It’s getting ready to launch children into orbit for an inter-galactical adventure that will keep them reading throughout the school summer holidays - the 2010 Summer Reading Challenge, just one of many free and exciting schemes supported by the library to help children get reading for pleasure.
Now in its 12th year the Summer Reading Challenge is created and run by The Reading Agency, an independent UK charity working to inspire people to read more, and is supported by children’s publishers.
Each year the Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate and medal for every child who completes the challenge.
The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge has a space theme. Called Space Hop, it will enable children to boldly go to new worlds, to discover the joy of reading and begin a life-long love affair with reading and books. Illustrated by leading children’s book artist Tom Percival, Space Hop coincides with the 350th anniversary of The Royal Society’s scientific endeavours, and the 2010 BBC Year of Science.
The Summer Reading Challenge adventure sees young Space Hoppers meeting Finn, Jessie, Nabil and Safiya – the crew of the Ex Libris – as they embark on their mission to set up the first lunar library.
An interactive Space Hop (www.spacehop.org.uk) website is due to launch at the end of May, linking children with top authors and illustrators, and giving them space to talk about their favourite books and to share reading ideas. Space Hop also promotes the library as a place of wonder for children, where librarians can offer them invaluable advice and guidance to help them on their mission.
Borough librarian Jan Macartney said: ‘Every year the Summer Reading Challenge captures the hearts and minds of more and more young people. Last year 287 children registered and 179 completed the Quest Seekers Summer Reading Challenge, and also many children wrote fabulous book reviews and dozens entered the quiz and competition. Throughout the school summer holiday the children’s section of the library comes alive with the happy sound of children discovering the world of books, thanks not only to my fellow library team members who enter wholeheartedly into the spirit of the challenge but also to the enduring co-operation of CMI whose enthusiasm and willingness to provide not only financial but volunteer support has made the challenge the supreme success it has become.’
Mrs Macartney said feedback from last year was overwhelmingly positive –from children and parents.
‘I thought that Quest Seekers was very good. It encouraged me to read more.’
‘Quest Seekers gave me something to do and was fun. I will now read and get a lot more books out.’
‘In a world of internet my little girl enjoyed reading and learning.’
‘Quest Seekers has made my children more interested in reading. They enjoy going to the library now.’
This will be the fourth year that Strand Cleaners has supported the Summer Reading Challenge, providing prizes for a number of competitions. Managing director John Hellowell said: ‘I’ve witnessed the atmosphere at many of the library’s workshops; the sheer enjoyment and creativity shown by the children coupled with the enthusiasm of Jan and her team has taken discovering the joy of reading to another level.’
Juan Clarke, CMI’s personal portfolio and investments manager said: ‘The Summer Reading Challenge, which CMI is pleased to be supporting for the third year in succession, this year under the Scottish Widows brand, is one of the largest creative reading opportunities available to children. It introduces children to one of the best free resources for their minds that they have on their doorsteps – the library - and focuses on the development of skills that are vital for their life chances and life skills – reading. All of which mirrors our long-term commitment to support sustainable projects that can help equip young people of the Isle of Man for the world of work.’
The Space Hop Summer Reading Challenge blasts off on Saturday July 17 at the Henry Bloom Noble Library when registration begins at 0930 in the children’s section on the ground floor.
The Henry Bloom Noble Library, 10-12 Victoria Street, Douglas. 696461.
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