Summer Reading Challenge 2024
The Reading Agency and Southend libraries are excited to introduce our next summer reading challenge. It is called 'Marvellous Makers'.
It runs from 20 July to 31 August for children aged 4 to 12. There will also be an Early Years Challenge for children under four as part of the fun.
This year's Challenge aims to fire up children's imaginations and unleash storytelling and creativity through the power of reading. It has been developed in partnership with Create, who are a leading charity bringing the creative arts to those who need it most.
The annual Challenge is delivered in partnership with public libraries and is free to take part. Children taking part in 'Marvellous Makers' can:
- discover new stories
- join in with free activities at the library
- explore their creativity - from junk modelling to music, dance to drawing and painting
By encouraging your child to take part, it:
- will help boost their literacy skills through the summer holidays
- allows children to become more independent in their reading and when choosing books
- encourages imagination and empathy
How to take part
You can take part at any of our six libraries across Southend.
Children can sign up at any of our libraries from Sign Up Saturday on 13 July.
All you need to do is:
- fill out a joining form which you can collect from the library
- checkout your books
After reading six books, children can collect a certificate and medal from their local library. They will also be entered into a prize draw.
In addition, children can:
- talk to library staff and volunteers about the books they have read
- write a review and draw pictures
Drawings and reviews can also be sent to our Library Team by email and will be posted to social media:
- @southendlibrary on Facebook and Twitter
Please confirm if you are happy for us to publish your child's first name and age.
Sessions will also take place at Garon Park Community Hub on Tuesday mornings from 10am to 12pm, where you can review your books and borrow from a selection provided.
Online
If you can't visit the library, children can take part in an online summer reading challenge.
For more information, please contact the Library Team.