Ready, Set, Read! - Summer Reading Challenge 2023

READY, set, read! The starter’s gun has fired on this year’s summer reading challenge. Children aged four to 11 now have the whole of the school holidays to read books from Tameside’s libraries while collecting stickers and other goodies along the way.

Additionally, lots of free, fun activity sessions will be taking place in the borough’s eight libraries throughout August.

Organised in partnership with the Youth Sports Trust and the Reading Agency, “Ready, Set, Read!” aims to help youngsters make connections with others and unleash the power of play and physical activity through reading for pleasure, encouraging them to take part in games and sports.

It’s so easy to get involved. Signing up is free, and those who do immediately receive a door hanger and bookmark to encourage them to read six library books over the summer. Along the way they can collect smelly stickers.

Every child who completes the challenge gets a certificate and medal. If they do so by 16 September they’ll be entered into a prize draw sponsored by Active Tameside, for the chance to win a £25 Active Choice card and a reading goody bag. Two runners-up will also win a reading goody bag.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for heritage, culture and digital inclusion, said: “I’m always keen to promote reading, especially among the young, and this year there’s the added dimension of encouraging them to get involved in physical activity which is so good for their health.

“The summer reading challenge – which ties in with our Tameside Loves Reading campaign – saw nearly 2,000 children taking part last year. With everything that’s on offer, I’m sure we can get even more to join in this time.

“Parents regularly tell us how much whole families enjoy the reading challenge and how excited children get when they receive their medal for completion.”

To sign up, simply pop into your local library. If you’re not already a library member in Tameside, it’s a quick, free and easy process to join.

For full information about “Ready, Set, Read!” and the many associated activities visit www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries/src

https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk