Oxford,
18
July
2017
|
11:47
Europe/London

Libraries launch ‘Animal Agents’ Summer Reading Challenge for children

Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries are inviting thousands of youngsters to take part in a detective-themed reading challenge this summer.

Children aged four to 11 can ‘join’ the Animal Agents investigative team and solve a mystery by reading six library books and collecting special stickers.

All children need to do is sign up at their local library and receive a collector’s folder. As they read their books over the summer, they will receive stickers to help them crack the clues and help the Animal Agents find out what's really been going on behind the scenes! When they’ve completed the Challenge they can claim their medal and certificate.

Young volunteers aged 13-24 are also needed to help library staff promote the challenge, talk to children about the books they have read and help them to choose others. More information and application forms for volunteers can be found at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries

Great opportunity

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “The summer break is a great opportunity for children to discover the joy of reading and find out what their local library has to offer. We’ve seen thousands of children and volunteers take part in previous reading challenges and hope this year will be even bigger and better.”

Programme of summer events

A programme of events is also planned at Oxfordshire Libraries including stories, crafts and special Science Oxford and Oxfordshire Museums Library Tours. Just contact your local library or go to our Events page to find out how to take part.

Families can also unlock some digital magic on the Animal Agents Summer Reading Challenge website including the Book Sorter, a unique crowd-sourced database of books in user friendly categories that children themselves have rated and added.

The reading challenge is being delivered in partnership with The Reading Agency, with exclusive artwork by Tony Ross, the UK’s best-selling children’s illustrator.

Illustrations ©Tony Ross for The Reading Agency