Over 3,000 Bradford district children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge

Article dated Monday Nov 13, 2023 at 03:51 PM

Bradford Council’s Libraries Summer Reading Challenge was a resounding success this year with over 3,000 children between the ages of 4 and 12 taking part.

The free annual reading challenge produced in association with The Reading Agency aims to get more children reading over the summer school holidays – a time when children’s literacy skills traditionally dip.

Over the school summer holidays, children across the district were challenged to borrow and read at least six books, with a reward for each book they read. They also took part in lots of activities and events in libraries to support this year’s theme of sport and games named Ready Set Read.

Over 1,600 children completed the whole challenge by reading six or more books over the summer period, which is a 10% increase on those completing and receiving certificates and medals last year.

The 116 activities and events for the challenge attracted 3,102 children and 1,979 adults which is an increase of 93% in participation from 2022. The events in Bradford district libraries included a visit from children’s author Tom Palmer, workshops with the National Science & Media Museum, the Council’s Museums and Galleries Service, Bradford Park Avenue Football Club, the University of Bradford and drama performance sessions with actor Robin Simpson, Mud Pie Arts and Same Difference Arts, as well as many other partners and organisations that supported the challenge.

Over 72,500 books were loaned to children aged between 4 and 12 over the summer reading challenge period. This is over 20,000 more books borrowed compared to the same period in 2022. Over 835 children also became new members of the library, which is a 126% increase on last year.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “This year’s sport and games themed Summer Reading Challenge was a great success and I’m delighted that we are providing a good incentive for children to start reading and use their libraries over the summer holiday period.”

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