Summer Reading Challenge - Space Chase blasts off on Saturday 13 July in all Kent Libraries

The Summer Reading Challenge 2019 starts on 13 July and runs throughout the summer holidays, finishing on 14 September. It’s aimed at children aged 4 to 11, runs in all Kent Libraries and is completely free.

This year’s theme is Space Chase, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Children are challenged to read 6 library books and are presented with a special medal and certificate at the end, collecting an exciting selection of space-themed rewards along the way.

Children taking part team up with futuristic family "The Rockets" for an exciting space mission as they track down books nabbed by a mischievous band of aliens. As children read library books for the Summer Reading Challenge, they will receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells. By adding these stickers to their collectable mission folders, young readers will help the Rockets solve clues, dodge asteroids and discover the missing books, having lots of fun and adventures along the way. There are other rewards too.

To take part in Space Chase, all children need to do is sign up at their nearest library, where they will be given a collector folder to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey.

To add to the fun there are further activities for them to do on the official Summer Reading Challenge website

Feedback from last year highlighted what a difference the challenge made to children’s reading over the summer:

• "The Summer Reading Challenge really motivated my daughter. As a result my daughter’s reading has clicked and she was the first in her year to become a free reader." - Parent of 7 year old
• "I found this an excellent way of getting my son to continue reading throughout the holidays, which is a challenge." - Parent of 7 year old
• "I found that because it encouraged my daughter to read, my little boy became a lot more interested in the books she had and wanted his own. He now has his own library card." - Parent of children aged 7 and 2
• "I really enjoyed reading because at least I had something to do and not be bored. I read some books that I would not normally read and I went out of my comfort zone." - 10 year old boy.

The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries.

Find out more at your local library or visit the Kent Libraries website

Contact Details

Karen Sillifant
Telephone: 03000 41 44 39
Email: Karen.Sillifant@kent.gov.uk