More than 700 young Croydon readers have signed up in just two weeks to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, supported by Croydon Council’s 13 libraries.
The challenge aims to get children aged between four and 11 to read at least six books over the summer break, receiving special awards as they complete each one – and a special certificate for those that finish all six. Children can choose whatever title they like: fiction, non-fiction, joke, picture or audio books, just as long as they visit one of Croydon’s libraries to tell us about what they read.
Those who complete the challenge can enter a prize draw form to win a Kindle Fire 7 tablet, generously donated by Croydon marketing automation business dotmailer.
Further special events are planned to get Croydon’s young people reading over the summer:
• Popular storyteller Richard Neville returns to Coulsdon (10.30-11.30am) and Purley (2.30-3.30pm) libraries on 30 July;
• A comics workshops delivered by artist Karen Rubins will be held in Central (10.30am-12pm) and Selsdon (2-3.30pm) libraries on 3 August;
• Richard Neville will also appear on 4 August at New Addington (11am-12pm) and Broad Green (3-4pm) libraries;
• Storyteller Elaine Joseph returns on 6 August to Norbury (11am-12pm) and South Norwood (3-4pm) libraries;
• To avoid disappointment please note that all events will need to be booked in advance by calling or emailing the library. Contact details can be found at: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/find-your-library.
“The Summer Reading Challenge is a great opportunity for children and young people to keep up their reading over the summer holidays. We are proud that the borough’s libraries are now run by the council again and we can do fun and exciting things like this.”
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
David Aldrich, Global HR Director from dotmailer, said: “We’re delighted to be associated with promoting literacy and learning among Croydon’s young people, particularly when it comes to digital technologies.”
For more information about the challenge, visit: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/.
Note to editors:
• dotmailer has a 20-year connection with the Croydon community, when it opened its first technology office in the borough. The firm’s recent co-development and pledge to the Croydon Good Employer charter – another Croydon Council initiative – continues the company’s commitment to fair pay, inclusive employment and local buying.
