Thousands of West Sussex children take part in Summer Reading Challenge

Read all about it - the results are in from West Sussex Library Service’s Summer Reading Challenge. This year almost 11,000 children took part across 36 libraries, spending the summer discovering new stories and sounds. Called Read To The Beat, the challenge encouraged children to explore the link between storytelling and sound. 

West Sussex County Council’s Library Service aims to help improve children’s reading skills and confidence. The Summer Reading Challenge was just one of the exciting ways libraries do this throughout the year.

Cllr Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue at West Sussex County Council said: “We are really pleased that nearly 11,000 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge this year and that over 1,000 children joined us for stories and craft activities in our libraries. This challenge is a great way to help share the joy of reading with children over the long summer break and helps improve literacy levels across the county.

“It’s fantastic to welcome new members and see so many children and families enjoying our libraries, especially as the National Year of Reading draws to a close.”

Running from 4 July to 12 September, West Sussex’s youngest residents (aged 4 to 11) had access to a wide range of books including stories, comic books and eAudiobooks. After setting their own reading goals and selecting stories to read, children were welcomed back to libraries throughout the summer to discuss their latest read with the Summer Reading Challenge volunteers. Along the way they collected stickers and other exciting rewards. Under 4s could also take part in a mini challenge.

One West Sussex parent said: “It was brilliant! Thank you for all the free activities as well. For the first time ever, my son is asking to read to me!”

10,989 children signed up for Read To The Beat and 5,820 completed the challenge (53%), receiving a special certificate and medal to celebrate their achievement as reading superstars! Over 100 free events also took place in libraries across West Sussex where children and adults could share the joy of reading, with nearly 1,600 people attending.

This year’s challenge also saw:

·       294,000+ physical book loans over the summer of children’s books

·       14,000+ eBook, eAudio, eComic and eMagazine loans

·       300+ volunteers aged 14+ giving over 4,000 hours to support the challenge

·       1,500+ children become new members

To find out more about libraries in West Sussex and how to join, visit West Sussex Library Service here: https://libraries.westsussex.gov.uk/