “Our Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to get young people hooked on books and engage them in activities which educate, entertain and fire their imaginations. I’m delighted that this year’s event has, once again, proved to be so popular.
“It’s fantastic news that, despite the current challenges, our libraries were able to safely welcome hundreds of children from across the borough throughout the summer holidays, with a range of events giving them the opportunity to learn about the environment, have fun and discover the joys of reading.”
To keep up to date with activities and events at LiveWire libraries please visit www.livewirewarrington.org/libraries or ‘like’ the dedicated Libraries’ Facebook page @YourLiveWireLibraries.