Ready, Set, Read! Summer reading challenge in Inverness gets under way
More than 30 children went to Culloden Library’s launch of this year’s free summer reading challenge called Ready, Set, Read!
It also including some sport-inspired activities given that is the theme of this edition of the annual campaign.
It aims to bring together the benefits of sport, play and creativity.
Michelle Gowans, High Life Highland’s network librarian, said: “High Life Highland’s disability sport team moved into our facility around a year ago, and we had been looking to do some work together as colleagues.
“When the theme for this year summer reading challenge was announced, it seemed to be the perfect partnership.
“We saw a large increase in registrations for this year’s challenge compared to previous years, which is fantastic news after experiencing lockdown and recovery.
“Many of the families who came along mentioned that this was their first ever visit to Culloden Library. It’s so great to hear that the launch encourages Highland residents to explore what facilities High Life Highland has on offer.
“The idea behind the challenge is to encourage children to keep reading over the summer holiday period, so that building reading skills can continue beyond the classroom.
“Ultimately, Ready, Set, Read! is here to foster curiosity and enable lifelong learning, so it is a terrific opportunity for parents and carers to engage with High Life Highland staff, and see what support is available for helping them to build strong literacy skills in their young ones.
“Finishers of the Summer Reading Challenge always get a medal and certificate, and we want to help as many young people get recognised, rewarded, and celebrated for their reading achievements each summer.”
The challenge has been running across the UK since 1999 and helps to prevent the summer reading ‘dip’ that many young people experience during their summer holidays while schools are closed.
A closing event for the challenge will take place at Culloden Library on Monday, August 7 from 11am-1pm.
