With free materials from the library and online via the website, the challenge encourages youngsters to keep reading over the holidays by offering rewards, including a medal and certificate if they complete the challenge and read six library books of their choice.
Children can take part any time from Saturday 13 July – Saturday 14 September. All that participants need is a library card, which are available from all West Sussex libraries.
After registering online for the challenge at arena.westsussex.gov.uk/src, children receive a special code word. They then reveal this to staff at their local library to get their Marvellous Makers fold-out poster and first set of scratch-and-sniff stickers.
The main challenge is for children aged 4-11 years, but younger children can take part in the Mini Challenge, collecting stickers as they share library books over the summer and receiving a special gold sticker and a certificate when they finish.
Cllr. Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue, said: “It’s great to see the Summer Reading Challenge return to libraries, encouraging children to read for pleasure over the summer. The challenge is completely free, and everyone can take part.
“Last year was a huge success, with 11,500 children and young people in West Sussex taking part in the challenge. I hope families will be inspired by this year’s creative theme.”
The council is recruiting volunteers aged 14 and over to support staff in promoting the Summer Reading Challenge, developing their skills and gaining valuable experience working with children and families.
