Children aged four to 11 are invited to take part in the Lancashire Reading Journey and meet a wonderful collection of colourful characters.
This new initiative runs from Saturday 18 July to Saturday 26 September and is organised by Lancashire County Council’s library service, with all 74 branches taking part.
The Reading Journey is free and aims to keep children reading throughout the summer holidays.
Children just need to visit their local library to join in and complete eight tasks over the summer, including reading books of their choice, visiting museums and taking part in activities.
On joining the Journey, children will receive a card listing 25 different activities. To complete the quest they choose and take part in their favourite eight.
After completing four tasks, children will be rewarded with a pencil and after completing all eight tasks they will receive a certificate and a pin badge.
A free family visit to a Lancashire County Council museum for one child and two adults is included as one possible task.
Any books can be read, including factual, fiction, poetry, and books of jokes or picture books. Stories on CD also count, as do e-books and audio downloads.
Schools have a chance to benefit from the Journey. The school with the most children taking part relative to their size will host a reading event by children’s author, Steve Hartley.
Steve, the ambassador for the Journey, will visit three schools before it starts and read some of his stories, to encourage participation.
County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, said: “This is a great way to encourage children to keep reading and learning throughout their summer holidays.
“They can choose to read, or a related activity that they enjoy. It is up to them. As well as being fun, this creates an incentive for children, and their families, to visit our fantastic libraries and museums. There will be a variety of lively events happening in libraries over the summer to inspire children’s interest.
“It is also a fun way to boost children’s literacy, which not only helps with their education but also improves their life chances in the future.”
For more information about the Lancashire Reading Journey visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/libraries/lancashire-reading-journey-2015.aspx or phone 0300 123 6703.
It’s free to join the library and under-16s can join by themselves.
Young people aged 12 to 24 also have the opportunity to volunteer as a ‘reading hack’ at their local library, as part of the Reading Journey. This role is to support children on the Reading Journey, and help with organising and running events. To volunteer, please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/jobs-employment-and-volunteering/volunteering.aspx
A number of free ‘Lancashire Magical History Tour’ walks will take place to support the Reading Journey. On each of the walks, taking approximately 45 minutes, families will learn unusual facts about the places whilst having fun. More information about the Reading Journey will be discovered on each of the walks. Tickets or more information for each of the walks is available by calling in at the local library or by phoning 0300 123 6703.
To find out more about Lancashire County Council museums visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums
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