The free initiative was officially launched at Swindon Central Library with a day of crafts, entertainment and family activities designed to inspire children to read during the school holidays.
Young readers are challenged to borrow and read six books over the summer, collecting a sticker for each one before completing the challenge.
Councillor Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said:
“The Summer Reading Challenge is free for every child in Swindon to take part in. It’s all about reading books, collecting stickers and rewards for reading as many different books as possible.”
“Bring them into the libraries. That’s the most important thing. That’s what today’s about. It’s about getting kids through the door of the library, realising how many books they can access and enjoy.”
“So much research has shown that if you develop a love of reading early on, you will do better in school and in your exams, and then you will have better jobs. That is the research.”
Cllr Tomlinson also shared some of the books that have stayed with her since childhood, including Harry Potter, Mog, the Forgetful Cat and The Queen’s Hat. She said Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire remains her favourite in the series.
The launch event also showcased a range of activities alongside reading, with organisers hoping to attract more families into their local libraries.
Councillor Matt Hinton, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, said:
“The Summer Reading Challenge is a great initiative… aimed at getting young people involved in reading and signed up as members of the library. It spans reading, art, there’s singing later, Disney, K-pop, there’s everything. It’s a really vibrant project, and something everyone should get involved in.”
He said:
“When I was younger, I loved reading and computer games. I loved fantasy and mediaeval stuff, and I think there was a lot of alignment there. They’re not necessarily contradictory, they are in many cases one and the same.”
Speaking about the role libraries play within the community, he added:
“In the winter, they’re warm spaces that perhaps take on an alternative function. But today, it’s difficult to say that this isn’t the busiest it’s been for a while.”
Asked where he would choose to enjoy a book on a warm summer’s day, he said:
“Somewhere nice and cool and shady up on the Ridgeway.”
Councillor Alex Hughes, Swindon Borough Council’s Mental Health Champion, said keeping children reading throughout the summer holidays is important to help maintain literacy skills.
She said:
“We know that reading drops off over the summer, so having events like this really keeps children engaged over the summer, and keeps them reading and improving their literacy skills.”
She added:
“Literacy has been proven to be so important in terms of future attainment and really helping kids fulfil their potential.”
For children who believe reading is not for them, she said the key is finding books linked to their interests.
She said:
“There’s a book for everyone. It might be a hobby that you have, and there’ll be a book for it. My nephew is really into Warhammer, so he’s got a whole shelf full of Warhammer novels. The same with Star Wars, and comics. There’s a book for everyone.”
Cllr Hughes said her own childhood favourites included The Secret Garden, What Katy Did and the stories of Joss Williams.
The Summer Reading Challenge is running throughout the school summer holidays at libraries across Swindon. Children are encouraged to borrow six books, collect their stickers and complete the challenge before the new school term begins.
