Herefordshire Council’s libraries service launched this year’s summer reading challenge, Team Read, at the Youth Games on Friday, July 4.
This year’s challenge has a sporty theme to tie in with the Olympic Games being held in Beijing next month and the Youth Games proved a fitting place to get it up and running.
Emma Stevens, Herefordshire Council’s library learning officer, said: “Many children love sport and the Olympic Games offers a perfect chance for them to be inspired by world-class sporting achievement and develop an interest in new sports.
“As a key part of the Year of Reading celebrations this year we would love youngsters to develop their interest in sport interest by reading a wide range of books available at libraries throughout the county,
“The Summer Reading Challenge is designed to encourage children to continue reading during the summer holidays with rewards, stickers, a medal and certificate of they read six books.
“We also have some Halo Leisure vouchers to give away in a prize draw for children who complete the challenge,” she added.
Special activities will be taking place in all county libraries during the summer holidays, including chances to take part in some sporty workshops, read great new sports stories and non-fiction and tell library staff all about what books children have been reading throughout the challenge.
Events scheduled for libraries so far include:
Tuesday, July 22: Dance session at Hereford Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for 5 to 11 year olds.
Thursday, July 24: Dance session, Bromyard Centre, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for 5 to 11 year olds.
Friday, July 25: Dance session, Ross Library, 3pm until 4pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for five to 11 year olds.
Wednesday, July 30: Halo activity session, Ledbury Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for five to 11 year olds.
Friday, August 1: Halo activity session, Ross Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for five to 11 year olds.
Tuesday, August 5: Halo activity session, Hereford Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for five to 11 year olds.
Wednesday, August 6: Halo activity session, Leominster Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for five to 11 year olds.
Thursday, August 7: Thai snake kite-making workshop, Bromyard Centre, 2.30pm until 4.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £4. Suitable for seven to 11 year olds.
Tuesday, August 12: Thai snake kite-making workshop, Leominster Library, 2.30pm until 4.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £4. Suitable for seven to 11 year olds.
Wednesday, August 13: Thai snake kite-making workshop, Ledbury Library, 2.30pm until 4.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £4. Suitable for seven to 11 year olds.
Friday, August 15: Thai snake kite-making workshop, Ross Library, 2.30pm until 4.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £4. Suitable for seven to 11 year olds.
Tuesday, August 19: Tai Kwondo workshop, Hereford Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for five to 11 year olds.
Wednesday, August 20: Halo activity session, Leominster Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for five to 11 year olds.
Friday, August 22: Tae Kwondo workshop, Ross Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential.
Wednesday, August 27: Halo activity session, Ledbury Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for five to 11 year olds.
Friday, August 29: Halo activity session, Ross Library, 2.30pm until 3.30pm. Booking essential. Tickets £2. Suitable for five to 11 year olds.
Further details and the programme of events will be released shortly.
Anyone who has questions about the summer reading challenge should contact Emma Stevens on 01432 383280 or via the council email.