The biggest annual Summer Reading Challenge is going digital for the first time

The biggest annual Summer Reading Challenge is going digital for the first time

Councillor Luthfur Rahman quote

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest reading event for 4 to 11 year olds and for the first time, it is going digital, making it even easier to get involved.

The annual challenge encourages 4 to 11 year olds to pick up and read a book of their choice, earning rewards based on their progress. 

To take part, all that young readers need to do is go to https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/. Once registered, there are a wide range of e-books and audiobooks that can be borrowed, completely free from the Manchester libraries website https://fe.bolindadigital.com/wldcs_bol_fo/b2i/productOverview.html?b2bSite=3986&browseItemId=117077&fromPage=1

The theme of this year’s challenge is“The Silly Squad”. Children are encouraged to join the squad, made up of fun-loving animals who love to explore loads of hilarious books. 

The main advantage of the reading challenge going digital is being able to get involved from home and read any books, not just those borrowed from Libraries.  Manchester Libraries are showing their support by providing a packed schedule of activities. 

Until September 4th there will be the chance to join in with daily activities – from Draw Alongs, poetry and storytelling to craft ideas to do at home – there’s something for everyone!  To join in follow @manchesterlibraries on Facebook at 11 am or catch up on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOV9hZgzBO3hMPmZp8JPlcA/videos

The Silly Squad book review competition is unlike any other book review competition – the weirder and wackier the review the better. If there has been a book that you cannot put down, let others know just how good it is.  The competition runs until 4 September when a winner from each age category will be chosen to receive a bundle of brand new books and a Kindle Fire.  The age categories are:

  • 4-6 years
  • 7-8 years
  • 9-10 years
  • 11 years plus (up to 13 years)

And there are more competitions encouraging children to get creative.  “The Silly Squad made me do it!” invites young budding artists, authors and storytellers to draw and write their own stories. Watch the daily videos from Manchester Libraries to get inspiration for your creations.  Each week a winner will be picked with a free book up for grab. To enter the competitions email your entries to j.osborne@manchester.gov.uk including your name, age and the Library you use. 

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure, said: 

“It is great to see so many new ways that people can take advantage of the wonderful service our libraries offer, making it easier than ever to take part in this Summer Reading Challenge.

“Despite the obvious setbacks in terms of the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to the commitment and hard work of our libraries staff children across Manchester will be able to continue to read. 

“I am excited to see all the wonderful and innovative entries into the competitions being run over the summer, best of luck to all those that enter!” 

For full information about the Summer Reading Challenge in the city, see manchester.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge.

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