“Keep up the questing!” That’s the message from Suffolk Libraries to any children taking part in this year’s Reading Quest.
The new Reading Quest summer reading programme has hit the ground running with 5,260 children already signed up and enjoying the various challenges. Nearly 1,300 children have signed up for a library card in Suffolk since 13 July and there have been nearly 77,400 loans of children’s books.
Reading Quest is running until 13 September so there’s plenty of time for any child aged 2-12 to sign up and take part in their nearest library. Even if your family has been on holiday or enjoying the sunshine and children haven’t had a chance yet, they can still sign up for free at any library and enjoy taking part in the various fun challenges.
Research has proven that a summer reading campaign can help children to maintain literacy levels during the summer holidays so they don’t fall behind with their reading skills. It’s also a great way of getting them to discover their local library and is great fun too!
The new Reading Quest format is designed to be more engaging and fun and can get the whole family involved in reading and making memories this summer.
Children can visit their nearest library to collect a free Reading Quest map and start their quest. The quest involves taking part in a range of activities and experiences across the summer rather than read an expected number of books. These ‘quests’ will range from ‘reading under the covers with a torch’ to ‘choosing a recipe book and making something together as a family’.
Every week during the summer holidays, library staff and volunteers are on hand to chat to children about the activities completed each week and the exciting books they’ve read. While visiting the library, children can collect a weekly reward and a new stack of books to enjoy at home.
The Reading Quest map has been created by local Suffolk artist, Anna Lindsay and highlights local myths and legends that Suffolk is widely known for as well as a few funny alliterative additions. These include the Baying Wolves of Bury St Edmunds, Orcas of the Orwell and The Black Shuck of Bungay.
Reading Quest is being supported by official sponsors Advantage Angels, one the fastest growing private nursing agencies in the UK who have their HQ in Ipswich and support care homes, hospitals, private homecare nursing, primary care and mental health institutions across the country. Advantage Angels are providing £20,000 of sponsorship to help Suffolk Libraries create a range of colourful and free resources for children over the next two years.
Erin Hamilton, Suffolk Libraries Children’s Librarian, said:
“We’re delighted to see so many children taking part in Reading Quest but we want to get the message out there that there’s still loads of time to sign up and take part! Reading Quest encourages children to explore our libraries and their Suffolk surroundings so it’s something the whole family can enjoy! We’d love even more children to start their quest and discover what our libraries have to offer over the summer!”
Feedback about Reading Quest:
“I can already see what a difference this scheme is making. It is so lovely as well because you can engage younger siblings too. Today I was talking to E and we spoke about making a den and getting her little sister to read with her there. The whole scheme is lovely - I am really enjoying it!"
“I am so glad Suffolk Libraries are revamping the format and personalising it to our county. I think it's a great idea and I hope it goes down well with the children and families. I look forward to volunteering for the reading quest later in the summer and appreciate the careful work that's clearly gone into creating the project!"
