Suffolk Libraries new reading campaign engaged thousands of children in a reading adventure this summer. Over 6,200 children took part in Reading Quest – a new literacy campaign which ran during the summer holidays.
Reading Quest has not only helped primary school aged children to maintain their reading skills over the summer, it’s been a great way to encourage families to make use of local libraries too. Between the launch on 13 July and early September, Suffolk Libraries issued 2,258 new children’s library cards and 200,937 children’s books!
Feedback surveys about the new reading initiative showed that 87% of families who took part were positive about Reading Quest.
West Suffolk Deaf Children’s Society enjoyed getting involved in Reading Quest on Facebook, sharing several pictures of Pippa, the daughter of a member of staff who was looking for as many books as possible featuring people with a hearing impairment – like her brother. She made it her mission to find and read as many books as she could that featured a deaf character or image. She finished her Reading Quest and read an amazing 43 books!
Pippa says:
"I found it so much fun and exciting. I loved visiting the library to get my new books and really enjoy the hunt for the images. I can't wait to do it again next year.”
Her mum Kelly who works for the charity, said:
"This year's reading quest was great, we loved how it could be done at your own pace, no pressure, just fun. I found that because Pippa chose a reading theme, it really engaged her to take part. She set her own goal and smashed it. Her reading ability has come on so much since the start of the summer holidays, which is amazing."
Erin Hamilton, Suffolk Libraries Children’s Librarian, said:
“We’re delighted with the feedback from Reading Quest and I’ve seen a lot of comments from families around how their children enjoyed the new look summer reading campaign as it gave them a chance to explore libraries in new ways and they felt well supported by our staff and volunteers! It’s been proven that a summer reading campaign helps children to maintain their reading skills over the holidays and can be big help when they go back to school in September.
"We’re very pleased with how the first year of Reading Quest has gone and that it’s been more engaging for families. We can now think about how it can be even better next year so we can all look forward to Reading Quest in 2025!”
