06 July 2023
Jersey Library is preparing to launch this year's Summer Reading Challenge. The event – which
runs from Saturday 8 July to 16 September – is an annual event which challenges children to read
books during the summer holidays.
The theme, ‘Ready, Set, Read!’, is a celebration of reading, sport, games and play which
encourages children to learn the key qualities in sport, such as teamwork, resilience, coordination
and creative thinking. There are six stickers to collect, and those who complete the challenge
receive a medal and a certificate.
Children will be able to take part in the challenge at the Town Library, Communicare and Mobile
libraries. Also Samarès and Trinity schools will be open on select days throughout the summer for
children who want to take part. A bite-sized mini-challenge is available for children aged three and
under.
The Summer Reading Challenge begins on Saturday 8 July with performances of the Silent
Garden puppet show at the Town Library and Communicare library. Throughout the challenge,
children will also be able to attend free events featuring guests including UK storyteller Tayna
Landman and Sally Minty Gravett MBE, Jersey’s most prolific Channel swimmer.
Every child who completes the Summer Reading Challenge will also receive a pass for a free swim
at AquaSplash. Once a child has collected all their challenge stickers, they can claim a certificate,
a medal and a pass that entitles them to one free swim at AquaSplash during a public swim
session, to be used within six months of issue. Children under 8 must be supervised.
This year, the Summer Reading Challenge is also teaming up with Nike and Rebel Girls to give
away copies of their new book, ‘Rebel Girls Kick It: World Champions Take the Pitch, and You Can
Too’. The limited edition book features original illustrations of 28 Nike athletes, stories and
activities aimed at improving football skills and is suitable for children aged 8-14.
Chief Librarian, Ed Jewell, said: “The start of the Summer Reading Challenge is always a highlight
in the Library’s year, marking not just the coming end of the summer term but also the start of six
weeks of fun in our libraries. We’re thrilled to be starting the Challenge this year with performances
of The Silent Garden puppet show and are once again very grateful to the generosity of
AquaSplash, for providing a free swim to every child who completes the Challenge, ensuring that
children are engaged, learning and keeping active over the summer holidays.”
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