Gloucestershire Libraries are inviting children to celebrate books, nature and the environment in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The national event, led by the Reading Agency, began on Saturday 10 July and runs until Friday 10 September, with the aim of encouraging children to enjoy reading and visiting their library.

Children are invited to borrow at least six books over three visits and are offered rewards and opportunities to get involved with many other events and activities.

This year’s theme is ‘Wild World Heroes’, which aims to inspire families and children to enjoy reading, as well as get outside to visit their local nature reserves and wildlife parks.

Activities to celebrate books, nature and the environment will also be organised by libraries and cultural partners, including the Everyman Theatre and the Museum of Gloucester.

Nearly 10,000 families took part in the Summer Reading Challenge in 2019, when it last took place in Gloucestershire’s libraries. Last year online activities were provided instead, as well as makeaway packs. 

As well as borrowing books, children can again take away the popular makeaway packs which include crafty bits and pieces, plus instructions for families to make their own nature-inspired crafts at home. More information is available from your local library.

To find out more, including how to sign up to the challenge for free, visit: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/library-activities-and-services/facilities-and-activities-for-children/2021-summer-reading-challenge-wild-world-heroes/

Find out the latest opening times for your local library here: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/library-locations-and-opening-hours/

You can also stay up to date with the challenge through a new Facebook group. Search for @Gloucestershire Libraries and look for the ‘Summer Reading Challenge Takeover Group’ for the latest news, along with activities and chat.

Jane Everiss, head of libraries and registration services at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming children and families back to our libraries for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Like last year we will be reaching out to vulnerable children by offering free resources and gifted books to foodbanks and we hope everyone enjoys taking part in the many activities on offer.”