Get creative with the Summer Reading Challenge!

Open to children aged 4 to 11, this hugely popular FREE summer holiday activity is about reading for fun but also aims to improve children’s reading skills and confidence.

It’s running from now right through to Saturday 24th August and the challenge is for children to borrow a total of six books and collect free rewards. They can read anything they like – really, anything!

This year’s Challenge is called Marvellous Makers and it’s all about creativity. From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone.

You can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at your local community hub or library. For more information please visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge.

All children who have borrowed a minimum of six books will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two Nintendo Switch game consoles (entries close on Saturday 24th August).

Everyone who signs up at a community hub or library will be presented with a medal and certificate in special ceremonies at Community Hub Central on Friday 30th August.

The Summer Reading Challenge is developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries across the country.

This year’s theme has been developed in partnership with Create, a leading charity bringing the creative arts to those who need them most.

The bespoke illustrations for Marvellous Makers have been created by the brilliant illustrator Natelle Quek.

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is always hugely popular every year – it’s a great way for children to have fun, but it’s also much more important than that.

“Reading is a key skill for life, so nurturing a love of reading from an early age is absolutely vital.

"The Challenge encourages children to become more independent in their reading, boosts their confidence and self-esteem and also helps them to be better prepared for school in the autumn.

“It’s also a wonderful way for parents to get involved too – there’s nothing as magical or special as sitting reading with, and to, your little ones.

“If you’re a parent or carer and you feel your reading isn’t quite as strong as you’d like, we can help there too, and we’d be so pleased to do so.”

The Council’s Hartlepool Community Hubs run a free Homework Club for children and parents every Wednesday evening at Community Hub Central in York Road from 4.30pm to 6pm, where parents and children can learn together in a welcoming environment, building their reading and writing skills. There’s no booking needed – just turn up.

Hartlepool Jobs and Skills, within Hartlepool Community Hubs, also offers a range of learning opportunities for parents and children, all of which are free.

Find out more at www.hartlepooljobsandskills.com, call 01429 868616 or pop into any of Hartlepool’s community hubs or libraries.

“We’d love to see you, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch,” added Councillor Allen.