Free family fun day to launch Summer Reading Challenge in Bridgend

Awen Libraries will launch the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge with a fun-filled, family event at Newbridge Fields, Bridgend this Saturday 9th July from 12 to 3pm.

The afternoon will include free games, soft play and inflatables, slime making workshops, story times and crafts, with music provided by Bridge FM and their breakfast DJ Lee Jukes.

Children, aged 4 to 11 years, who attend the launch can sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge, which has a science and innovation theme. Anyone unable to attend can register at their local library or online at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

The aim of the Summer Reading Challenge, which has been run by the Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries for the past 23 years, is to encourage children to read at least six library books over the school summer holiday.

This year, it is hoped that an exciting collection of books and activities featuring fictional ‘Gadgeteers’, brought to life by children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford, will help spark children’s curiosity and imagination, as well as help foster a lifelong love of reading.

Following the launch, libraries across Bridgend will run a series of science and innovation themed events over the six-week break, which have been funded by the Welsh Government’s Summer of Fun programme, in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council.

These will include YouTube workshops for 6 to 14 year olds, Mad Science workshops, dance workshops and Drag Queen Story Hours – all details are available on the Awen Libraries website (www.awen-libraries.com) and social media.