Children urged to complete Summer Reading Challenge and claim their rewards

More than 10,000 children signed up and libraries staff are now turning their attention to helping children complete the challenge before it ends on 15 September.

While over 3,000 children have completed the challenge so far, with more crossing the finish line every day, organisers want to ensure everyone can claim victory before the deadline.

The reward for completing the challenge, to read six books during the summer holidays, includes a medal, certificate and seed shape for planting. Every visit to the library also earns a child a new sticker for their collector’s card.

Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: “I am thrilled that so many children have taken part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

“We now want as many children to finish the challenge as possible and get the prizes that they deserve. While it gives children a real sense of achievement, the challenge is also a really important initiative in keeping children reading and ready for the new school year.

“The numerous activities to support the challenge have also gone down incredibly well. We’ve had such a variety of fun events for children, from the Doctor Dolittle shows to the readings and singalongs by Chris Warsop with his Percy Drip book series, and completing the challenge would just be the cherry on top.”

Staffordshire Libraries offer access to a wide range of activities, events and groups for children as well as thousands of books and resources. Staff continue to look at new activities to inspire a love of reading and books while keeping children reading all year round.

 People can find out more on the Summer Reading Challenge website or by contacting their local library.