Local MP Justin Tomlinson is supporting a campaign run by charity The Reading Agency to encourage all primary school children to join their local library and take part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge - the UK's biggest reading promotion for primary school children.
Research shows the Summer Reading Challenge increases children's reading range and their enjoyment of reading significantly. It builds confidence and independent reading, while combating the dip in children's literacy levels during the long break from school.
A unique partnership between The Reading Agency and public libraries across the UK, the Summer Reading Challenge already gets three quarters of a million children to read six library books in the summer holidays. With Justin's support as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries as well as that of schools and the Summer Reading Challenge Champions, even more children aged 4-11 will be encouraged to join the library and join in.
Each year the Challenge uses a new theme to inject fun and creativity into reading. The 2013 theme is "Creepy House", illustrated by award winning Chris Riddell, inviting children to explore a Creepy House and its host of characters. They can take part in spine tingling reading activities and collect pungent smelling stickers to complete a collectable Creepy House poster.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: "I hope parents and carers in North Swindon will take their children to their local library this summer to sign up for The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge. It's free and makes reading fun - a vital ingredient in building literacy. Last year 3360 children in Swindon took part in the Challenge. I hope we can increase that figure this year and show local libraries what a valuable asset they are to us and our community."
Children can also visit the website summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to create a profile, chat about books and get help on what to read next via the digital Book Sorter, which also works on mobiles and tablets.
