Suffolk Libraries is launching an exciting new summer reading programme for primary school children this summer.
Reading Quest will run over the summer holidays and offers an exciting opportunity to get the whole family involved in reading and making memories this summer.
Reading Quest is being supported by official sponsors Advantage Angels, one of the fastest growing private nursing agencies in the UK who have their HQ in Ipswich and support care homes, hospitals, private homecare nursing, primary care and mental health institutions across the country. Advantage Angels are providing £20,000 of sponsorship to help Suffolk Libraries create a range of colourful and free resources for children over the next two years.
Reading Quest will build on the Summer Reading Challenge campaign which has run in libraries for several years. The aim is to build on the successes of the reading challenge by encouraging children to read for pleasure over the summer months, but also to create something new and more engaging with a Suffolk theme which will involve the whole family.
Families will be able to visit their local library from 13 July to collect a free Reading Quest map and start their quest! Children will be encouraged to take part in activities and experiences across the summer rather than read an expected number of books. These ‘quests’ will range from ‘reading under the covers with a torch’ to ‘choosing a recipe book and ‘making something together as a family’.
Every week during the summer holidays, library staff and volunteers will be on hand to chat to children about the activities completed each week and the exciting books they’ve read. While visiting the library, children can collect a weekly reward and a new stack of books to enjoy at home.
The Reading Quest map has been created by local Suffolk artist, Anna Lindsay and highlights local myths and legends that Suffolk is widely known for as well as a few funny alliterative additions.
Erin Hamilton, Suffolk Libraries Children’s Librarian, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be launching Reading Quest. Thanks to Advantage Angels we’ll have some beautiful resources to give to children to inspire their reading journeys across Suffolk this summer. Reading Quest will hopefully encourage children to explore our libraries and their Suffolk surroundings and it’s something the whole family can enjoy!”
Mekala Hodgson, Managing Director of Advantage Angels, said:
“Advantage Angels are honoured to support and sponsor Suffolk Libraries’ 2024 Summer Reading Quest. We feel as a business it’s important to support the local communities of Suffolk and what better way than getting the children involved in what will be a magical reading quest adventure! Giving this opportunity to all the children is heartwarming and I am sure they will enjoy it immensely.”
Research has proven that a summer reading campaign can help children to maintain literacy levels during the long summer holiday so their reading skills don’t slip. It’s also a great way of getting them to discover their local library with many signing up for their first library card to take part.
Children can take part at all 45 libraries across Suffolk and those who visit mobile libraries and weekly pop-up library sessions can still borrow books to take part. Any child can take part but it’s primarily aimed at 2-12 year olds.
Don't forget to put a note in your diary! Reading Quest will launch in libraries on 13 July and we'll be sharing more information on our Reading Quest page.
Suffolk Libraries is also looking for volunteers willing to support Reading Quest by talking to children about their reading and experiences during the summer.
