Get creative with this year's Summer Reading Challenge at Derbyshire Libraries ('til 7th Sept)

Youngsters across Derbyshire are being encouraged to sign up to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and get creative.

All Derbyshire County Council libraries will be taking part. Erewash has libraries in Borrowash, Ilkeston, Long Eaton and Sandiacre, but opening hours vary. Please check by clicking the respective links before attending.

The challenge is presented by The Reading Agency and this year aims to inspire young readers to get creative and celebrate their storytelling abilities.

From junk modelling – creating arts and crafts out of recyclable household materials – to painting, dance and music, the Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge will provide plenty of opportunities for children to explore their imagination and unlock their inner maker through the power of reading. 

The challenge is delivered in partnership with libraries and designed to ensure that primary school children’s reading doesn’t ‘dip’ over the summer, as well as providing much-needed entertainment. 

Children aged between four and 11 can sign up at their local library, with the challenge being to read six or more library books over the summer. Youngsters will get six stickers if they finish the challenge and, once they’ve collected them all, they’ll get a medal and certificate.

Derbyshire libraries will be hosting a variety of activities to entertain children over the summer holidays with many linked to the reading challenge. People who are interested in taking part can find events listed on the libraries’ Facebook page or contact their local library for details.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a brilliant way to ensure children keep up their reading skills over the long summer holiday. It also introduces them to all that our libraries have to offer.

“Encouraging children to read independently and to read more has huge benefits for their development and educational achievement, as well as giving them a lifelong pleasure.”

Last year’s challenge saw 6,372 people signing up to the challenge in Derbyshire, with 1,177 more children joining the library so that they could take part.

During the challenge Derbyshire libraries issued 185,371 children’s books and 3,622 children’s audio books and e-books.

Over the course of the challenge Derbyshire’s libraries hosted 149 events and drop-ins, with 3,787 people taking part.

The challenge is free to join and runs until 7th September.

Visit your local library or see www.derbyshire.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge to find out more.