Islington celebrates bumper year for Summer Reading Challenge

Children across Islington are celebrating taking part in the Big Friendly Read – this year’s Roald Dahl-themed Summer Reading Challenge.

The Big Friendly Read, commemorating Dahl’s 100th birthday, saw more than 1,400 children borrow a book from an Islington library, with 70 per cent of those going on to complete all six books in the challenge.

More than 6,800 books were read by those taking part and more than 200 children joined their local library for the first time to complete the challenge.

Children who completed the challenge are being presented with medals and certificates by the Mayor of Islington and other councillors at a series of special celebrations this month.
Thanks to support from the Islington-based Richard Reeves Foundation, 150 children who completed the challenge will also get a £5 book token to enable them to carry on with their enjoyment of reading

One parent said of the challenge: “My eldest daughter has dyslexia, and the reading challenge gives her the incentive to read during the holidays. Her reading has improved, her confidence has been boosted and it has really helped us to positively read and share books together.”
Nine-year old Laura, who completed all of the books, said: “I like that you get to tell people about the book you’ve read because I don’t usually do that”.

Islington Council’s executive member for economic development, Cllr Asima Shaikh, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to get young children interested in reading and banish boredom over the long holidays, as well as start a lifetime of reading pleasure. We’re delighted so many Islington children took part this year and look forward to celebrating with those who took part.”

For more about Islington’s libraries please see www.islington.gov.uk/libraries