More library events for Summer of Reading

The Summer Reading Challenge is organised by the Reading Agency and is managed locally in libraries in the county by Nottinghamshire County Council.

Children, aged 4 – 11, are challenged to read six books over the summer holidays and are rewarded with stickers and other incentives for every book they read. Children can read whatever they like on the challenge – fact books, joke books, picture books, audio books. As long as they are borrowed from the library, all reading counts.

This year’s scheme was launched on July 12 – and events and activities are taking place to promote the scheme in libraries until it finishes on September 7 so children can continue to sign up and take part if they are not already involved.

Coun John Knight, committee chairman for culture at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Research shows that the Summer Reading Challenge helps ensure that children in Nottinghamshire keep up the reading habit during the summer break which can boost their literacy skills and confidence, and it is a key reason we promote it within our libraries.”

Each year, the Reading Agency announces a central theme for the campaign and this year it is called Mythical Maze. Children receive their own pull out poster of an amazing labyrinth and, as they progress through the challenge, are introduced to fantastical creatures from the world of legend and mythology.

Children who complete the challenge by reading all six books will get a medal and certificate. More than 10,000 children took part in the county in 2013 and more than 100 volunteers are supporting the challenge this year.

Some of the forthcoming events related to the Summer Reading Challenge are:

Selston Library, Chapel Road, Selston

20th August, 10:30am - 11:30am. Free event Join us for our ‘Knights’ themed crafts of masks and quizzes. Don’t forget to update your progress and move your leaf along on our tree at the library. Tel: 01773 810093 Email: [email protected]

Mansfield Library, West Gate, Mansfield

21st August, 10am – 12pm. Free event Come along to the library on a Thursday throughout the holidays and children can take part in fun, themed activities based on this year’s Summer Reading Challenge - Mythical Maze.

Hucknall Library, South Street, Hucknall

21st August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm – Colour me up! Free event, Summer Reading Challenge activity.

For more details telephone: 0115 9632035 or email: [email protected]

Retford Library, Churchgate, Retford

21st August, 10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm. Free ‘Mythical Maze’ Summer Reading Challenge craft activity: Make a Snappy Dragon. Tel: 01777 708724, or email: [email protected]

Worksop Library, Memorial Avenue, Worksop

27th August, 10:30am – 12:30pm and 2pm – 3pm. Free event. Every Wednesday throughout the holidays children can take part in fun, themed activities based on this year’s Summer Reading Challenge - Mythical Maze.

Mansfield Library, West Gate, Mansfield

28th August, 10am – 12pm. Free event. Children can take part in fun, themed activities based on this year’s Summer Reading Challenge - Mythical Maze.

Skegby Library, Mansfield Road, Skegby

29th August, 3-4pm, Free event. Make a dream catcher. Children’s activities at the library for the Mythical Maze, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme.

For these and other events please visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson