Summer Reading Challenge 2010

LITERACY NEWS: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Blast off!

We have lift off as Space Hop launches at the House of Commons.

As co-sponsors of this year's Summer Reading Challenge (SRC), Peters was present at the launch on Monday at the House of Commons, Represented by our Chairman Rhydian Peters and Managing Director Carl McInerney (pictured 3rd and 5th from left respectively).

Given the venue and timing of the event, it was an ideal stage on which to ram home to anyone present (which included Culture Minister Ed Vaizey), the benefits the Summer Reading Challenge brought to motivation and subsequent development of literacy in 4-11 year olds, and how libraries are an integral part of that work.

Miranda McKearney of The Reading Agency explained that from a relatively simple premise - getting children to read at least 6 books in their summer holidays - research has demonstrated tangible positive outcomes. Some of the figures speak for themselves - 750,000 participants last year, involving 95% of libraries and resulting in 47,000 new library members.

Anne Sarrag from The Reading Agency reiterated that children's libraries are integral to The Summer Reading Challenge, operating as a big team, with The Reading Agency as a catalyst, and librarians customising it according to local needs.

Ed Vaizey appeared deeply impressed with the successes of the SRC, as were all the speakers and delegates at the event.