Ready, Set, Read! Summer Reading Challenge 2023 aims to promote learning and physical health
Libraries28 June 2023
Children aged from four to 11 are invited to visit any North Northamptonshire Library and get involved in the Summer Reading Challenge – this year, themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity.
The Summer Reading Challenge, which is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries, asks children to read, or listen to books over the summer.
This year children will be encouraged to keep both their minds and bodies active, using the free materials from the library or online via the Challenge website.
With the Ready, Set, Read! Theme, the characters, which are brought to life by children’s author and illustrator Loretta Schauer, navigate a fictional summer obstacle course and track their reading as they go, rewarded by a medal and certificate upon completing the challenge.
In addition, this year the Library Service has partnered with local leisure centres to provide a voucher entitling children to a free swim with a paying adult.
The participating leisure centres are:
- Corby - Corby East Midlands International Pool, Parkland Gateway, George St, Corby NN17 1QG
- Rushden – Splash Leisure Pool, Station Road, Rushden, NN10 9SJ
- Thrapston - Nene Leisure Centre, Cedar Drive, Thrapston, NN14 4JY
- Wellingborough - Waendel Leisure Centre, Thomas Street, Wellingborough, NN8 1DZ
- Kettering - Kettering Pool, London Rd, Kettering NN15 7QA
While children are big fans of the long summer holidays it is well known that reading habits and ability can take a bit of a dip between now and September.Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism
The Summer Reading Challenge is an excellent, fun way of ensuring that young readers can keep practising and maintain their love of reading whilst not in school.
We’re also delighted to be able to offer the opportunity of a free swimming session in conjunction with the scheme – making it a double win for those who participate.
Nurturing a love of reading is so important as not only is it a vital skill but can also be wonderfully enjoyable.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
This is a long-established scheme which has always proven to be tremendously popular and I’d like to encourage as many as possible to sign up this year.
Children can sign up to the challenge anytime at a library from Saturday, July 8.
For further information regarding the Summer Reading Challenge, events or any library service people can either drop into their closest branch or visit the Libraries pages of our website.