05 July 2016
Jersey Library is poised to encourage young people to get into reading again over the holidays with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, the Roald Dahl themed Big Friendly Read.
The Challenge gets underway on Saturday 9 July and is aimed at all the Island’s 4 to 11 year olds. Children who sign up for the challenge need to read six library books of their choice during the summer holidays. They will get illustrated collectors cards for each library book they read, and a medal and certificate if they complete the challenge by Saturday 10 September.
Children can take part in the Big Friendly Read at the Town Library, Les Quennevais Branch Library and the Mobile Library. Fiction and factual books, audio books and ebooks downloaded from Jersey Library’s website can all be enjoyed as part of the Challenge.
Library services
Children’s Librarian Linne Omissi said “The Summer Reading Challenge is such fun. Last year, more than 2,200 Jersey children took part, and we’re expecting even more to join in this year. We all love talking to children about their favourite books, and although this year the challenge has a Roald Dahl theme, the children can read any library book they like. We’re sure to hear a lot about Roald Dahl – but lots of other wonderful writers as well. Children love books, and they love receiving medals and certificates in the autumn term to reward them for their reading achievement.”
The Big Friendly Read website includes a 'book sorter' to help children find their next read and a special App can be downloaded to see the Challenge characters come to life.
The Big Friendly Read
Education Minister Deputy Rod Bryans said “The Summer Reading Challenge is now part and parcel of the holidays and has a positive impact on children’s reading habits and literacy levels. Teaching them to love books is one of the best lessons we can provide as parents and as a community, and what better way to do this than with a Roald Dahl theme. I hope some of the children taking part pick up one of his stories for the first time and discover how funny and magical books can be.”
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