Years of running the Summer Reading Challenge has shown us that it encourages a love of reading and helps stop the dip in reading levels that can occur. By offering it for free no one needs to be excluded, everyone can enjoy the fun. Children aged 4 to 12 are challenged to read six books during the summer holiday. It runs in every library from mid July to mid September and has a different theme each year. . Every year around 4,000 children in York take part, keep up their reading skills and build their confidence. Children can read whatever they like - fact books, joke books, stories or audio books - borrowed from the library. They receive small rewards each time they finish a book and a certificate when they complete the Challenge. We run an event to launch the challenge and a celebration for those completing at the end, as well as an exciting programme of children's activities over summer,

What we'll deliver:

• 1. People and materials to run the challenge
• 2. A wide range of fun activities for children
• 3. Opportunities for volunteers of all ages
• 4. A safe and friendly space to visit

Why it's a great idea:

Research shows that reading for pleasure is more important to children’s successes than education or social class. This benefits us all. The difference it makes is backed up by the parents of those who have taken part. “This has been excellent; the children have really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it especially XX, who has special needs. They will be back next year.” “My son doesn’t always love reading but the incentive of prizes powered him through six challenging books. “! We also provide a variety of activities over the summer holidays that appeal to a wide range of children and makes learning fun. “Thank you so much for doing this event and making it affordable, I wouldn't be able to bring my children to an event like this otherwise as it would be too expensive.” On top of helping children, families and schools the challenge provides a great volunteering opportunity and gives people experience of working with children and references for education or employment .

Steps to get it done:

• Order the materials for the Summer Reading Challenge.
• Plan launch and celebration events
• Recruit and train volunteers and train staff
• Advertise the Challenge through schools and the media
• Launch the Challenge at a special event
• Celebrate children's achievements at a final event

People backing us are invited to come to our Summer Reading Challenge launch event in July or to our Celebration event in October. You will get a chance to try some of our activities, meet the staff delivering the challenge and see what is involved for yourself.