Between July and September, The Reading Agency, their funders and library partners come together for the summer reading challenge.
The summer reading challenge is a flexible programme that has been designed to keep primary school-aged children of all reading levels reading throughout the summer. Novels, fact books, picture books, graphic novels, joke books, eBooks and audiobooks all count towards completing the Challenge. With resources and activities available from the Science Museum Group, this year’s Challenge focuses on inspiring children to see the science and innovation behind everyday objects, showing that reading and science are for everyone.
Taking place all over the Country around 780,000 children take part each year. This year Redruth Library recorded its highest-ever number of challenge participants. 523 children participated, 319 of whom completed this year’s challenge.
Sarah Bolton, Redruth Library and Information Assistant said: “We’re so happy to have been able to sign so many children up to the summer reading challenge this year. Of course, we couldn’t have done it without our fantastic volunteers.”
Much like other libraries across the country, Redruth Library relies on volunteers to help the challenge run. This year 16 student volunteers volunteered a total of 370 hours throughout the summer. Throughout this time they helped sign children up, recommended books, helped tidy shelves and stamped reading challenge booklets among other things.
When asked what she enjoyed most about volunteering with Redruth Library this summer Freya, 15 said: “Listening to the children explaining about their books and if they enjoyed it”
When asked whether she enjoyed volunteering this Summer Rose, 13 said: “Yes, and I plan to do the Saturday volunteering outside of the summer.”
To say thank you and celebrate their success Redruth Library put on a pizza party for all their volunteers. Here they were also presented with a certificate and medal to celebrate their success.