The Summer Reading Challenge in Libraries Celebrating 10 years and looking ahead

Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge ,000 children took part this year – 35,000 more than last year 401,800 children (55.4%) read 6 or more books 44% boys, 56% girls

2009 Challenge in Libraries 95% of UK libraries involved 19.7 million children’s materials borrowed over 10 weeks – up by 12% 47,000 children became new library members to take part

Outside the UK 13,000 children take part through the British Council in 23 different countries 3,000 children in the Republic of Ireland 1,500 children in Army Services, Germany

What is the Challenge? Children join at their local library Membership card and fold-out poster to get them started Stickers and rewards to collect along the way. Read six books – from the library - to get a medal

Age range Primary school age 4-11 Partnership with Bookstart Book Crawl for SRC themed challenge and certificate Extra materials for Year 6 to Year 7 transition Encourages new students to use the library at secondary school and continues links with local libraries. Linked to Booked Up.

Events and Activities Libraries run events and workshops for children and families This summer, 14,050 events involving 216,000 children Encouraging reading & creativity SRC Website for games, quizzes, author blogs, messages and reading advice.

Special Materials and Partners Partnership with RNIB National Library Service for Large Print and Braille materials V.I. children could take part through their local library Welsh materials produced in bilingual Welsh/English, supported by the Welsh Assembly and Welsh Books Council Family leaflet to promote the challenge produced in 18 different languages

Other key partners Local Authorities Stories from the Web Children’s publishers – supporting special SRC book collections Promotional Books Library suppliers BBC

Volunteers 36% of authorities work with volunteers 1400 volunteers involved this summer – majority are school age and young people 16-24

Children say… I never used to read that much now I always enjoy reading...THANK YOU QUEST SEEKERS!! Saba aged 8

Parents say... I thought Quest Seekers was FANTASTIC!! My seven year old is not a keen reader, but with promise of stickers and a medal read six books in the first two weeks! Parent of 3, Essex