The Summer Reading Challenge is the biggest annual reading promotion for children and this year (for the first time ever) we’re going digital! The challenge to read and enjoy books is still the same, but we’re pulling out all the stops to get you involved in new ways. For 2020, Silly Squad is all about funny books, happiness and having a laugh.
What’s the Silly Squad?
Children are invited to join the Silly Squad, a crew of fun-loving animals who enjoy exploring lots of different types of funny books. Step inside their colourful fun house for a side-splitting adventure celebrating the joy of reading – just watch out for a mysterious baddy who is up to no good!
Sign up online to start reading
Instead of joining the Challenge with us in the library, you can join from the comfort of your own home and read whatever books you fancy. Join here to set up your own personal profile area where you can set reading goals, review books and see book recommendations. You can also chat to friends on the forum, play games, download activities and get involved in family activities with rewards and unlockable content to keep you busy throughout the summer. All for free.
Get reading and busy with our online activities!
Launching on 1 July with the fabulous children’s author and illustrator Nick Sharratt, Manchester Libraries has a feast of Silly Squad Summer Reading Challenge activity for you this summer. For over nine weeks we’ll entertain you with a daily activity – from Draw Alongs, poetry and storytelling to craft ideas to do at home – there’s something for everyone! Join us on Facebook @manchesterlibraries every day at 11.00 a.m., or catch up on our YouTube channel.
Monday – Crafts with local Manchester artists
Tuesdays – Manchester’s very own Performance Poet and entertainer Dommy B!
Wednesday – ‘Draw Along’ mini-masterclass with award-winning Nick Sharratt
Thursdays – Pick & Mix – with a selection of great authors and storytellers
Fridays – Crafts and activities with Archives +
Showcase your talent and win with our Silly Squad competitions!
Our book review competition is back again this year, so get reading and sharing those book reviews with us. There will be four lucky winners who will each receive a bundle of new books and a Kindle Fire. We’re also introducing the new The Silly Squad made me do it! Competition which invites you to get creative with our Silly Squad artists, authors and storytellers. Every week we’ll select a winner and send them a brand new book. Your writing/pictures/creations might also appear on our Facebook page in our Summer Reading Challenge Special Showcase! For more information about both of these competitions, see here.
What if I need some more books to read?
You can borrow eAudiobooks & eBooks for free using BorrowBox and we’ve been busy adding more and more children’s books to our collections. Follow the instructions here and start reading new titles or listen to new stories any time of the day.
Follow Manchester Libraries on Facebook (Manchester Libraries), Twitter @manclibraries and instagram for our latest news and activities.
Illustrations © Laura Ellen Anderson 2020