Summer reading takes children through a 'Mythical Maze'

​Libraries have been decorated with mythical creatures

​The popular Summer Reading Challenge has returned to Havering’s libraries to keep the kids busy with books during the school holidays.

Children in the borough are being asked to rise to the challenge of reading six books through the holidays. The theme this year is ‘Mythical Maze’ – and libraries have been decorated with wondrous mythical creatures to create a fun environment for them.

 

The Summer Reading Challenge is a national campaign led by the Reading Agency that encourages kids to read during the summer. It came about after research found that kids reading levels drop significantly over the period, which means they struggle when they go back to school and subsequently fall behind.

 

Research has also found that enjoyment of reading and literacy skills are key in later success and quality of life.

 

Councillor Melvin Wallace, Cabinet Member for Culture and Community Engagement, said:

“We want kids to stay at the top of their game, despite being on holiday, to keep learning and keep progressing – initiatives like this help them to do this in a fun way!”

 

Children need to read six books over the summer, and at the end of each book, they visit their local library and talk through the book with a volunteer or member of staff.

 

When they complete all six, their certificate and medal are presented to them when they return to school in their assembly. If the child goes to pre-school, secondary school, or is schooled out of the borough, they can collect their medal and certificate from the library that they participated in the challenge at.

 

Havering Council’s libraries have taken part in the challenge since it started, around 16 years ago. In 2012, Havering achieved a 69 per cent completion rate against a London average of 49 per cent - which was joint top in London with Richmond. Last year, even more children took part, with 73 per cent of 3,876 participants completing it.

 

The libraries have a dedicated group of volunteers of all ages who make this an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for the kids taking part. And there is also a volunteer at Harold Hill library who offers Summer Reading Challenge sessions for deaf children, allowing the children to sign about the books.

 

For more information, visit your local library.