The Summer Reading Challenge organised by The Reading Agency, will run from 1st July to 31st August this year and is absolutely free. Libraries NI invites all children of age 4 and above to take part, with this year’s theme as Record Breakers. Libraries across Northern Ireland are encouraging young readers to explore real-life achievements and world records, as those found in the Guinness World Records.
As part of this year’s Challenge, the children’s authors, important figures in communities in UK, children, volunteers, parents, teachers and carers are being asked to take a pledge to help set a new Guinness World Records title for the Most Pledges Received for a Reading Campaign. Some libraries will be collecting the pledges on 10th July, from 11am to 3pm. Those not open during this time will open on 11th July from 10am to 12.30pm to collect pledges.
Participants can sign-up at their local library to read as many books, of their choice, and will be rewarded with activity-sheets, stickers and other stuff. The Reading Agency is partnering with Solus UK to bring some “digital magic” to the Challenge, by allowing a free mobile app download for families, schools and libraries.
Local libraries in Newstonabbey holding free events in support of Libraries NI are as opening as follows- The Glengormley Library hosts Craft Days on 22 July & 5 August at 11am. Games Days on 28 July & 18 August at 11am. Suitable for children from 5-8 years old. Rathcoole Library hosting Storytime & Crafts sessions on every Wednesday during July and August, between 3.30pm & 4.30pm. Ballyclare Library is hosting Storytime & Crafts, suitable for 4 to 11 year-olds on 6th July, at 2pm. For all free events pre-booking is needed. For more details contact your local library or visit the website- librariesni.org.uk.
