The Summer Reading Challenge is back across Bedford’s libraries, as the council continue their ‘Year of Reading’ initiative with a bonanza challenge that young people can dive into across the summer holidays.
Running from Saturday 12 July to Saturday 6 September, the summer reading challenge invites children aged 4 to 11 to embark on a free, imaginative reading adventure around this year’s theme, the ‘Story Garden’.
Youngsters can earn rewards as they read this summer, receiving a special bookmark with space for eighteen stamps and prizes for reading six, twelve and eighteen books. The aim? Complete the bookmark!
Cllr Sarah Gallagher, (Conservative, Shortstown) and Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, said, “The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for children to dive into exciting stories and let their imaginations flourish.
“With this year’s ‘Story Garden’ theme, we’re celebrating the magic of nature and storytelling, encouraging young readers to explore new worlds through books.
“I warmly invite all children to join in, have fun, and discover the joy of reading that can last a lifetime.”
Everyone can join in
With all kinds of books on the eligibility list for a stamp, the challenge is open to everyone.
From poetry to history, and fiction to picture books, youngsters can earn a stamp via multiple routes, with audiobooks also on the list as youngsters read their way, step-by-step, to the coveted Summer Reading Challenge medal.
In addition to the reading challenge, children can enjoy a variety of free craft activities such as junk modelling, pop-up piranhas, and dragon suncatchers.
Lego clubs, craft clubs, and story times will also be available throughout the holidays, as the borough’s libraries gear up for a bumper summer of activity, opening up new worlds to our town’s young people.
All children are welcome to join the challenge, even if they are not yet library members.
Bedford Borough Libraries can be found in Bedford town centre, Bromham, Kempston, Putnoe and Wootton as well as the mobile library.
Joining Bedford Borough Libraries is free for all ages, with parents or guardians able to register children during staffed hours or online at any time, with library cards available for collection in person.
You can learn more about the Summer Reading Challenge and how to get involved here.
