Summer Reading Challenge invites children to blast off!

As part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, children from across Staffordshire are invited to join in the Space Chase at Stone Library.

The theme for the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge is Space Chase, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries Service are backing the campaign and are asking 4-11 year-olds to borrow and read any six library books during the summer holidays.

Futuristic family The Rockets will help children through an exciting space mission as they track down books nabbed by a mischievous band of aliens. As children read their books, they will receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells. By adding these stickers to their collectable mission folders, young readers will help the Rockets solve clues, dodge asteroids and discover the missing books, having lots of fun and adventures along the way.

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Gill Heath, Libraries Chief at Staffordshire County Council said: “Reading is the perfect way for youngsters to let their imaginations run wild and keep the boredom at bay during the six week holiday.

“This year’s space theme is brilliant and has been chosen to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.  Last summer, children worked with a professional illustrator to come up with ideas for the Space Chase adventure, and we hope the Challenge will inspire all children to use their local library and to read lots of great books throughout the summer and beyond.”

To take part in Space Chase, all children need to do is sign up at their nearest library, where they will be given a collector folder to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey.  The campaign started on Saturday 13 July and runs throughout the summer.

Six-year-old Caelan Gayton from Stone is one enthusiastic young reader looking forward to the Summer Reading Challenge. Caelan said: “I’m really excited about the challenge and I’m going to definitely read all my six books and solve the puzzles.”

Gill added: “We know from talking to parents and families that children love taking part in the challenge, and last year over 11,000 children took part at a Staffordshire Library. Each year we also get lots of volunteers helping out, so if anyone wants to help out please ask at your local library.”