South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 15/09/2016

Congratulations to children from the Kingswood area, pictured at their local library receiving medals and certificates for successfully completing The Big Friendly Read, Summer Reading Challenge 2016.

Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Erica Williams, was on hand to present the children with their awards at a special event at Kingswood Library on Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday, Tuesday 13 September. The group represented more than 6,600 children in South Gloucestershire who have taken part in this year’s event at libraries throughout the district.

Cllr Williams said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic program which makes reading fun and improves children’s reading range, motivation and confidence and opportunities. Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays, but taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge helps them to maintain their reading skills and confidence. I have really enjoyed talking with the children and families taking part and it is clear how much being part of the challenge means to them and the difference it makes. Congratulations to all of the children who have completed The Big Friendly Read this summer.”

Some of the children taking part said:
“I thought The Big Friendly Read has been really brilliant. I couldn’t take my eyes off every book I read.” – Lucas, age 9

“I think that it is a really good idea because if we are bored we can just get a book and read” – Louise, age 10

More than 70 volunteers have supported children taking part in the challenge by listening to them talk about their books and helping with the activities in the library. To recognise their contribution, a group of young volunteers were also awarded with certificates by Cllr Williams at the event.

Volunteer Ellie, 17, from Yate said: “Volunteering has been a really enjoyable experience. It has helped me to meet new people and develop my confidence when communicating with others.”

Visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to find out more details about this year’s record Roald Dahl-themed challenge or www.facebook.com/sgloslibraries

The Summer Reading Challenge is a key element in South Gloucestershire’s Time4Reading project. For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/time4reading