2023 Summer Reading Challenge launches in Denbighshire Libraries

This summer, children can visit their local library in Denbighshire to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots and get involved in a Summer Reading Challenge themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity. The challenge is called ‘Ready, Steady, Read!’ and is free to join and take part for all children. 

Through taking part in the Challenge, by accessing the free bilingual materials from the library and online via the Challenge website, children will be encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active over the summer break. The characters – brought to life by children’s author and illustrator Loretta Schauer – navigate a fictional summer obstacle course and track their reading as they go, rewarded by free incentives including stickers. 

By participating in the challenge at their local library, young people will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills, and discover new interests.  

There will also be games and craft activities available in libraries during the school holidays, with more details to be found on Denbighshire Libraries’ social media channels. 

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to improve children’s reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for their return to school. 

With the help of local libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children. In 2022, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 723,184 children and families across the UK, with 608,015 children taking part through their local library service, a 31% increase compared to 2021. 

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead member for the Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said, 

“The Summer Reading Challenge is one of the highlights of the year in our libraries, with thousands of local children taking part. The challenge helps children enjoy reading, discover new books and authors, and have fun with their friends in their local library. 

I would encourage every family to take part this year as it’s all free, and open to everyone. Children can also keep up with their Welsh skills over the summer by borrowing and reading Welsh books from the library for the Challenge. I would also like to thank our friendly and helpful libraries staff who will be helping children get the most out of the Summer Reading Challenge again this year”.