The Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland Comes to the Western Isles

The Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland is a fabulous programme that aims to encourage children (4 to 11 years) to read during the summer holidays, when, traditionally, there is a dip, as well as widening accessibility to thousands of libraries throughout Scotland.

The Challenge, which was launched at Stornoway Library on 26 June, will run at a number of libraries throughout the Western Isles: Castlebay, Daliburgh, Lionacleit, Shawbost and Stornoway.  This year’s Challenge is called Story Lab and the challenge for children is to read six books over the holidays.  All children signing up to Story Lab will receive a special 3D model of a lab and will receive fun stickers and incentives to encourage them as they read more and more books.  All children who finish the challenge will receive a special medal and certificate.

All children are encouraged to take part in the challenge and the school with the greatest percentage of finishers will be presented with the Western Isles Libraries Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland Cup.

Younger siblings (0 to 4 years) will also be able to join in through taking part in Bookbug’s Library Challenge.  Babies and toddlers will receive a special collector’s card which will be stamped each time they visit the library.  After several visit, they will receive a gorgeous Story Lab certificate.

Kathleen Milne, Team Leader of Western Isles Libraries, said: “We are thrilled to be able to be able to hold the Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotlandin the Western Isles.  It is a brilliant programme that really inspires children to discover what fun reading can be.  This is only the second year we’ll be holding the Challenge here and we hope it will grow from strength to strength and that children all across the islands will take part.”

The Summer Reading Challenge is a national programme run by The Reading Agency. Last year over 34,000 children were involved in Tesco Bank’s first year of supporting the Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland in partnership with The Reading Agency, representing a 12% year on year increase.  Now, as part of a three year agreement, Tesco Bank has become principle partner of the programme in Scotland.

In summer 2012, events take place in 30 local authorities, with a major push to create publicity and excitement about just how much fun reading can be!

Tesco Bank has committed an investment of £1.5 million across the next four years in sport, education and art programmes to the benefit and wellbeing of young people in our communities across Scotland and the North East.

Children will be able to sign up for Story Lab from 3 June and it will run until8 September 2012.  To find out more about how to take part in the Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland, contact Stornoway Library at 01851 822744.

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