Find your reading rhythm this summer with Slough Libraries

Read to the Beat is the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which launches in all Slough libraries tomorrow (Tuesday).

This exciting new theme encourages children to explore the link between stories and songs, showing how reading and music can spark imagination and creativity.

Slough Music Service will also be working in harmony with our libraries to help deliver some fun musical activities.

From tomorrow (Tuesday) children in Slough can sign up for the challenge at The Curve, Britwell, Cippenham and Langley libraries and rock their summer reading lists!

There will be a special symphony collage launch tomorrow (Tuesday) where children can explore textures, colours and shapes, inspired by music to create their own unique artwork. This will be at The Curve, after school until 5pm, and at Britwell, Cippenham, and Langley libraries, after school until 4.45pm.

To take part in the challenge, a child aged 4-11 needs to be a member of the library and have their own library card. Joining the library is free.

Children can complete the challenge by reading six library books over the summer, collecting stickers as they progress. The challenge runs until 12 September.

They can update their progress through the challenge at any library in Slough. Those that finish will be rewarded with a Read to the Beat completion certificate and medal to mark hitting the high note.

Councillor Gurcharan Manku, lead member for customer experience and access, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is always a fun event in the library calendar each year. Our staff will be delighted to sign children up to take part in the challenge and will host a variety of themed activities over the summer.  

“It’s also the National Year of Reading, a campaign which says, ‘if you are into it, read into it’. This encourages reading in all formats, such as books, e-books, comics, graphic novels, magazines and online blogs, and on whatever subject interests you most.

“We encourage as many people as possible to join the challenge, pick up some new books of their choice and go on some new literary adventures.”

The Read to the Beat theme aims to harness the universal appeal of music to inspire the next generation of readers. A combination of music and storytelling will develop children’s self-expression, creativity and rhythm and there will be opportunities to hear, perform, create and celebrate the joy of music.

Reading skills can sometimes dip over the summer holidays, so the challenge is an opportunity to make reading a fun activity. It encourages children to become lifelong book lovers.

Children will be encouraged to give their opinions on the books they have read through book chats with library staff and volunteers.

The challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries. This year’s theme is brought to life through illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Harry Woodgate.

Find more information on the Summer Reading Challenge.