Libraries run across the local area are aiming to help more children enjoy great books this summer by daring them to enter the Creepy House Summer Reading Challenge.
Youngsters can take part in spine-tingling reading activities at the Council’s libraries and collect pungent smelling stickers to fill a Creepy House poster. Children can complete the challenge by reading six books to receive a certificate and a unique Reading Challenge Medal.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Last year almost 1,800 children signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries. We hope that this year more children than ever will be inspired to join their local library and get the most from the great range of books and other resources available.”
Libraries across Bath and North East Somerset will be welcoming children to take part in the Challenge from Saturday 13th July until Saturday 14th September.
There will be free events in Bath, Midsomer Norton and Moorland Road libraries on Wednesday 13th July, for children aged 3 and over, to launch the Summer Reading Challenge:
- Bath Central Library: Cassandra the Storyteller (10.30-11.15am)
- Midsomer Norton Library: Michael Loader – Storyteller (10.30-11.15am)
- Moorland Road Library: Mask Making with Xeenia Cooper (10am-12noon)
Other events for children of all ages take place throughout the summer in all of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Libraries, including:
- Zoolab – come and see live creepy crawlies and handle mini beasts (£2.50 per child):
- Bath Central Library – Wednesday 31 July (10.30-11.30am)
- Midsomer Norton Library – Wednesday 31 July (2pm-3pm)
- Bath Central Library – Wednesday 14 August (10.30-11.30am)
- Keynsham Library – Wednesday 14 August (2pm-3pm)
- Mask Making with Xeenia Cooper (free event): Keynsham Library – Wednesday 21 August (10am-12noon)
- Creepy House stories and Crafts (free event): Bath Central Library – Wednesday 24 July (11am-11.45am)
- Creepy House Stories (free event): Weston Library – Wednesday 21 August (10.30am-11.15am)
Each year, public libraries across England team up with the charity The Reading Agency for the Summer Reading Challenge, which uses a new theme to inject fun and creativity into reading. The 2013 Challenge is illustrated by the award-winning children’s book illustrator Chris Riddell and invites youngsters to explore a Creepy House and its host of characters.
Children can also go onto the website www.creepy-house.org.uk to create a profile, chat about books, and get help on what to read next, via the digital Booksorter which also works on mobiles and tablets.
Research shows the Summer Reading Challenge increases children’s reading range and their enjoyment of reading. It builds confidence and independent reading, while challenging the potential dip in children’s literacy levels during the break from school.
