Ready, Set, Read! Forres children can sign up soon
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LOCAL children primary school aged are being encouraged to keep reading through the school holidays – and receive rewards while doing so at all Moray Libraries.
This year's Summer Reading Challenge, organised by The Reading Agency and public libraries with support from the Youth Sport Trust, has the theme 'Ready, Set, Read!'.
Children can sign up at Forres Library from Saturday, June 24. They can also borrow books, attend events, and collect incentives and rewards for their reading – all free of charge
Moray lending services co-ordinator, Linda Geddes, confirmed participants will forge new connections and unleash the power of teamwork, play, sport, games and physical activity through reading.
She said: "Participating gives children an advantage as reading is at the heart of their development. Reading galvanises the imagination and helps to support learning.
"During the summer holiday months, children can get out of the habit of reading but this challenge has been proven to lessen the dip in the reading levels of the participants."
Reading Agency research shows that reading for pleasure is more important for cognitive development than parents’ level of education.
Linda added: "The benefits reach far beyond support for learning into wellbeing and social connections. For example, children who read regularly are three times more likely to have high levels of mental wellbeing than children who are less engaged with reading and writing.
"Reading has also been found to help give children and young people the ability to connect imaginatively with others."
From June 24 to August 26, through taking part in the free challenge, children will be able to join a superstar team of characters and their marvellous mascots as they navigate a fictional summer obstacle course, rewarded by free incentives including stickers.
The Summer Reading Challenge is always popular in Moray - over 600 children took part last year.
Linda said: "It's free to join and children get small incentives to read books - and library books are free to borrow!
"Over 1300 parents and carers told the Reading Agency about the difference the challenge made to their children who took part. Seventy seven per cent read more over the summer holidays, 67 per cent enjoyed reading more, 771 per cent felt more confident reading, 75 per cent agreed that reading made them feel better and 67 per cent used the library more as a family."
"The 2023 Summer Reading Challenge will celebrate play and participation," added Linda, "encouraging children to engage in games and sports.
"Ready, Set, Read! will showcase how reading can be active and engaged, and can itself involve teamwork and community.
"The Challenge is brought to life by the children’s writer and illustrator, Loretta Schauer. The theme will allow children to access the joy of reading whilst promoting teamwork and participation for all."
To find out more about all the activities that the library has to offer, including Lego Club and Bookbug sessions, visit or call 01309 672834 or email Forres.Library@moray.gov.uk
