As you may already be aware, The Reading Agency have had to adapt the Summer Reading Challenge this year in order for it to work in the current climate with libraries closed and also with an emphasis on encouraging children to read whatever makes them happy.

The scheme is up and running already and you and your child can access it online. “With the disruption caused by Covid-19 and the impact of social distancing on schools and public libraries, the 2020 Challenge will launch in a new digital format designed to keep children engaged and interested in reading. It will support parents and carers with children already at home, offer schools exciting ways to animate remote learning, and provide great content for those back in the classroom. Many wonderful partners are supporting the Challenge this year to help us reach even more children than ever.

The national Challenge will run from 5 June to mid-September but Thurrock Libraries will be officially launching 11 July . For further information about how your child can join in with the challenge at home please visit: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ https://readingagency.org.uk/news/media/new-survey-from-the-reading-agencyreveals-childrens-top-reading-choices-and-who-influences-them.html

Some of the library staff have also made a short fun video about how to get involved with the Summer Reading Challenge this year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypZHxnQ-izI

We are also hosting a very special launch event with professional storyteller John Kirk! FREE TO LIBRARY MEMBERS! This is an interactive reading of Roald Dahl’s The Twists on Zoom, on July 11th. More information is attached to email. Tickets can be booked by emailing access.services@thurrock.gov.uk with you library card number. *Warning: it will be very silly!*