A new summer reading challenge was launched earlier this week to help encourage school children to read over the holidays.
‘Ready, Set, Read’ aims to keep the minds active of children aged four to eleven over the summer holidays with anyone in the age criteria able to take part.
The challenge was launched at the Manchester Central Library with school children being present at the event.
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Children can be signed up for the challenge online or go with parents or guardians to their local library where they’ll be given a free joining pack.
At the event's launch, Local children’s author, Priscilla Mante, met the pupils and showcased her book series, The Dream Team. The book was shortlisted for the Children's Sports Book of The Year 2022 and tells the story of a girls' football team proving they are serious players.
The school children also had the chance to take part in sessions at the central library and the National Football Museum which included a presentation for an exhibition and a VR experience with football games and toys.
Students were also given the chance to play a range of 17 different classic games and exhibits which included Subbuteo and classic arcade games.
When the children complete the challenge, they’ll receive a medal and a certificate to showcase their hard work and be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £100 voucher.
Councilor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said: “The annual Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic initiative that encourages children from all areas of our city to continue their learning development over the holidays.
“Year after year, Manchester Libraries work hard with partner organisations in engaging young Mancunians to discover the joy of the written word.
"It’s a valuable campaign that tackles the dip in reading habits in young people, and we’re proud to see so many across the city get involved with it."
Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: "We're delighted to see how library partners across the country are organising their own events and activities to support this year's Summer Reading Challenge.
"We are really looking forward to working closely with them to help get children reading, imagining, and staying active this summer.”
For more information on the Ready, Set, Read challenge, you can visit: https://manclibraries.blog/2023/06/28/summer-reading-challenge-2023-ready-set-read/
