A wave of creativity is set to sweep across Swindon as the annual Summer Reading Challenge, themed ‘Marvellous Makers,’ kicks off next weekend on 6th July.
This year’s event promises to be a celebration of imagination and artistic expression, designed to inspire young readers and their families.
The festivities commence with a lively event at Central Library on Saturday, 6th July, from 10.30am to 1.30pm. The event is free and open to all, with families welcome to drop in at any time. The highlight of the day will be a special appearance by Libraries’ Children’s Patron, the award-winning writer and illustrator Steve Antony. He will officially launch the Summer Reading Challenge with a range of engaging activities.
Attendees can look forward to an array of fun, including giant bubble-making by Becca Bubbles and the chance to ride the Smoothie Bike, where children can pedal their way to a delicious fruit smoothie. Story Time sessions with Steve Antony and library staff, craft activities, and games will also be on offer. Additionally, there will be a new book giveaway and free wildflower seeds for families to take home and grow.
Children can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge and collect their free Challenge Pack during the event. The Challenge, which runs until 8th September, encourages young people to read for pleasure, aiming for six books over the summer. Those who complete the challenge will receive a celebration certificate and medal from any Swindon library.
Library membership is required to participate in the Challenge, but becoming a member is simple and can be done at any Swindon library or through the Swindon Libraries’ website. To ensure accessibility, any outstanding children’s fines will be waived upon the return of overdue books, and lost books or library cards can be discussed with library staff to enable participation.
This year’s theme, ‘Marvellous Makers,’ celebrates creativity in all its forms. It aims to inspire children to express themselves and explore their imagination through reading and creative activities. Each participant will receive a Summer Reading Challenge Pack, which includes a ‘Make a Marvellous Monster’ competition by Steve Antony. He will judge the entries, with one winner selected from each of Swindon’s 14 libraries. Winners will be invited to a special prize event to meet Steve and receive a signed book.
Older children have the opportunity to engage in the Book Bingo Challenge for a chance to win a £30 shopping voucher. To support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), a new Quiet Hour will be piloted, allowing families to browse the library before it opens. Relaxed and interactive storytelling sessions are also planned, along with an inclusive activities sheet created in collaboration with Swindon SEND Families Voice.
Allie Brown, Development Manager at Swindon Libraries, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s Challenge: “We’re really excited about this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. It’s for all children and young people, not just those who already love reading. We’re keen to welcome non-readers and emphasise that reading is for pleasure. There are so many ways children can join in, and there’s no one right way to take part.”
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Libraries, added, “I’m delighted it’s Summer Reading Challenge season. It’s a wonderful celebration of reading and libraries that inspires children to explore new worlds and activities. The events sound fantastic and are designed to appeal to all children, especially those who may not yet enjoy reading or think libraries aren’t for them. I hope children from all parts of Swindon discover and grow their love of reading, and I’m looking forward to hearing about what they discover on their journey.”
The Summer Reading Challenge is poised to be a vibrant and inclusive celebration, encouraging Swindon’s youngsters to delve into the joys of reading and creativity.
