Oldham Council’s libraries are on track to roll out this year’s free ‘summer reading challenge’ for youngsters - and will even provide a free hot meal for those in attendance.
Young readers aged four to 11 have been invited to “get their thinking caps on” and participate in the challenge during the summer holiday.
The challenge is to read at least six books over the course of the summer break, and those participating will earn rewards while improving their literacy, language and communication skills.
There are more than 30 free sessions happening across Oldham in partnership with the Holiday Activity Fund.
This will ensure people who attend can access a free hot meal, though participants are urged to book in advance.
The 2022 summer reading challenge follows the theme of ‘Gadgeteers’ in a bid to inspire youngsters to reach for the stars and explore how science and maths work to create inventions and devices.
Children can collect stickers and prizes along the way while a medal and certificate can be collected at the end.
The events will take place from July and will carry through to the beginning of September at various libraries across Oldham.
The line-up of events is kicked off by Once Upon a World with Flick Goodman at Oldham Library on Monday (July 25).
The Science and Industry Museum will host an inventors workshop at the library the following day where children can try their hands at making their own machines.
Meanwhile, children’s author, Pip Jones, will be hosting an afternoon meet-and-greet to talk about her popular picture book, Izzy Gizmo, on Monday and Tuesday (August 1 and 2).
The Oldham Coliseum will host The Gadgeteers Secret Mission – an interactive show filled with puzzles and discoveries – at Crompton Library on Wednesday (3 August).
And last but not least on the agenda, Dommy B, who has won competitions from all over the world, will perform their greatest hits while there will be a songwriting workshop with Adam Westley.
Councillor Elaine Taylor, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “This is a great and fun initiative to help young people with their reading – especially while school’s out for the summer.
“The Summer Reading Challenge events are always popular in Oldham, even last year when we had had to organise virtual events due to Covid.
"This year, families will also benefit from free, healthy hot meals at most events.
“Children who take on the challenge really benefit and it shows when they return to school in September.
“The reading challenge provides a good opportunity for families to explore the range of books available at our popular libraries.”
A full list of events is available to book at www.oldham.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge
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