Summer Reading Challenge can help inspire young people

Young readers are invited to get their thinking caps on and take part in this year’s free Summer Reading Challenge with Oldham Council’s libraries.

The event challenges four to 11-year-olds to read at least six books during their summer holiday to earn rewards and improve their literacy skills.

There are over 30 free sessions happening across the borough in partnership with the Holiday Activity Fund that will include a free hot meal for people attending (booking required).

This year’s theme is “Gadgeteers”, which will hopefully inspire young readers to reach for the stars and explore how science and maths help create brilliant inventions and devices.

There are stickers and prizes to collect along the way, and a medal and certificate at the end.

And it’s all free.

Research shows that encouraging children to read for pleasure can improve their language and communication skills.

Councillor Elaine Taylor, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “This is a great and fun initiative to help young people with their reading – especially while school’s out for the summer.

“The Summer Reading Challenge events are always popular in Oldham, even last year when we had had to organise virtual events due to Covid.

"This year, families will also benefit from free, healthy hot meals at most events.

“Children who take on the challenge really benefit and it shows when they return to school in September.

“The reading challenge provides a good opportunity for families to explore the range of books available at our popular libraries.”

A full list of events is available here.

Here's a taster of what’s in store:

Sign Up Saturday

Sign up for the challenge and have fun making Lego Robots, musical instruments and slime!

Science and Industry Museum Inventors’ Workshop

Get excited about the world changing ideas that started in Manchester with this interactive session. You'll even be able to have a go at creating your own machine.

An afternoon with much loved Children’s author Pip Jones

Meet Pip Jones (author of popular picture book, Izzy Gizmo) to hear about Izzy's trials and tribulations, learn about inventions throughout history, and come up with a marvellous imaginary machine.

Oldham Coliseum’s The Gadgeteers Secret Mission

Join our Gadgeteer on their secret mission this summer. This interactive show will have you following the gadgeteer on their journey of discovery. Expect fun, puzzles and discoveries.

Dommy B’s Greatest Hits (Bang! Crash! Boom!)

Dommy B is a singer-of-words who has won loads of competitions all over the world. Experience hilarious, stories and poems about battling magic monsters and ingenious gadgeteers with exploding creations!

To take part in the Summer Reading Challenge pop down to any of the borough’s libraries.

For further information, call 0161 770 8000 and bookings click or tap here.

The website, www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk, offers inspiration from many authors and is online all year round.

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