Ready, set, read!

Through taking part in the Challenge, with free materials from Sunderland Libraries and online via the Challenge website, children will be encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active over the summer break. The characters - brought to life by children's author and illustrator Loretta Schauer - navigate a fictional summer obstacle course and track their reading as they go, rewarded by free incentives including stickers.

Through activity challenge cards from the Youth Sport Trust, and an exciting, themed book collection, the Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep imaginations moving over the school holiday.  By participating in the challenge at Sunderland Libraries, young people will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills, and discover new interests.

Summer Reading Challenge events at Sunderland Libraries are as follows:

• Every Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30 - 3:30, City Library @ Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. Sports themed craft activities and author/magic events. No need to book, suggested donation £2
• Every Wednesday and Friday, 2:30 - 3:30, Houghton Library Sports themed craft activities and author/magic events. No need to book, suggested donation £2
• Every Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30 - 3:30, Washington Town Centre Library. Sports themed craft activities and author/magic events. No need to book, suggested donation £2

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to improve children's reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for their return to school. With the help of local libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children. In 2022, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 723,184 children and families across the UK, with 608,015 children taking part through their local library service, a 31% increase compared to 2021. The Challenge also drove 132,223 new children's library memberships which is 40% higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic total.

Councillor John Price, Portfolio Holder for Vibrant City at Sunderland City Council, said: "The more children read, the better they become at it, and the greater their interest in wanting to read by themselves. The annual Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to keep children reading during the school holidays, and encourages them to take more of an interest in reading for pleasure."

Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency said: "We're delighted to see how library partners across the country are organising their own events and activities to support this year's Summer Reading Challenge. We are really looking forward to working closely with them to help get children reading, imagining, and staying active this summer."

Visit Libraries - Sunderland City Council to find out which services are available.