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Marvellous Makers: Bedford Borough Libraries Announce Summer Reading Challenge 2024
Bedford Borough Libraries have officially announced the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge as 'Marvellous Makers'. The annual event, produced by The Reading Agency, is a delightful opportunity designed to keep children aged four to eleven engaged with reading throughout their summer holidays.
A Summer of Imagination and Exploration
The 'Marvellous Makers' theme encourages young readers to immerse themselves in the world of storytelling and imagination. Running from Saturday, 13 July through to Saturday, 7 September, this free challenge invites children to explore new books, invent stories, and engage in creative activities inspired by their readings.
Cllr Sarah Gallagher (Conservative, Shortstown), the Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, expressed her enthusiasm: “This year’s Summer Reading Challenge promises to be a fantastic adventure for young minds and I encourage all young budding inventors, storytellers, and creative minds to join in.”
How It Works
Children who join the Summer Reading Challenge will receive a special bookmark with spaces for eighteen stamps. Each time they return a book they’ve read to a library, they earn a stamp. To keep young readers motivated, there are three exciting rewards to collect as they progress:
- First reward: A special Marvellous Maker certificate after reading six books.
- Second reward: A door hanger after reading twelve books.
- Third reward: The much-loved Summer Reading Challenge medal after reading eighteen books.
All Books Count
The beauty of the Summer Reading Challenge lies in its inclusivity. Every genre counts towards the challenge, whether children prefer picture books, storybooks, joke books, poetry, or audiobooks. This wide range of options ensures that every child finds something that sparks their interest and fuels their curiosity.
Furthermore, children can easily request books for free on the Bedford Borough Libraries website or app, or by simply asking the friendly staff members in any of the library branches.
Joining the Challenge
Joining the Summer Reading Challenge is straightforward and accessible to all children, even if they are not yet library members. All that is needed is for a parent or guardian to complete a membership form either at the library or online, and then collect a library card. It's worth noting that parents and carers must remain with children under 14 in the libraries.
For those who may not be able to visit the static libraries, the Bedford Borough Mobile Library provides a convenient alternative. Traveling across Bedford Borough each week, it ensures that every child has the opportunity to participate in this enriching program.
Further Information
Additional details about the Summer Reading Challenge can be found on the Bedford Borough Council website, specifically within the libraries section. Here, parents and guardians can find all necessary information to help their children embark on a summer filled with reading adventures and creative discoveries.
This year’s Marvellous Makers theme is set to inspire and engage young readers throughout Bedford Borough, making 2024 a memorable summer of creativity and learning.
Visit the Bedford Borough Libraries website for more information and to get started on this year's reading journey.
