Circus Stars in Surrey libraries this summer

Circus Stars in Surrey libraries this summer

Surrey County Council Library Service’s Summer Reading Challenge will use the fun of the circus to encourage children to read.

Children who sign up to the challenge will be given a special Circus Stars membership card and a pop-up stage. They will also receive stickers, a bookmark, a wristband and other incentives as they read their way through the summer holidays.

Denise Saligopoulos, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I’m certain the excitement of the circus will encourage children to discover the magic of reading this summer. Whether it be exploring Wonderland with Alice or setting off on an adventure with the Famous Five, there’s nothing quite like letting your imagination run wild with the help of a good book. I hope the Summer Reading Challenge will act as the start of a lifelong love of reading for many Surrey children.”

Children who read six books to complete all three stages of their circus challenge will be awarded a special medal and a certificate. Circus Stars started in all Surrey libraries on Saturday (9 July) and it is free to take part.

Libraries will be organising special circus-themed events, activities and competitions throughout the summer holidays. There will be circus skills workshops with Julian the Juggler, Circus Stars storytelling workshops and a countywide poetry competition for budding writers.

**Ends**

Notes to editors:

More than 13,500 Surrey children took part in 2010’s summer reading challenge, called Space Hop.
For more information about Circus Stars visit your local library, go to http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/kidstuff or phone 0300 200 1001.