Children across Gloucestershire are invited to join summer reading challenge

Every year, the county's libraries work with The Reading Agency to encourage children of school age, to read over the summer holidays.

And for 2018, to mark the Beano's 80th Anniversary, the popular comic is the theme for this year’s event.

The Beano, designed for four to12 year olds, is the longest running British children's comic magazine, and features favourite characters such as Dennis the Menace and Gnasher.

To take part in the reading challenge, children need to sign up at their nearest library, visit at least three times and read six books during the summer.

Gloucestershire libraries are holding a wide range of free events and activities for families during this time.

Cllr Tim Harman, cabinet member for libraries, said: “We’ve already had over 7,000 children in Gloucestershire sign up and we hope to see many more over the summer.

“There’s still plenty of time for children to join in the challenge and enjoy all the free giveaways and activities our libraries have planned.

“We invite all families to visit their local library to see the events we have coming up.”

For more information and a full programme of events visit: eventbrite.co.uk/o/gloucestershire-libraries-3143135002

Children can also find ideas for their next read, and play interactive games at: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/