Select a region
Children are being invited to get creative and fire up their imaginations through the power of reading, as the Summer Reading Challenge returns to the Guille-Allès Library.
Last year saw record numbers take part in the free challenge to read six books during the summer holidays, with more than 2,000 children signing up. This year’s Challenge starts on Saturday 13 July, but parents can already register their children online at www.library.gg/makers and collect their packs from the Children’s Library on or after the start date.
The Challenge – which runs until September – is supported in Guernsey by Rawlinson & Hunter. This summer’s theme is ‘Marvellous Makers’, inspiring children to express themselves in creative ways and tap into a world of imagination through stories.
Children can collect stickers and rewards after each of their six books, while finishers receive a medal and a voucher for a free swim at Beau Sejour. It’s most suitable for children aged 3-11, but all are welcome to take part.
Jodie Hearn, Head of Children and Young People’s Services, said: “We’re so excited to be launching another Summer Reading Challenge. It’s always a fantastic way to encourage children to keep reading over the summer, and we’re sure that this year’s theme of ‘Marvellous Makers’ will be hugely inspiring. Reading sparks imagination and creativity, and the Challenge aims to harness those creative thinking skills and build confidence in young readers during the school holidays. We can’t wait to welcome them to the Library and help them get stuck into the Challenge!”
As part of the Summer Reading Challenge the Library is teaming up with the charity Bright Beginnings, repeating a successful collaboration from previous summers. Reading volunteers from the Bright Beginnings – The Next Chapter programme will be on hand at the Library and in outreach settings like the Kindred Centre to provide a friendly face to meet and greet children, talk to them about the stories they’ve read over the holidays, and listen to them read.
Andrew Bichard, Manager of the Bright Beginnings literacy programme, The Next Chapter, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the Guille-Allès Library for the fifth year running by providing a team of reading volunteers to help with the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme, ‘Marvellous Makers’, combines the fun of reading with developing creative thinking skills, keeping minds active during the school holidays. As always, we are extremely grateful to our wonderful volunteers who are looking forward to supporting children with their reading experiences this summer.”
Alasdair Cross, Managing Director of sponsor Rawlinson & Hunter, said: ““Rawlinson & Hunter are very proud to be supporting the Summer Reading Challenge at the Guille-Allès Library. Encouraging a love of reading and improving literacy skills is essential for children’s development and wellbeing. Supporting this hugely popular initiative reflects our commitment to investing in the future of our community by empowering young readers with the knowledge and creative thinking skills that books provide.”
More information about the Summer Reading Challenge can be found at www.library.gg/makers or by calling the Children’s Library on 743635.
