THIS summer, children aged 4-11 can visit Downend, Emersons Green and Staple Hill libraries to join the Summer Reading Challenge 2024, Marvellous Makers.
It’s fun and it’s free to take part.
Libraries and The Reading Agency have partnered with Create, a leading arts charity and this year’s Challenge celebrates kids’ creativity and storytelling abilities. Children will be encouraged to explore new books and stories while taking part in free activities and getting creative.
Children can join the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge during staffed hours before Saturday 14 September and pick up a FREE activity bag.
When children join, they will get an exclusive Marvellous Makers fold out poster.
As they read, they collect stickers (some of which are stinky!) to add to their posters, and craft activities to make at home.
When children complete the challenge they receive a medal and certificate, and a voucher for a free swim at their local Active Lifestyle Centre, kindly provided by Circadian Trust.
The challenge artwork is illustrated by celebrated artist Natelle Quek, bringing the ‘Marvellous Makers’ theme vibrantly to life.
Alongside the Summer Reading Challenge libraries are holding free, fun activities for primary school age children which include:
*Mystery Makers – a world of mystery with clued up crafts and activities. Free drop in
*Story Crafters – fun crafts inspired by favourite stories. Free drop in
*Junk Box Builders – a junk box challenge to inspire children’s creativity. Free drop in
*Puppetry Workshop with Tiny and Tall Productions. Children attending must be 6+ and accompanied by an adult. Places are limited for this activity and must be booked. Tickets are free and can be booked at sglibraries.eventbrite.com.
Dates and times of all activities can be found on our website: www.southglos.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge.
South Gloucestershire Council chair Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi said: “I’m delighted this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is now under way as it’s such a popular, annual event that is enjoyed by thousands of local children.
“Over 6,300 children took part in South Gloucestershire last year, which is incredible, as it supports their literacy and helps them to develop a love of reading from a young age.
“It’s a fabulous way to maintain children’s reading over the school summer holidays, when reading levels can sometimes dip.I’m sure everyone who takes part will have great fun this summer as they develop their reading skills and enjoy in some of the fantastic, free activities on offer.”
The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries.
Find your local library at www.southglos.gov.uk/find-a-library.