This Saturday sees the start of a fantastic summer of reading related fun taking place in Barnet libraries with the ‘Mischief Makers’, Summer Reading Challenge 2018.
Running from Saturday 14 July to Saturday 8 September, the challenge is free to take part in, and gives children an incentive to continue reading and developing their literacy during the long summer holidays.
This year’s theme celebrates the 80th anniversary of the much-loved comic, Beano.
Barnet’s libraries are teaming up with The Reading Agency to bring Dennis, Gnasher, Bananaman and all the Beanotown characters to life.
Children aged 4 to 11 are encouraged to read six library books during the summer holidays and they receive stickers to add to their Beanotown map or a reward for every book they read. There’s a certificate and a gold medal for anyone who finishes the challenge by reading all six books.
Children of all reading abilities can join in and read whatever they choose; stories, joke books, factual books or even audiobooks or eBooks from our digital library. The books must be borrowed from a library in Barnet.
Children can register for free at their local library or online.
There will also be a range of events going on in libraries across the borough including a comic strip masterclass from real life Beano artist Kev F, animal handling ‘Motley Zoo’ sessions from Zoolab, and a drama workshop with Freshwater Theatre.
There are also plenty more activities for children under 11 – from babies to year 6.
Councillor Reuben Thompstone, Chairman of the Community Leadership and Libraries Committee, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to help children keep up their enthusiasm for reading over the summer holidays.
“This year’s challenge is themed around some pretty familiar characters, so I’m sure it will grab the attention of young readers. The challenge runs until September and I would like to encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”