Record numbers of children in Middlesbrough completed this year's Summer Reading Challenge by reading six or more library books
during the school summer holidays.
Middlesbrough Libraries and our Middlesbrough Reading Campaign worked with schools throughout the town to encourage children aged 4 to 11 to take part. More than 980 children took up the challenge, with over 530 children completing the challenge, an increase of 17% on 2016.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a national scheme run by the Reading Agency which aims to encourage children to read for pleasure and prevent their reading levels from dipping during the summer break. Children who sign up are encouraged to read six or more library books of their choice, collect stickers to track their progress and receive a certificate and medal when they complete the challenge.
As an extra incentive, every child in Middlesbrough who completed the challenge was entered into a prize draw to win some fantastic prizes from Middlesbrough Football Club and the National Literacy Trust.
Middlesbrough Libraries, supported by our Middlesbrough Reading Campaign, organised activities and events in schools and libraries to support the challenge. A launch event in Central Library with illustrator Liz Million and poet Paul Cookson was attended by more than 150 children, and over 200 children attended a special performance created by Less is More production company to celebrate their achievements and receive their medals.
Allison Potter, Manager of the National Literacy Trust
Hub in Middlesbrough, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that so many
Middlesbrough children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. The
challenge gave families a brilliant opportunity to spend time exploring books
together, as well as what their local library has to offer. Well done to all of
the children who won prizes!”
Ruth Cull, Library Development Officer for Middlesbrough Council said: “We’re delighted that so many children have been reading for pleasure this summer. Libraries and schools have worked really hard to encourage children to take part and it’s been fantastic to be able to offer prizes from Middlesbrough FC and National Literacy Trust."