Ready, Set, Read! This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages kids to pick up some books, launches locally with a celebratory event in Southampton Central Library.
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Presented by The Reading Agency and this year in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, the challenge is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme for primary school aged children.
And what’s more it’s completely free to take part.
Now in its 24th year, the challenge sees thousands of UK families participating annually, helping kids embark on their own reading adventure through a fun, themed challenge.
Children can read any book they like – even picture books and audio books count.
They can either set their own goals for their reading, or stick to a standard six books.
“This year the focus is all about encouraging children to unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading,” explains Southampton City Council, which will be launching the event locally at Central Library with local picture book author and illustrator Margaret Sturton.
The Reading Agency is also teaming up with sports and empowerment brands Nike and Rebel Girls this summer to give 500,000 books to children across the UK.
The Southampton launch is a free ‘no booking required’ event on Saturday, July 8 from 11am, when children can begin their own reading challenge. There's more information here.
Southampton Central Library & Art Gallery entrance