Summer Reading Challenge

Summer Reading Challenge 2023 new theme 'Ready, Set, Read' is presented by the Reading Agency. Delivered in partnership with libraries.

The Summer Reading Challenge is back for 2023!

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK library sector’s biggest free annual reading event. It is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries; thousands of children and families take part each year.

Whilst the school summer holidays are a well-deserved break for children, their reading can 'dip' during the long summer holidays if they do not have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure. This can be a problem for schools come the new term.

So, we’re backing the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge once again to support you and your child’s reading journey over the summer holidays!

All libraries in Derby will be running the Summer Reading Challenge throughout the summer holidays in 2023.

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How will the Challenge help my child?

The Summer Reading Challenge helps children maintain their reading skills by:

  • Encouraging reading for pleasure; this is one of the most important contributory factors in a child’s reading ability
  • Offering them a wide range of stories and fact books to read.  This has a positive impact on a child’s reading ability, range and motivation
  • Boosting their confidence with reading which leads to a more positive attitude towards reading and learning
  • Significantly increasing your child’s life chances.  Evidence shows that children who enjoy reading are likely to score highly on reading assessments and those who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers

'The Summer Reading Challenge gets three quarters of a million children into libraries to keep up their reading skills and confidence during the long holidays ……because everything changes when we read.' - The Reading Agency 

What’s the theme for 2023?

This year's annual Summer Reading Challenge theme is Ready, Set, Read! The Reading Agency is partnering with the Youth Sport Trust to encourage the sports and games-themed Challenge that aims to keep children's minds and bodies active over the summer break.

Through taking part in the Challenge, children will be able to join Ready, Set, Read! characters to get active this summer and read some fantastic books.

The characters and artwork have been created by illustrator Loretta Schauer.

How does it work?

  • The Challenge is to read 6 books
  • It starts on Sat 8 Jul and finishes on Sat 2 Sep
  • Events will be taking place in August
  • There are more reading ideas and fun themed activities available on the Summer Reading Challenge website.

Who can take part?

  • Library Members. Children must be a member of the library to take part.  If they aren’t already members, they can join and that’s free too. Find out more about how to join the library or ask library staff 
  • Children aged from 4 to 11 years.  However, there are special age-appropriate preschool materials for younger siblings to take part as well.
  • Older children are welcome to join in too!

What books can children read?

  • They can read any books they like - fact books, stories, joke books, picture books, audiobooks and eBooks - just as long as they are borrowed from the library. 
  • For younger children and those learning to read, it’s fine to read or share library books with a parent or carer. 

What events can children attend?

Alongside the challenge, Alvaston, Mickleover, Normanton and Riverside libraries will be hosting some fantastic events for children and families.

All events are FREE and will take place in Derby libraries - booking is essential, please book by calling the number of the library you wish to attend. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

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