Cornwall Reading Challenge offers children a free swim voucher

Read six stories over the summer holidays and get a free swim out of it. That is the deal Cornwall Libraries is putting on the table for children this year.

Children across Cornwall are being invited to take part in the Cornwall Reading Challenge, and they will get a free swim voucher just for signing up. The challenge is run by Cornwall Libraries and is built to keep children reading through the summer break. This year’s theme is Extraordinary Explorers, and there are two ways to take part.

Two challenges to choose from

Children who sign up to the Reading Quest are asked to read six stories across the summer.

The One and All Adventure is an inclusive alternative aimed at those who are not yet reading, and at older children with additional needs.

How to sign up

Children can sign up at their local library from July 11. Everyone who takes part gets a free challenge booklet featuring three characters designed for the challenge by local illustrator Emma McCann.

Cornwall Libraries has teamed up with local leisure providers so that every child taking part gets a free swim voucher. There are more prizes along the way to keep children motivated.

Finish the challenge and children receive a medal, a certificate and a Treasure Trail, a treasure hunt that takes them around their local town.

The libraries have a wide range of books to pick from, including fiction and non-fiction, audiobooks and dyslexia-friendly titles.

What the council says

Councillor Sarah Preece, the Cabinet Member for Tourism, Localism and Planning with responsibility for libraries at Cornwall Council, said: “The Cornwall Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to build children’s confidence and help foster a lifelong love of reading.

“This year is the National Year of Reading so it’s the perfect time for families to explore their local library and sign up to this exciting challenge.

“There are some fantastic rewards up for grabs, including treasure hunts that have been specifically designed for towns across Cornwall.

“I’m sure our extraordinary explorers will have a fabulous time taking part.”

Events through the summer

Libraries across Cornwall will run free events and activities all summer to tie in with the theme. These include draw-alongs to learn how to draw this year’s characters, author visits, craft activities and writing workshops.

To keep up to date, follow Cornwall Libraries on Facebook or pop into your local library.