Summer Reading Challenge - Biggest Adventure in the County this Summer!

Last year, almost a thousand children in Clare participated in the Summer Reading Challenge. Staff at Clare County Library are confident that numbers joining will be even higher this year and are looking forward to welcoming you be part of the adventure which begins with a visit to your local library.

Did you know that reading gives children a head start in life in more ways than you might imagine? With the school holidays approaching, the summer months provide an ideal opportunity for children to take time to find books they really enjoy and experience reading as an activity which is fun and a source of entertainment. To support children’s reading this summer, the public libraries in County Clare are running a reading adventure for children from 1st of July to the end of August. The Summer Reading Adventure is a free programme open to all children.

Each child who registers for the adventure at their local library chooses books to read during their summer holidays. They will receive a Summer Reading Card to record their progress along the way and a library reward stamp will be added to their reading card at the library after each book read.

Children will be encouraged to continue reading throughout the adventure and they will receive additional fun incentives along the way. The Summer Reading Adventure provides the whole family with an opportunity to explore the full range of events and facilities which are available from their library service: story time sessions, book clubs, children’s activities, access to talking books and games, workshops, computers and internet access, and of course children’s books for all ages.

Children will have access to fun reading activities on the Summer Reading Adventure website at www.librariesireland.ie/summer-reading-adventure. The online resource includes lots of fun activities, games, Talking Ebooks, reading tips, book suggestions and funny interviews with children’s authors and other celebrities. At the end of the adventure, all children who participated are invited to attend an award event at which they will be presented with their award certificate.

The general exposure children have to books has been found to be particularly important for children’s overall development. Numerous studies have shown strong connections between reading and children’s levels of self-confidence, independence, emotional development, empathy, imagination and creativity as well as their social skills and overall well-being. The research has also found that children who have easy access to books in their homes, schools or from regular visits to a library develop stronger reading skills and more positive attitudes towards learning.