Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers  

1 July – 14 September 

Manchester Libraries is inviting you to join 1,000’s of children in this summer’s reading challenge!  Can you borrow and read six library books between now and 14 September?  Taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge and activities hosted in libraries is completely free. 

How does it work?  

When you next visit one of our libraries, ask to join the Summer Reading Challenge.  It’s aimed at children 4-11, but we won’t say no if you’re over 11 and fancy having a go.  There’s a mini challenge for Under 4’s too.  When you join, you’ll be given a collector pack and as you read books, you’ll earn stickers to add to your collector pack.  When you’ve read six books, you’ll be rewarded with a medal and certificate.  If you go to a primary school in Manchester, these will be given to you in school so your friends can celebrate with you too. 

What can I read? 

This year’s theme is Marvellous Makers, but you can read any book you’d like to.  It could be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or a graphic novel – the important thing is enjoying reading. Why not use the challenge to discover a new author or swap ideas about books with friends and family?  You can also read digital eBooks and eAudiobooks using our free Borrowbox app and signing in with your library card – visit borrowbox.com.  If you’re reading digitally, please remember to tell the library staff when you’ve completed the Challenge so we can make sure you get your medal and certificate. 

If you can’t make it to a library, you can also join online on The Reading Agency website: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.  Remember to enter ‘Manchester’ when asked for more information. 

Competition and prizes 

When you’ve completed the Challenge, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win book goodies and a £100 voucher.  We’ll also have goody bag winners in each of our 22 libraries and library staff will nominate children to receive a Special Effort goody bag too. 

Why not enter our book review and art competitions?  If you’ve read a great book, please tell us about it!  You can either write a review or draw a picture.  There are four age categories and each winner will win either a Kindle tablet or art supplies.  You can see our T&Cs here.

Apply for your Blue Peter Book Badge 

The Blue Peter Book Club is a Guiness World Record holder as the largest online book club!  Why not apply for your Blue Peter Book Badge this summer too?  If you’re reading and reviewing a book for our competitions, you’re halfway there already!  Find out more on the Blue Peter website – bbc.co.uk/bluepeter 

Marvellous Makers free activities in libraries 

Our summer activities in libraries start when school’s out.  There are a huge range of different things for you to try – from building marble runs, to crafty activities and even beat boxing.  You can find all our activities and many more on the Loads to Do website. 

Watch Dommy B’s fantastic poem about our Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge