We challenge you to keep reading this summer

Redland City Council Libraries have thrown down a reading challenge to school students to slow the slide this summer.

The inaugural Redlands Coast Summer Reading Challenge kicks off on the first day of summer, Friday 1 December, and is aimed at keeping literacy levels high during the phenomenon known as “summer slide”.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said it had been well documented that a lack of reading over the summer holidays resulted in students returning to school in January with a lower reading level and interest in books.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a fun way to slow, or even stop that slide,” Cr Williams said.

“Our libraries are setting the reading challenge and will be offering prizes along the way.

“It is a sad fact that some children in our community don’t have access to books after their school library shuts for the year – that’s where our libraries can step in and offer resources, as well as raise awareness of the importance of summer reading.”

Cr Williams said the theme for the inaugural challenge is “Our Place”.

“The mainland libraries will be decorating their young people’s sections with their take on that theme,” she said.

“So I challenge all our Redlands Coast young readers to pop over to Our Place at their local library and take up the challenge!”

Get ready for the inaugural Redlands Coast Summer Reading Challenge. How the Summer Reading Challenge works: Pick up your challenge map from your local Redland City Council Library or Mobile Library. From 1 December, begin completing the 40 unique challenges for young readers of all ages. After each set of five challenges, ask a library staff member for an entry form for the weekly prize draw. Check Facebook for winner announcements. A final grand prize draw will be held in February.

Parents and caregivers can do the challenge with babies and toddlers, as well as support their school-aged children to complete the reading challenge.

It is free to enter the challenge.

Redland City Council Library locations and opening hours are available here.