Justin Tomlinson MP Hails Success Of The Summer Reading Challenge In Swindon

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed the news that more than 2,500 children in Swindon have taken part in the Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge.

The challenge, which was launched in Parliament by Justin, is a national project run by The Reading Agency and sets children the task of visiting the library three times or reading 6 books over the summer holiday. The aim of the challenge is to encourage children to read outside school time and visiting the library more. The challenge is an annual event, and this year had a Beano theme to mark the comic’s 80^th anniversary.

A total of 2,638 children took up the challenge, with 1,596 completing it – an increase of 10% from last year. Over the summer 91,548 children’s books were issued and 701 children joined the library as new members.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “The results of the challenge are very encouraging, and it is fantastic to see so many young people enjoying reading and using the libraries. Good literacy skills are vital, and initiatives like this do a huge amount to encourage more children to read for pleasure.”