Hundreds of young bookworms are set to tackle this year's Summer Reading Challenge at Wolverhampton's libraries.

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The free challenge, which is now underway, is called Mischief Makers and celebrates the 80th anniversary of the iconic Beano comic.

A variety of activities will be taking place throughout the summer holidays, including sessions with Beano artist Laura Howells at Central, Bilston, Pendeford, Spring Vale, Warstones and Wednesfield libraries on 7 and 8 August. There are also arts and craft sessions, code clubs, storytimes and more.

Around 1,500 young readers took part in last year's challenge, run in partnership with the Reading Agency and Arts Council England, which aims to encourage children to read 6  books over the summer holidays, collecting rewards and stickers along the way.

To take part, children and young people should register at their local library and record of the books they read between now and 8 September. By signing up, they will receive a free Beanotown map to help Dennis the Menace and Gnasher follow the trail of the buried treasure.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Reading is essential for a child's success. It not only helps them to develop their imagination but gives them essential skills for adulthood.

"We have been supporting the Summer Reading Challenge for more than a decade and it is always very popular with young bookworms and their families; I would encourage as many children and young people to sign up today."

In all, there are more than 40 free events taking place at the city's libraries over the summer holidays; to find out more, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=1703;Title=Libraries; or call 01902 552025.

For more information please visit Type=links;Linkid=6255;Title=Summer Reading Challenge;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Friday 20 July, 2018