Ready, Set, Read is the message coming out from the library as we gear up for the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge, presented by The Reading Agency. It all kicks off on Saturday 8 July when children aged 4 – 11 can sign up at the library and receive their special pack to guide them through their summer reading adventure, helped by a superstar team and their marvellous mascots.

This year’s theme is play, sport and games and The Reading Agency has teamed up with the Youth Sports Trust to inspire children to read and get active. Over the summer holidays we’ll be organising special activities including quizzes and treasure hunts while the young explorers log their reading and collect stickers and prizes along their journey. Complete the challenge and they’ll receive a certificate and a medal!

If you’re going away during the summer holidays, you can print off holiday tickets and boarding passes on the computer in the library. You can also use the library computer to check out what’s going on in your holiday destination and begin to plan your programme.

Nothing in the community library happens without the dedication of the library volunteers but it’s not all about issuing books; it’s about making new friends and playing a part in your community. Last month the volunteers had a fun day out at Leicester’s National Gas Museum discovering, and in some cases remembering, how gas powered everything in the home – from gas fired dishwasher to hair dryer and curling tongs. Their next planned trip could be rather more macabre – discovering the secrets of a cemetery. If you’d like to find out about joining our volunteers call in at the library or check out the website at https://nandlclibrary.org

Happy reading.