Here’s a chance to young people to celebrate funny books, happiness and laughter by taking part in this year’s ‘Silly Squad’ themed Summer Reading Challenge.
The annual event is aimed at 4-11 year olds, who are encouraged to read six (or more) books of their choice during the summer holidays, with collectable incentives and rewards for their reading, and they each receive a certificate for completing the challenge. It is run each year by Cumbria County Council’s libraries during the summer holidays.
This year, with the disruption caused by COVID-19 and the impact of social distancing on schools and public libraries, an all-new digital Summer Reading Challenge is launching from this Monday (15th June). The aim is to keep children reading over the summer and to support parents and carers with children at home.
A dedicated website for the Summer Reading Challenge – www.sillysquad.org.uk – is free to access and is a place for children to rate and review their books and work towards their reading goals. It will also feature video content, games, quizzes, and digital and downloadable activities to encourage children and their families to take part in the challenge together at home.
Cumbria Library Service’s ‘BorrowBox’ platform also offers families a wide range of children’s e-book and audiobook titles to support the challenge and these are free to download for library members.
Anyone who isn’t a member of the library already can join for free, and get instant access to the library service’s online resources – including thousands of books, magazines and games.
Details of how to sign up for a free membership are available on the Cumbria Library Service pages of the county council website.
Cllr Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Local Communities, said: “I think it’s fantastic that so many young people spend their summer holidays enjoying new books and learning new things. This has been a difficult year for young people, so I am pleased that the Summer Reading Challenge can continue, despite the ongoing challenges.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all the young people, library staff and families who work so hard to make sure the challenge is a success each year – well done to everyone involved!”
