Local MP & former Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Libraries, Justin Tomlinson, has once again hosted the Parliamentary launch of The Reading Agency’s incredibly popular Summer Reading Challenge. Since 2016 Justin has launched the event in Parliament, which is a collaboration between The Reading Agency and local libraries.
The challenge encourages children to read for fun throughout the summer holidays and aims to address the dip in reading attainment that can occur while children are enjoying their time off school. It is the biggest reading for fun programme in the Country, reaching over 700,000 children every year.
Each year the challenge has a different theme, and this year the Reading Agency has teamed up with the Science Museum for a very special science-themed Challenge that will inspire children to use their imagination and creativity. The Gadgeteers will help children discover the science behind the everyday and celebrate the imagination in both science and reading.
Gadgeteers will feature amazing books, awesome rewards, and plenty of ideas for cool experiments and activities to discover the science all around you. Children taking part in the challenge can use the Reading Agency Website to create a profile, get book suggestions, review books to unlock badges, play games and enter competitions.
Starting on the 9th July, the challenge runs throughout the summer holidays and is a fantastic way to build the skills and confidence of young readers. For more information visit: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
Justin Tomlinson said: “Growing up, I loved books and reading – and I was even a school librarian! I absolutely appreciate how important reading is for young people. I am always very proud to help launch the challenge, and I hope as many young people as possible take part.”
