Over 20,000 Children to Get Creative for Summer Reading Challenge

Herts Summer Reading Challenge 2024

This summer, children can visit their local Hertfordshire Library, run and funded by Hertfordshire County Council, to join the Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge, firing up their imaginations through the power of reading and creative expression.

In partnership with The Reading Agency and Create, a leading arts charity, this year’s Challenge celebrates children’s creativity and storytelling abilities. Children will be encouraged to explore new books and stories while taking part in free activities, from poetry and music to arts and crafts and more.

The Challenge will be running in all Hertfordshire Libraries from Saturday 6 July to Saturday 7 September. The perfect free activity for the summer break, children are encouraged to read six library books and collect stickers. Those who finish the Challenge will be rewarded with a medal and certificate and be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to an interactive poetry workshop with award-winning poet, Joshua Seigal.

Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge to discover more about the Challenge and learn more about some Marvellous Makes to do at home. Some libraries will have pop up Maker Stations happening during the summer holidays, with simple, fun and free activities that are sure to unleash children’s creativity.

Michele Murphy, Head of Hertfordshire County Council’s libraries service, said: ‘The Summer Reading Challenge is always a really exciting time for children to enjoy our libraries. It’s lovely to see so many young readers, new and old delve into the wonderful world of books and discover so many new stories, characters, and facts. Last year, nearly 20,000 children across Hertfordshire joined in with the Challenge and we are hoping this year we will have even more.

‘This year’s theme reminds us how the creative arts can help to enhance everyone’s wellbeing, and providing local, and free opportunities to experience reading, art and culture is part of Hertfordshire County Council’s ambition to give every child, no matter their background or experience, the best possible start in life.’