By the end of the school summer holidays approaching 3,100 young people had signed up with Sefton Libraries for the Summer Reading Challenge.

And over 2,200 successful completed the challenge by achieving their reading goal. This means reading six books or more and visiting the library 4 times over the summer holidays.

Top three

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Libraries said: “Every year Sefton is in the top three areas in the North West in terms of numbers of young people taking part in the challenge, but this summer has exceeded all expectations.

“This year’s record sign up for the Challenge in Sefton was a massive 19% increase on the previous highest number taking part and a 63% increase in those who completed it.”

Outstanding summer

Cllr Dowd continued: “Meadows Library in Maghull had an outstanding summer, with an 87% increase in children completing the challenge compared to the previous year.

“I’m delighted that so many of our young people have engaged with this scheme, which research has shown encourages them to carry on regularly reading for pleasure.” 

Research shows that 95% of the young people who take part in the national Summer Reading Challenge say they read for pleasure at least once a week after taking part. And 70% say they feel more confident in their reading.

Outdoor adventures

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge had the theme of “Story Garden” focusing focus on nature and outdoor adventures. It fitted well with Sefton Libraries’ summer activities which included visits by minibeast including snakes and spiders, pebble painting and flower making.

Organised by The Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge is held annually in public libraries across the UK.

You can find out more about Sefton's Libraries here.