Release date: 26 June 2023
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 all six books.
Children can take part in the library any time from Saturday 8 July – it’s free and all participants need is a library card. These are available from all West Sussex libraries.
After registering online for the challenge at www.westsussex.gov.uk/src children receive a special codeword which they then tell staff in their local library in order to collect their special fold-out wallet.
The main challenge is for children aged 4-11 years, but younger children can take part in the Ready, Set, Read! Mini Challenge, collecting stickers as they share library books and receiving a special ‘gold medal sticker’ and a certificate when they complete.
Cllr Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “It’s great to see the Summer Reading Challenge return to libraries, keeping children reading over the summer. The challenge is completely free, and everyone can take part.
“Last year was a huge success with nearly 10,000 children and young people in West Sussex taking part in the challenge. I hope children will love this year’s obstacle course 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. Applications can be submitted at www.westsussex.gov.uk/src.
