Bedford Borough Libraries have launched the 2023 summer reading challenge – Ready, Set, Read and children across the area are being invited to join in from Saturday, 15 July through to Saturday, 9 September.
The challenge promises to be an “exciting and engaging programme” for children aged four to eleven who complete an activity pack which includes scratch and sniff stickers.
Children will receive three bookmarks through the challenge. Each one allows them to tick six boxes for the books they’ve read.
They will receive a reward for each completed bookmark. The rewards are, a special Ready, Steady Read! Certificate, a glow-in-the-dark bookmark, and a Summer Reading Challenge medal.
All library books count towards the challenge, so children can enjoy; picture books, storybooks, joke books, poetry books, and books full of facts.
Audiobooks are included too, so children who prefer listening to library books won’t miss out. Children can request books for free on the Bedford Borough Libraries website or app and by asking staff in the libraries.
There will also be free craft activities at all Bedford Borough Libraries this summer, such as making seaside flags and creating a rosette and trophy. Lego clubs, craft clubs, and story times will also run through the holidays.
Cllr Sarah Gallagher (Conservative, Shortstown) Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “Children’s enthusiasm for books can often dip during the summer holidays and every year the Summer Reading Challenge inspires children of all ages to continue to develop their reading with some wonderful rewards.
“It’s very important to me that children in Bedford Borough have the opportunity to visit our libraries, borrow books and enjoy a variety of exciting free creative activities over the holidays.”
Find all the events and activities planned at Bedford Borough Libraries by visiting bedford.gov.uk/libraries, and find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge at Bedford Borough Libraries on the Virtual Library.
The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by all Bedford Borough libraries, including the mobile library, and produced by The Reading Agency.
