Nottinghamshire Inspire libraries including Newark, Southwell, Bingham, and Dukeries, to launch ‘Story Garden’ summer reading challenge to encourage children to pick up a book

Children are invited to join a nature-themed reading challenge at county libraries this summer.

Libraries across Nottinghamshire, including Newark, Southwell, Bingham, and Dukeries, are inviting children aged four to 11 to join the ‘Story Garden’ Summer Reading Challenge.

The free programme, produced by The Reading Agency, starts on Saturday, July 5, and runs until September 7, with creative activities to inspire young readers.

Children can sign up at any Inspire library, where they can pick up their Story Garden sticker booklet, illustrated by Dapo Adeola, to start their challenge.

Then, youngsters can choose which library books to borrow and read to complete the challenge, recording what they have read along the way.

For every book read, children will collect stickers to complete their Story Garden scene, and once they’ve read six books they will receive a medal and certificate.

Library staff and volunteers will also be on hand throughout the challenge to chat to children about books they have read.

A mini challenge is also available for children aged three and under.

Families can find full details of the challenge on the Inspire website.

Running since 1999, the challenge helps prevent the summer reading dip children face when school is out.

It reached nearly 600,000 children across the UK last year, inspiring over 100,000 new library memberships.

8,165 children in Nottinghamshire took part in the 2024 reading challenge ‘Marvellous Makers’.

Alongside the challenge, Inspire Libraries will also host a ‘Design Your Dream Treehouse’ drawing competition for four to 11 year olds, sponsored by ArcPartnership.

Entry forms can be picked up in the county’s libraries for the activity, which has a winning prize bundle including a LEGO set, art supplies, and a £50 shopping voucher — as well as £100 of books for a school.