SOUTH Gloucestershire Council’s library service is inviting all primary school aged children to visit their local library this summer and take part in the ‘Gadgeteers’ Summer Reading Challenge 2022.

Libraries and The Reading Agency have partnered with the Science Museum Group for a science and innovation themed challenge, to spark children’s curiosity about the world around them and celebrate how the imagination plays an important role in reading and the sciences.

The free challenge aims to support children to become more independent readers, improving confidence in reading over the summer break.

Children aged between 4 and 11 sign-up at their local library, read six books over the summer holiday and receive stickers to complete a special collector’s poster. A medal and certificate are then presented to those who complete the Challenge, which ends on September, 10.

Children can also gain incentives including free swim vouchers.

Councillor Rachael Hunt, cabinet member for libraries said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a highlight for thousands of children during the summer holidays and we hope more than ever take part this year, especially those who have just started school.

"Discovering the joy and fun of reading at an early age can help with a child’s development, and the Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to support literacy over the holidays when it can sometimes dip.

“We have just announced exciting plans to provide all reception and year 1 pupils with their own library card and to roll it out further as part of a drive to encourage children to read more for pleasure, so this is a perfect opportunity to explore your local library.

“Reading is a fantastic activity to enjoy during the summer break and it can be combined with the other free and exciting activities taking place at our libraries. I encourage parents to take their children along to their local library and sign up for the Challenge to see how it can support their child’s literacy.”

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge at www.southglos.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sgloslibraries for the latest updates.