Youngsters across Cornwall are getting ready to read their way to the finish line of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. 

‘Ready, Set, Read!’, the challenge for 2023, is all about games and sport with a story collection that celebrates play and teamwork and encourages children to develop a lifelong love of reading for pleasure. 

Developed by The Reading Agency in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust, it aims to show children aged four to 11 that reading is fun, exciting and can be shared with friends and family. 

The annual event is the UK’s largest reading programme for children – and it is completely free of charge. 

Children can sign up by visiting their local library where they will be challenged to read at least six books, gaining stickers and prizes along the way.  

When they beat the challenge and have read all their books, they receive a medal and a certificate to celebrate their achievement.  

What’s more, every child who completes the challenge will also be offered a free swim at a local leisure centre. 

This year’s challenge starts on Saturday, July 8, and runs throughout the summer, finishing on Saturday, September 16.  

Cllr Carol Mould, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great opportunity for families to engage with their local library and everything it has to offer. It’s free and easy to join — just pop in and talk to the friendly staff. 

“There’s plenty more on offer for all the family too including some brilliant, free events and activities across the summer holidays, including, skateboarding, learning circus skills, wizard duelling, Scalextric tournaments and lots more, so now’s the perfect time to drop in and get acquainted!” 

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, cabinet member for children and families at Cornwall Council, said: “It’s really important that children don’t stop reading when schools break up for the holidays and the Summer Reading Challenge is the perfect way for them to carry on having fun with books and keep their imaginations firing on all cylinders. It’s also completely free so won’t cost families a penny!”

For more information check out the Summer Reading Challenge website. To find out more about local libraries, and what they can offer, visit the Council’s libraries webpage.