Suffolk Libraries kick off annual Summer Reading Challenge for young children

Youngsters across Suffolk have been urged to dive into books, as the county’s annual summertime literacy campaign celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The annual Suffolk Libraries summer reading challenge kicked off on Saturday, encouraging children aged between four and 11 to read six library books of their choice during the summer holidays.

All 44 of the county’s libraries, including Sudbury, Long Melford, Hadleigh, Clare, Glemsford, Great Cornard and Lavenham, will be involved.

Those who complete the challenge, which this year will follow the theme of ‘space chase’, will be awarded a certificate during a presentation ceremony, which will take place at each participating library in the autumn.

Bruce Leeke, chief executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: “The summer reading challenge is a brilliant way of engaging children in the world of storytelling.

“Those taking on the challenge develop their literacy skills while having fun over the summer holidays.

“Reading for pleasure from an early age is proven to have a lifelong impact on both wellbeing and social confidence.

“Parents and their children also have the opportunity to share something new and exciting together.”

Libraries are also on the lookout for volunteers, aged 12 and up, to support the reading challenge, by talking to members of the public about their books and signing them up to the scheme.

Last year, more than 7,400 children took part in the initiative, reading almost 78,000 books.

To find out more about the summer reading challenge, go online to www.suffolklibraries.co.uk.