In this week's column, Liz Terry, the leader of Reading Borough Council, encourages young people to join an exciting reading challenge held at libraries in Reading. Councillor Terry writes:

Just like that, school is out for summer (if you can call it that).

If you’re not going way away, for parents of children across Reading means trying to keep them entertained.

In these high-tech days of home entertainment, it can be easy to forget the options on offer beyond the front door and where better to start than in Reading’s wonderful branch libraries – all seven of them - and the town’s ever-popular Summer Reading Challenge.

This year’s theme is all about getting creative, whether that is music, junk modelling, photography, dancing, story writing, or whatever else you fancy. The challenge is aimed at children and young people, aged four to 11, who can sign up to the challenge of reading six books of their choice over the weeks to come.

The way the academic year is divided in this country means it’s a very long summer break ahead, and not just for weary parents. For children, it’s entirely normal that their reading skills can dip a little over the lengthy period, which is where this challenge comes in. Not only is it an opportunity to take advantage of all seven wonderful libraries across Reading, it also allows children and young people to keep their reading skills honed so they can hit the ground running when term restarts in September.

That isn’t always the case for children who don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure. Not only is this an opportunity to positively impact on their learning at the start of the next school year, but this year's creative theme aims to encourage even reluctant readers to get involved. There are lots of rewards available to make encouragement a bit easier - every child receives a free folder, stickers, medal and certificate. Don't worry if you are not yet a library member - you can sign up quickly and easily online at www.reading.gov.uk/libraries, or at your local library.

In previous years thousands of children in Reading have taken part in the Summer Reading challenge and hopefully that will prove the case once again.  

And for the even younger ones, and so that siblings don’t miss out, there is a mini-challenge for pre-school children too.

To take part families can drop-in to pick up a free starter pack at their local library branch. This year’s challenge is now open and runs until 21 September. The latest details and full opening times can be found at: www.reading.gov.uk/libraries 

Children can also join in the fun online, on the official challenge website.

Happy reading, Reading.