Children wanted for Summer Reading Challenge

01 July 2015

City libraries will be part of a UK attempt to break a world record during this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

The Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland, which is organised by the Reading Agency in partnership with Tesco Bank in Scotland and Scotland's libraries, aims to encourage children aged 4-12 years old to continue reading during their summer holidays.

Children can register to take part in the challenge at any city library from Friday 03 July and can participate by visiting the library three times and reading six books over the holidays. Taking part is free and children will receive rewards throughout the challenge. There will also be special events for participants in all of Aberdeen's libraries.

The theme of this year's Challenge is 'Record Breakers' and Aberdeen City Libraries will take part in a country-wide attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most pledges received in a reading campaign. A Pledge Day will be held in Aberdeen Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct, on Saturday 11 July from 11am-3pm, for people of all ages to submit a reading pledge in an attempt to break the record.

Storytellers Ron Fairweather and Fergus McNicol from Macastory will officially launch the challenge at an event in Aberdeen Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct from 11am-12noon on Saturday 04 July.

Ron and Fergus will share stories of real-life and mythical record breakers and will host a special quiz for participants.

Aberdeen City Council's Convener of Education and Children's Services, Councillor Angela Taylor, said: "The challenge is a great way of encouraging children and families to use their local library over the holidays. The challenge is free which ensures that every child in Aberdeen can benefit from reading which is both fun and educational."

Ron and Fergus said: "Macastory are delighted to be taking part in the Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge again and are looking forward to visiting Aberdeen to launch this year's challenge on Saturday. We have some mighty tales of Record Breakers of Myth and Legend all ready for the day, so we hope to see lots of you there."

The launch event is free but booking is essential.Please contact Aberdeen City Libraries on 01224 652500 or e-mail LibraryEvents@aberdeencity.gov.uk to book.

The reading challenge runs until Saturday 22 August 2015.