Over the summer holidays, Rutland children aged 4-11 got involved in the Summer Reading Challenge.

Embracing this year's theme of play, sport and physical activities, children were encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active over the summer break.

Through activity challenge cards from the Youth Sport Trust, and an exciting themed book collection, the Summer Reading Challenge aimed to keep imaginations moving over the school holiday and encouraged Rutland's young community to explore new reading material, develop skills, and discover new interests. 

The Summer Reading Challenge aimed to get kids reading during the school holidays. Image credit: Oakham Book Swap.

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to improve children's reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for their return to school. With the help of local libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children.  

In 2022, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 723,184 children and families across the UK, with 608,015 children taking part through their local library service, a 31% increase compared to 2021. The Challenge also drove 132,223 new children's library memberships which is 40% higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic total. 

This year's event also saw success, local children devouring over 1,000 books between them.

The team said: "A big THANK YOU and congratulations to all our Rutland summer bookworms who conquered this year's Summer Reading Challenge! You all did a fantastic job! We reckon an amazing 1,000 books were read during the summer holidays by children taking part in the Challenge at Rutland Libraries."

Brooke Hill Academy, Catmose Primary and English Martyrs Catholic Voluntary Academy topped the leaderboard. Image credit: Rutland Libraries.

They added "a special shout out to the super readers at Brooke Hill Academy, Catmose Primary and English Martyrs Catholic Voluntary Academy who topped our fun leaderboard. Well done all of you - and keep reading!"