SALFORD LAUNCHES INDEPENDENT SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

This summer, Salford Libraries has developed its own summer reading challenge called The Big Salford Summer Read.

Independent of any nationwide schemes the libraries team has designed the new reading challenge specifically for children aged 4-12 across Salford in a bid to boost summer learning ahead of back-to-school in September.

Young readers are encouraged take the trip of a lifetime into the land of books by taking part in fun activities to spark imaginations and win exciting rewards along the way. The Big Salford Summer Read follows the National Literacy Trust report about children's attainment  after the disruption of the pandemic, and the importance of reading for pleasure to support literacy development, learning and well-being.

Children can take part in the reading challenge from Monday July 18 at any of the 16 libraries across Salford, which are free to join and offer all the latest book titles.

On joining the challenge all participants receive a passport, sticker and a map of the Land of Books. On the map are a number of islands that offer various challenges to expand children's reading horizons.  

Each time a child visits the library they will have their passport stamped and as they progress on their reading journey they receive rewards including stickers, badges (six to collect) and medals.

Every child who completes their personalised reading goal will receive a certificate of achievement.

Library staff will be encouraging participants to complete book reviews and artwork related to the books they are enjoying and there will be a prize draw for all reviews and art submitted.

Chris Farey, Head of Libraries at Salford Community Leisure, said: 'We are proud to launch our very own Salford reading challenge. By developing our own challenge we have been able to offer the children of Salford a more flexible and fun experience. Rather than focusing on how many books a child reads, our game encourages children to explore different types of books, discovering new genres and authors that they may not have encountered before. They are able to personalise the game by setting their own reading goal and are offered great incentives and rewards as they work through the challenge. Our message to children is clear: we want you to love reading and in Salford you can love reading whatever and however much you want.'

The Big Salford Summer Read aims to work with parents to develop a reading culture which improves the wellbeing of families through reading as a recreational activity, one that also supports learning.  Reading over the summer holidays can help children maintain their reading skills and can counteract the dip often seen during that time, especially critical this year following the detrimental effect of school closures on children's learning.

As families across the city are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis this summer, Salford Libraries hopes that visiting the library offers a fun and free activity that the whole family can enjoy.

Children can choose to read any books they like and Salford Libraries have a wide range of stock in different formats including physical books, e-books and e-audios through the Borrowbox app, to meet a wide range of needs and abilities.

The Big Salford Summer Read is supported by a wider event programme across Salford including Zog Storytimes, Oh, The Places You'll Go (Dr Seuss), science, theatre and sing-along events, which integrate educational and social opportunities. Events are priced from £1 per child.

Participating families can also visit the fantastic book benches of the Salford Literacy Trail, twenty book-shaped sculptures to discover around the city.

For a full list of Salford libraries and events go to https://salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/libraries/