Liverpool launches 2023 Summer Reading Challenge for children

Budding book worms are being encouraged to exercise their imaginations and take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Libraries across Liverpool are supporting the summer reading challenge which is free campaign that challenges youngsters to set themselves a reading goal, and collect special stickers and rewards along the way.

Although not compulsory to follow, this year’s theme for any interested child, is focused around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity, reinforcing the message of teamwork, imagination, taking part and having fun.

Aimed at children between the ages of four to 11, there is a suggested booklist featuring 55 diverse titles, including picture books, early readers and middle grade titles, along with several dyslexia-friendly books.

Last year, almost 2,000 youngsters took part in the challenge in Liverpool and the City Council’s libraries team is hoping even more will take part this year.

The Summer Reading Challenge is organised by The Reading Agency and has been running since 1999 and helps to improve children’s reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for their return to school. Nationally in 2022, the Challenge reached 723,184 children and families across the UK, with 608,015 children taking part through their local library service, a 31 per cent increase compared to 2021. The Challenge also drove 132,223 new children’s library memberships which is 40 per cent higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic total.

Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“The power of reading should never be underestimated – it fires the imagination, expands knowledge, enhances language skills and empowers young minds to explore diverse perspectives.

“It’s fantastic to see the Summer Reading Challenge return as once youngsters get the reading bug, books become lifelong companions, providing hours of endless entertainment.

“Last year we had a fantastic response to the challenge, but we’d like to see even more young people get involved and encourage those who haven’t already, to discover the wonderful world our local libraries can open up.”

Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency said:

“We’re delighted to see how library partners across the country are organising their own events and activities to support this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. We are really looking forward to working closely with them to help get children reading, imagining, and staying active this summer.”