Get set for the Summer Reading Challenge

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, the Story Garden, gets underway in Wolverhampton on Saturday (12 July).

Young readers are invited to sign up at any of the city’s 16 libraries for free, join the adventure and discover a magical world where stories grow.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge is delivered in partnership with The Reading Agency. Last year over 1,200 young bookworms took part, visiting their local library at least three times and reading at least six titles over the summer.

Participants can take part in competitions and will receive a certificate and medal on completion of the challenge.

To support this year’s theme, the city’s libraries will be hosting over 60 free activities including a special launch event at Central Library on Saturday featuring a magic show and balloon art from 11am-1pm.

Other highlights over the coming weeks includes a visit from Professor Black, digital games, story times and craft sessions. There will also be sessions from ‘Explore Learning’ and other partners. To find out more, visit your local library.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: "Reading not only helps children to develop their imagination but gives them essential skills for adulthood.

“We have been supporting the Summer Reading Challenge for well over a decade and it is always very popular with young bookworms and their families, so grab your packs and give it a go."

It's free to join Wolverhampton's libraries – to find out more, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries, call 01902 552025 or follow the library service on social media at www.facebook.com/wolveslibraries and www.x.com/wolveslibraries.