Young bookworms could win a bike or Sony iPOD as Cumbria County Council’s Library Service launches this years Summer Reading Challenge - "The Reading Voyage" - on Thursday 21 July.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a national reading promotion run by the public library network all over the UK and research has shown that it boosts reading confidence and enjoyment. Cumbrian parents who want to keep their children reading over the long summer holidays should help them join The Reading Voyage when it ‘sets sail’ at their local library.
The challenge offers children inspiration and incentives to read at least six books over the holidays. Everyone who joins gets a Voyage Log which folds out into a fantasy reading galleon. They use this to record the books they have read and chart their opinions along the way. When they choose and return a book they will get a sticker to help complete the galleons puzzles. There will also be a range of other incentives to keep them interested along the way. On finishing the challenge children will get a certificate and will automatically be entered into a draw to win a bike or an iPOD.
County Councillor Roger Bingham, spokesman for the Library Service says:
"Its important that children are kept interested in books, particularly over the long summer holidays. The Reading Voyage is an excellent way to keep your children reading, it’s fun, it’s free, and there are some great prizes. So come along to your local library and sign up for this summer’s reading challenge."
A website is also being created to go alongside the reading challenge. The website will offer different ways for children to have fun whilst introducing them to authors such as Jacqueline Wilson and Anthony Horowitz. There will be movie clips and tips for children on the writing and creative process and the website will be accessible from the libraries. The website address will be www.readingvoyage.org.uk.