MORE than 6,300 children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge at South Gloucestershire libraries, reading 117,000 books during the school holidays.
Primary school-aged children from across the district read library books in return for incentives including free swim vouchers and seeds.
Council chair Mike Drew presented some of the children and volunteers at Emersons Green Library with medals and certificates, and said the number who took part was “outstanding”.
Carolina Cheasley, whose children received medals and certificates at the event, said: “It does make a difference. It encourages them, especially in a very busy time as holidays are. They love completing the challenge and it makes them feel very proud.”
Babita Bisen, whose daughter also received a medal and certificate, said: “She loves reading and visiting the library. Every year she looks forward to participating in the event. It’s a very good way to engage children in reading.”