Families were invited to kick off a summer of reading, creativity and fun as Swindon’s Summer Reading Challenge officially launched at the Central Library.
Swindon Libraries’ Children’s Library Patron Steve Antony, Cllr Kate Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, Cllr Alex Hughes, Member Champion for Mental Health, and Cllr Matt Hinton, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, at the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge
This year’s challenge, Read to the Beat, encourages children to keep reading throughout the school holidays while exploring the relationship between stories, music and creativity.
Children can sign up for free at any Swindon library from now until 13 September.
The launch event featured a special appearance from Swindon Libraries’ Children’s Library Patron and award-winning author and illustrator Steve Antony, who helped open the celebrations with a storytime session.
Families also enjoyed a programme of free activities throughout the day, including face painting, temporary tattoos, musical-themed crafts, bookmark designing, sing-alongs and the chance to collect their Summer Reading Challenge packs.
Swindon Dance and Signal Festival added to the festivities with dance, poetry and performance sessions for older children, culminating in an open-mic event in the library courtyard.
Cllr Matt Hinton, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, and Cllr Kate Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, attended the launch alongside Steve Antony to celebrate the start of the challenge and encourage children and families to get involved.
Cllr Hinton, who is responsible for the Borough’s libraries, said: “Our libraries play a vital role in supporting reading, learning and community connections all year round, and the Summer Reading Challenge is one of the highlights of the calendar.
“Read to the Beat combines the joy of reading with music, creativity and imagination, giving children a fun reason to keep picking up books throughout the summer holidays.
"It was fantastic to see so many families at the launch event and I would encourage everyone to sign up and get involved.”
Cllr Tomlinson said: “Reading for pleasure is one of the best ways to support children’s learning, confidence and wellbeing, especially during the long summer break.
“The Summer Reading Challenge helps children maintain their reading skills while having fun, and it’s great that participation is completely free.
"There are activities and support available for children of all ages and abilities, including dedicated resources for children with SEND, helping to ensure every child has the opportunity to take part.”
As well as collecting rewards for their reading achievements, children taking part in the challenge can enter Steve Antony’s annual art competition, with the chance to attend a special celebration event and receive a signed book.
For older readers aged 12 to 19, Swindon Libraries is also running a Teen Book Bingo challenge, with completers entered into a draw to win a £30 Love2shop voucher.
The Summer Reading Challenge runs until Sunday,13 September, with a range of free family activities and events taking place at libraries across the Borough throughout the summer holidays.
To find out more, visit the Swindon Libraries website at https://tinyurl.com/45edtzb6 or speak to staff at any local library.
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