Surrey Libraries are embracing the Summer Reading Challenge this year, with the creative theme from the Reading Agency ‘Marvellous Makers’ and plenty of varied activities to inspire young minds taking place.
Launched in every Surrey Library on Saturday 6th July, children are invited to express themselves in creative ways, to tap into a world of imagination and storytelling and of course, to get reading!
Saturday saw special launch events at both Guildford and Godalming libraries, where the amazing John Kirk inspired children to join in a ‘Marvellous Makers Story Hunt’. Both events were a huge success with children taking part in a story based scavenger hunt.
Denise Turner Stewart, Surrey County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities said, “We know reading has huge benefits for children and adults alike and we were delighted to have over 12,300 children take part in last summer’s Reading Challenge. Our library staff love to get involved in this annual event and what a fabulous theme we have for this year’s Challenge!
“Reading can bring individuals so much joy, it offers escapism, helps with better educational outcomes and even mental wellbeing, so our support of this summer’s event fits right into Surrey’s vision of ‘No one Left Behind’.
“All children aged 4 -11 can sign up for the Reading Challenge at their Surrey Library and we very much hope it becomes a familiar, annual event in their lives. Each child needs to read six books to receive their certificate and medal, but don’t forget audiobooks and fact books count too.
“We look forward to welcoming many families into our libraries this summer. Those that haven’t visited in a while will be pleasantly surprised by the breadth of activities and events that take place in Surrey’s libraries and may well be tempted to return without the children.
“Our libraries offer great working spaces with free Wi-Fi and access to printing from individuals own devices and smart, bright rooms to rent for regular meetings.
“We wish all participants in the Reading Challenge a fun and active summer.”
Younger children can join in with the Mini Challenge, aimed at anyone 3 years and younger. Children will need to be a member of their Surrey library to participate, but joining the library is free and can be done online or at their local branch.
Editors Notes:
There are a whole host of events taking place for children at Surrey’s libraries including origami sessions, badge making opportunities and in partnership with Surrey Arts we’ll be hosting free ‘come and try’ music workshops.
Author events for children and teens
We have the following author events for children in July:
- Musical Storytime with SP K-Mushambi at Caterham Valley Library, 13 July, 2-2.45pm. Aimed at 3 to 7 year olds. Donation requested.
- Fireblood: Fantasy workshop with Sam Stewart at Dittons Library, 20 July, 11am-12noon. Aimed at 8 to 14 year olds. Tickets £4 per child (adults free).
- Storytime Draw-along with illustrator Siân Roberts. At Horsley Library on 25 July (10:30am start), and at Guildford Library on 30 July (10:30am start). Aimed at 4 to 8 year olds. Tickets £5 per child (adults free).
To book tickets, please visit: Surrey Libraries’ Events Events – 17 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Explore Learning workshop at Lightwater Library
During the summer holidays, Explore Learning will be hosting workshops every Friday at Lightwater Library. The first one is on 26 July and will celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge. Other workshops include handwriting, fun with phonics and geometry. Workshops are free but booking is necessary. Please telephone Explore Learning to book on 01483 600903 or email woking@explorelearning.co.uk. Alternatively, pop into Lightwater Library to sign up.
Dog Trust workshops at Camberley and Farnham Libraries
Give your family a treat and learn some new tricks by coming along to a free, fun and dog-focused family workshop. This face-to-face workshop is packed with engaging dog-related games, activities, and role play, designed to teach children how to behave responsibly around our four-pawed friends and understand their body language. At Farnham Library on 30 July (1.30pm start) and Camberley Library on 31 July (1.30pm start). Sorry, but dogs are not invited to attend these sessions, humans only please. Also workshops available in August. To book your ticket, please visit: Surrey Libraries’ Events Events – 18 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
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The benefits of reading | BookTrust
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