Newark Library

Published 15th June 2023

The UK’s biggest annual reading for pleasure programme for primary aged children returns to Inspire libraries with a challenge based around the power of play, sport and games.

We'd love schools to help us spread the word to encourage Nottinghamshire children to get involved and we have a range of resources to support you. 

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

Six illustrated character forming the Ready, Set, Read team.

Produced by The Reading Agency and run in partnership with libraries across the country the Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to keep children reading over the summer.    Taking part can help avoid the potential dip in reading levels over the long summer break and provides free fun for 4 – 11 year olds.   

This year's challenge is Ready, Set, Read! Themed around the power of play, sport and games, children will help our fictional superstar team (and their marvellous mascots!) weave their way through a summer obstacle course. 

The challenge runs in Inspire libraries from 8 July until 3 September.

How does the Summer Reading Challenge work?

  • Children sign up at the library to start their challenge.
  • Borrow books from the library  - children choose the books they want to read; stories, fact books, joke books – all reading counts.   
  • For every book read, children will pick up stickers along with other rewards as they progress through the challenge.
  • Every child who completes the challenge by reading six library books, receives a medal and certificate.

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge and the activities we have planned at www.inspireculture.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge  

Ready, Set, Read! - Summer Reading Challenge 2023: Resources for schools

Inspire would love help from schools to encourage children to sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge this year.  There are resources available below to support schools to promote the challenge to their pupils and their families.    Plus join in with our live virtual assemblies. 

Virtual Assemblies for the Summer Reading Challenge

Join Inspire Libraries for a virtual assembly (via Zoom) to introduce Ready, Set, Read! - Summer Reading Challenge 2023.  The assembly will explain everything you and your pupils need to know about the challenge.  We will cover how to join, what the challenge is and showcase the brilliant FREE rewards children earn by reading library books.  Presented in a Zoom webinar format.  

The assemblies take place on the dates below.  Click the link below to find out more and to book 

For Nottinghamshire schools only.

Video Trailers for the Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Librarian, Chris introduces the Summer Reading Challenge and how it works. A short video suitable for use in the classroom.
A video trailer produced by The Reading Agency that can be used in conjunction with our Inspire libraries introduction.

Downloadable resources

Teacher Information Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Information page for teachers explaining more about the Summer Reading Challenge

School Assembly Powerpoint - Summer Reading Challenge 2023

A PowerPoint presentation introducing Ready, Set, Read! and outlining how the Summer Reading Challenge works.

Suggested text for newsletters

Suggested text for inclusion in school newsletters ahead of the summer holidays

Promotional Graphic 2023

Promotional graphic for newsletters, web and learning platforms etc.

Summer Reading Challenge Activity Sheet 2023

An activity sheet for children to complete.

The Summer Reading Challenge launches on Saturday 8 July.

summer reading challenge logo
NEW 23 TRA logo.jpg

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