Take up your own Olympic challenge this summer holiday (From Worcester News)

Take up your own Olympic challenge this summer holiday

5:23pm Tuesday 10th July 2012 in County Bulletin

Children aged four to 12 in Worcestershire are being encouraged to take up their own Olympic challenge this summer by joining Story Lab, this years Summer Reading Challenge.

The hugely popular Summer Reading Challenge returns to Worcestershire's Libraries from 11 July through until 10 September. The launch will take place as part of the official opening of The Hive by the Queen on Wednesday 11 July.

The county's libraries will be hosting activities and events designed to create a real buzz around children's reading, as part of the biggest national reading initiative, the Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge is simple - to read six library books over the summer holidays. Just head to your local library to enrol your children and pick up a free Story Lab model and membership pack. It's great fun and what's more, it's free! All children will get to collect stickers for their Lab model, and other incentives along the way, throughout the summer, with a certificate and medal for those who complete the challenge.

Story Lab is designed for children aged 4 -12 years, of all reading abilities. They can read any books they like, from fact books to stories, or joke books to picture books - audio books count too! As long as they're borrowing them from the library, they all count. Families are reminded that their local library is a great place to visit over the summer, as there are plenty of books and events to occupy the children, as well as the option to borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and audio books. And for those who fancy a trip further afield, don’t forget the new Hive library in Worcester.

Cllr John Campion, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Localism and Communities, said: "This is the perfect summer challenge for children aged between four and 12 years old as it keeps them reading throughout the holidays. Every child who completes the challenge will get a medal presented to them at their local library."

Additionally, the library is looking for enthusiastic young volunteers, aged 12 to 19, as well as keen adults, to come on board and become Summer Reading Challenge Champions to support younger children during the summer.

Natalie McVey, Worcestershire County Council's Service Development Co-ordinator for Young People, said: "We'd be delighted to hear from any young people aged 12 to 19 to volunteer and help support younger children with this year's Summer Reading Challenge. It's a great opportunity for teenagers to gain experience of working with younger children which may be something they are interested in doing in the future. It's also guaranteed to be good fun and very rewarding."

For more information phone 01905 822722 or email Sue Hargest/Emma Powell at libchildrenandfamilies@worcestershire.gov.uk . For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge visit: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

Teenagers or adults interested in becoming a Summer Reading Challenge Champion should text Natalie McVey on 07876 144905 with their name and write 'challenge' in their message.

For more information about Worcestershire's Libraries visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries.