Leicestershire libraries are encouraging children to take part in this year’s Winter Reading Challenge by preparing selection bags of mystery books to encourage them to discover and enjoy fantastic new books over the Christmas and New Year period.
The Winter ‘grab bags’ are available from Leicestershire’s 16 main libraries. The bags contain six mystery books, chosen by librarians based on genres and age groups and these can be requested online using the ‘click and collect’ service or by visiting the library during opening hours.
Research suggests that primary aged children have lost an average of 57-183 days of learning in reading this year as a result of the pandemic.
So that makes it especially important for us all to do everything we can to support children’s continued reading during the school holidays.
This is a fantastic initiative and I hope it will inspire children,their parents and carers to read books they have at home, download free eBooks or eAudiobooks from our digital library, or visit the library to collect a winter grab bags which are full of surprise books to help them reach their reading goal.
Person:Richard Blunt, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for libraries
As part of The Winter Reading Challenge, children of any age can work towards a reading goal by reading or sharing any books of their choice, finding activities and book recommendations, and unlocking a virtual badge and certificate online once they’ve completed the challenge.
To take part in the Winter Mini Challenge, children can register at www.wintermini.org.uk and set themselves a goal to read three or more books of their choice.
The Winter Reading challenge is the extension of the popular Summer Reading Challenge organised annually by The Reading Agency, a national charity which encourage reading as a vital part of children's cognitive development. This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which was held virtually was completed by over 1,700 children in the county.
Leicestershire libraries recently reopened their doors for browsing, borrowing and returning, following the second lockdown.
Booking an appointment is no longer required at most libraries, however library staff are monitoring numbers to maintain social distancing. Visitors will be asked to sanitise their hands and wear a mask inside the building, unless exempt, in line with government guidelines.
Libraries continue to offer the click and collect service as well as pre-bookable one-hour slots to use the computers.
To request a Winter Grab Bag call 0116 305 2695 or visit your local library.