Children’s reading can “dip” during the long summer break, making it harder for them returning to school. In addition, reading for pleasure has so many proven benefits, including developing empathy by identifying with characters and improving mental well-being.
 
This year the theme is “Ready, Set, Read!”. It has been produced by the Reading Agency in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust and will be delivered by Norfolk Library and Information Service with lots of activities at local libraries.
 
More than 700,000 children sign up to the challenge every year. To join, children will need to be a library member. This is free of charge and children will receive their own library card for which there are no overdue fees.
 
Children will each be given a pack. They can set their own reading challenge (six books over the six-week period are recommended) and can choose their own books that can include e-books from the virtual library.
 
Children collect stickers along the way and on completion of the challenge will receive a medal and certificate of achievement. There is a digital platform too, so the fun can carry on at home.
 
Children can take part in the challenge HERE.
 
Reepham Library events over the summer:

• Sports day/story time: Wednesday 26 July, 11 am – 12 noon – lots of fun events in the garden
• Sporty Coding session: Wednesday 9 August, 2.30–4 pm for ages 7–11 years (please book HERE or see staff)
• Scavenger Hunt: Wednesday 23 August, 2–3 pm, followed by Teddy Bears’ Picnic at 3 pm in the Bircham Centre garden with drinks, biscuits and cake
• Craft: 2 August and 16 August, 10.30 am – 12 noon, make a cork boat or build a book
   

All events are free.
 
Contact: Reepham Library, Bircham Centre, Market Place, Reepham NR10 4JJ. Tel: 01603 870474