1 July to 12 September
The Summer Reading Challenge got off to a fantastic start across Manchester, with the Children and Access Team delivering three exciting launch events for local pupils. Libraries across the city also hosted themed class visits and school assemblies, inspiring children to take part in this year’s challenge.
The Summer Reading Challenge plays an important role in helping children maintain their reading skills over the school holidays. Research shows that some children can experience a “summer reading dip”, where reading habits and confidence decline when they are away from the classroom for several weeks. The challenge encourages children to continue reading for pleasure throughout the summer, helping to boost literacy, confidence and wellbeing while developing a lifelong love of books. It also introduces families to the wide range of free resources, activities and support available through Manchester’s libraries.
Our first launch took place at The Forum Library, where more than 200 primary school children and The Lord Mayor enjoyed Sophia Hatfield’s energetic Footy Fairy Tales show. Her imaginative storytelling and football-themed fun created plenty of excitement and laughter.
The celebrations continued with Dommy B, who toured Manchester libraries and schools over two days with his new show and book, The Dinosaurs Are Back! An incredible 590 children joined performances packed with storytelling, dancing, tongue twisters and dinosaur facts. Each participating school received a copy of the book to continue the adventure.
Our third launch featured Ilaria the Storyteller, who delighted 83 Key Stage 1 children with a musical puppet show.
In total, 880 children were introduced to the Summer Reading Challenge through school launch events and hundreds of other children were joined to the challenge in Libraries, making the launch week a tremendous success.