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For families

What a child learns at home is vital to their development, but we know it may be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are so many simple ways parents can help children learn and grow at home.

This page lists fun family activities and free, useful resources aimed at Islington families.

Summer Reading Challenge

Find out more about The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge 2021 - Wild World Heroes, focused on the environment and nature. Children are invited to take part in their local Islington library or online.

Summer Reading Challenge

All the information you need to sign up today
Get involved
Nature journal event

A free family event at the Estorick Collection on Monday 9 August
Learn more
Get Islington Reading recommends

Local reader Natalie picks her five favourite titles
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Online resources

Words for Life

Ages 0-12: search by age for fun family activities to help support your children’s literacy.
Learn more
Zone In

Age 13+: tips for young adults to boost reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
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Virtual School Library

Free books, exclusive videos and recommended reads from top children's authors and illustrators
Learn more
Islington libraries

Find your nearest library and sign up for free today
Learn more
Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge platform is available all year round!
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Book of Hopes

Short stories, poems, essays and pictures from over 100 leading children's authors and illustrators
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Skills Academy

Reading challenges that unlock how-to videos on amazing freestyle football tricks, and beatbox and breakdancing skills!
Learn more
Chatter Books

Digital story time and rhyme packs for children aged 5-12
Learn more
Celebrate Pride Month

Pride and LGBTQ+ book lists for ages 0-16
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Recommended reads

Something new for 2021

Books to inspire children and young people to learn a new skill, support them during this hard time or to offer them a new adventure to escape into
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Brilliant books by black authors and illustrators

65 brilliant books for children and young people, from birth to young adult
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Islington Great Reads

Titles for all ages recommended by Islington libraries, on exciting themes including banned books, pride and neurodiversity
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Reading Well

Book recommendations for children aged 7-11 to support their mental health and wellbeing
Learn more
Refugee Week book list

Stories of inclusivity and resilience for ages 5-12
Learn more