Children’s Summer Reading Challenge

Aimed at those aged from 4-11 years old, the theme inspires discovery about the connection between stories and songs and how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity.

The challenge is brought to life with illustrations by award-winning author/illustrator Harry Woodgate and Universal Music Group artists are supporting the campaign by sharing their own stories.

Across libraries in Dudley borough, visitors can enjoy a packed schedule of LEGO clubs and coding sessions, craft workshops, storytimes, games clubs and STEM activities, all inspired by this year’s music-themed Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat. Activities range from making musical instruments, carnival masks and animal-themed crafts to interactive sessions such as LEGO Spike coding, badge making and gaming afternoons. There are nearly 450 activities, events and session throughout the summer.

The programme also includes a range of special events designed to inspire and entertain young people. Highlights include visits from ZooLab at Dudley Library, Professor Black performances at Gornal and Sedgley libraries, RAF STEM workshops in Gornal, a songwriting workshop, creative writing sessions and a Summer Reading Challenge finishers’ party in Stourbridge. Alongside these headline events, regular Rhyme Time, Baby Time and Storytime sessions ensure even the youngest library users can take part, while trails, treasure hunts and family craft clubs running throughout the summer provide ongoing opportunities for families to engage with their local library

Sign up is free and children collect stickers, a medal and certificate if they read six books over the summer.

Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs thirteen Dudley libraries on behalf of the council.

Councillor Damian Corfield, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to keep children engaged with reading during the school holidays while having fun at the same time.

“This year’s Read to the Beat theme combines the joy of books with the creativity of music, and our libraries have put together an outstanding programme of nearly 450 free activities and events to support the challenge.

“From crafts and coding sessions to storytelling, STEM workshops and special performances, there is something for every child to enjoy. I would encourage families across the borough to visit their local library, sign up for the challenge and make the most of everything on offer this summer.”

“This is the National Year of Reading, and it’s never been more important to get children enthused about stories and all the learning and developmental opportunities they open up,” said Stephanie Rhoden, GLL Partnership Manager for Dudley Libraries.

“Whilst borrowing books, families can also benefit from the wide range of free activities we’re running in all our libraries throughout the holiday period. These include visits by "Fizz Pop Science and Music", a musical themed Zoolab with animals, face painting, music and magic entertainment and a multitude of different craft sessions.

“Visit or contact your local library to get signed up.”

For more information, visit https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/join-in and https://www.better.org.uk/library/dudley