YOUNGSTERS will be fully booked this summer as the council launches its 2023 summer reading challenge.

The annual event, which encourages children to read as many books as they can during the school holidays, begins today.

Almost 900 young people took part last year with over 500 participants completing the challenge by reading a minimum of six books before the August 26.

Children who take part will receive incentives along the way and if they complete the challenge they will receive a mini-frisbee, medal, certificate and invitation to the annual big celebration event in September at Greenock Town Hall.

This year’s theme is ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ and is delivered locally by Inverclyde Council’s libraries service in partnership with organisers The Reading Agency.

Today's launch event is from 11am-noon in Port Glasgow Library.

Greenock Telegraph:

There will be a performance from local storytelling duo ‘Wee Storybox’ and a representative from the Waterfront Cinema in Greenock offering discounted vouchers for every child who signs up to the challenge.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is one of the biggest events in the calendar for our libraries service, with huge numbers of young people taking part each year as they discover or rediscover a love for reading.

“Reading is so beneficial for our children’s development but is also so much fun and doesn’t have to cost a penny because our six public libraries are packed full of fantastic books for all ages, including adults too.

“There are also many free events running throughout the school holidays in our libraries alongside the Summer Reading Challenge to ensure there is something fun and engaging for young people to do and also keep costs down for their families while they are off.

“It’s a worthwhile and fun event to get involved in and I hope to see huge numbers taking part again this year, if not more.”

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The challenge runs right through the holidays and for their six books young readers can choose from a wide variety of titles.

The The library service has purchased lots of new books for the challenge, which is aimed at the four-11 age group, while there will be a separate mini-challenge for under-fours.

Children and families can also participate in a huge range of free family events on offer from Inverclyde Libraries.

Events include Glasgow Science Centre On Tour, Animal Man’s Mini Zoo, author visits from Lindsay Littleson and Paul Bristow and craft sessions and Lego clubs.