Summer Reading Challenge comes to Swindon

From Library Safaris and Outdoor Survival Kit Making to Paint Fest Family Fun Day, creative writing, animation workshops, music, crafts and games – there’s something for every young person.

The fun began with a launch event on Saturday, 26 July at Central Library with a Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Aimed at children aged 4 to 11, families enjoyed a live ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ story time, competitions, free snacks and books and were given wildflower seeds to plant at home.

During the Challenge, further free Teddy Bear’s Picnics will also pop up across Swindon, including at The Circle, Pinetrees, Penhill, Park South, Wharf Green, Broadgreen and Town Gardens.

Children aged 12 and above can also enter a Book Bingo Challenge over the holidays, with a £30 prize voucher up for grabs.

A relaxed, interactive storytelling session for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will take place at North Swindon Library on Thursday 21 August, co-hosted with the National Literacy Trust.

Families will also be able to enjoy a variety of themed trails that combine reading, nature and discovery. The National Literacy Trust Story Trails at Seven Fields invite families to follow interactive story walks, with prompts to act out or imagine as they go.

The national Summer Reading Challenge encourages young people to read for pleasure and offers a vibrant programme of free activities, inspired by this year’s theme, ‘Story Garden’.

To register for the Reading Challenge, children can collect a free Challenge Pack at the launch event or from any local library. Children aged four and under will receive two free books and a tote bag when they sign up. Rewards are collected as children read and complete activities, with a certificate, medal, and invitation to a Celebration Ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Swindon for those who complete all six milestones.

Award-winning author Steve Antony is also leading a ‘Deep Sea Doodles’ art competition during the Summer Reading Challenge, with winners from each of Swindon’s 14 libraries receiving a signed book and a special prize event.

Schools can also take part in the Challenge as Swindon is one of six national winners of a special prize of a free school visit to a National Trust site.

Allie Brown, Development Manager at Swindon Libraries, said: “We’re excited about this year’s Challenge and are keen to include all children, not just those who already enjoy reading.

“With around 30,000 children’s books in our libraries, which can all be borrowed for free, there is something for every child to enjoy. We’ve also got an excellent digital range, which you can read or listen to using the free BorrowBox app.

“We want all children to be able to take part in the Challenge and make the most of their local libraries all year-round, so if you are unsure what to read, please speak to our staff who will be able to suggest your potential new favourite page-turner.”

Councillor Jim Grant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “I’m delighted it’s Summer Reading Challenge season. There are so many ways for children to take part, reading what they enjoy either by themselves, or being read to or reading to others, or at any of the events.”

“It’s great that we’ve been able to expand events into community settings so families can enjoy activities close to home. They all sound fantastic and we look forward to seeing new and familiar faces in libraries and at the community events.”

Information about the Summer Reading Challenge and all events is on Swindon Libraries’ website.