Why Sammy loves helping to cause mischief
Didcot’s Sammy Silver is loving being a ‘Mischief Maker’ this summer.
Of course, the 18-year-old Oxford Brookes student isn’t causing trouble.
Far from it, she is one of our fabulous volunteers enriching the lives of youngster taking part in Oxfordshire County Council library service’s Mischief Makers: Summer Reading Challenge.
Says Sammy: “I love helping children find new books to read and opening a door to another universe.”
The free Beano-themed challenge, which features favourites Dennis and his pet dog Gnasher, aims to get Oxfordshire schoolchildren to ‘break all the rules’ and read six books during the summer holidays.
Last year 8,281 children aged between four and 11 took part while a further 84 young volunteers helped to deliver the challenge in the county’s 43 libraries.
Sammy, who volunteers four hours a week at Didcot library, first took part in the reading challenge two years ago.
She explained: “I became involved initially because I applied for a job at the library and it was suggested that I get more experience. So I took part in the reading challenge and I have done it ever since because it is so thoroughly enjoyable.
“I love sharing my experiences of books that I have read to the children. I believe that reading fires up the imagination, allows you way to escape reality and become whoever you want to be. I want children to feel that excitement too.
“My favourite books this year from the summer reading challenge is The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney.
This summer’s event promises to be even more fun for the whole family.
Children can explore a map of Beanotown to find a hidden treasure chest full of pranks and become ultimate mischief makers.
As they read will receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells. By adding these stickers to their map, young readers will help Dennis, Gnasher and friends solve clues and discover the treasure, having lots of fun and adventures along the way.
To join in the free fun all children need to do is sign up at one of the county’s 43 libraries where they will be given a colourful collector’s map of Beanotown to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey.
Mischief Makers, which is supported by The Reading Agency and Beano, will run until September 15.
There are two reading lists to savour - one for younger children and one for more confident older children - representing the best in contemporary children's fiction, poetry, non-fiction, picture books and graphic novels.
Jo Morris, Oxfordshire County Council’s Lead Librarian for Reading Health & Culture, said: “The summer break is a great opportunity for children to discover the joy of reading, have fun and boost their life skills and chances. Our libraries play a crucial part in our thriving communities.”
Visit http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/mischiefmakers to find out how to take part.