Wolverhampton’s libraries have organised over 40 free events to support young readers and would be astronauts complete the Space Chase over the summer holidays.
The challenge will be officially launched in the Children’s Library at Central Library, Snow Hill, Wolverhampton tomorrow (Saturday 13 July) at 11.30am by local artist Joel Kelly, who will lead a drawing and craft workshop.
Further workshops with Joel will follow at Bilston Library and Wednesfield Library and again at Central Children’s Library over the coming weeks, along with a range of other activities based on space at libraries across the city.
These include Moon and Star Stories with professional storyteller Amy Douglas at Central Children’s Library, Tettenhall Library and Pendeford Library, space-themed Digital Creator workshops, writing masterclasses and special Baby Book Times for under threes.
The Summer Reading Challenge, a national promotion by the Reading Agency, Arts Council England and libraries across the country, aims to encourage children to read six books over the summer.
Children need to register at their local library and keep a record of the books they have read during the holidays. As well as rewards, readers will receive a certificate and medal if they complete the challenge.
Children taking part in the Space Chase will join a super space family, The Rockets, for a thrilling mission to track down books nabbed by mischievous aliens. Those completing the challenge will also be able to take part in a competition with the winners being invited to a Summer Reading Challenge celebration during the October half-term holidays.
Last summer nearly 1,400 young readers in Wolverhampton took part, and this summer they have until 6 September to complete the challenge.
Councillor Harman Banger, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Reading not only helps children to develop their imagination but gives them essential skills for adulthood.
“We have been supporting the Summer Reading Challenge for more than a decade and it is always very popular with young bookworms and their families so pop along to your local library and get ready to lift off!”
All summer holiday events are ticketed and free, with the exception of the Digital Creator workshops which cost £1 for library members and £2.50 for non-library members, contact your local library.
It's free to join Wolverhampton's libraries. For more information, please visit Libraries.
