LIBRARIES in Alton, Bordon, Liphook and Petersfield are among those run by Hampshire County Council that are encouraging children to sign up to this year’s summer reading challenge – the Big Friendly Read.

Run by the Reading Agency, the summer challenge is a national scheme that invites children aged four to 11 to read any six library books from July 16 to September 18 at their own pace. Last summer, 16,000 children completed the challenge in Hampshire and it is hoped to beat that figure this year.

Andrew Gibson, the county council’s executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, said: “The summer holidays are a great time for children to maintain and even improve their reading ability with great initiatives like the summer reading challenge.

“This year’s theme is the Big Friendly Read, in tribute to well-loved British author Roald Dahl’s story The Big Friendly Giant, and it also marks 100 years since Dahl was born.

“The summer reading challenge harnesses the creativity and sense of adventure found in children’s books by inspiring young people to read any library book for fun and enjoyment.”

He added: “We wish all the best to the children taking part and look forward to seeing them at the finish line in September.”

The summer reading challenge has reading lists online for four to seven year olds and for eight to 11 year olds. The lists are purely suggestive and are a great starting point, with books including Good Dog Lion by Alexander McCall Smith, The Bolds by Julian Clary and David Roberts, and The Great Chocoplot by Chris Callaghan.

There are lots of rewards up for grabs as the challenge progresses, including cards for each book read and a medal and certificate given to each child who finishes the challenge. The website contains all the information on how to sign up at your local library, as well as videos from children on the books they have been enjoying.

Hampshire libraries has a lot of different volunteering opportunities for adults who would like to get involved in supporting their local library, including the chance to choose and deliver books to those who find accessing libraries difficult, helping with adult learning, and with children’s events such as the summer reading challenge.

Typical tasks for the latter would include explaining how to take part and register children in the scheme, talking to them about the books they have read, encouraging them to share their views, and handing out reading rewards. Volunteers may also assist with the general administration and help customers by referring enquiries to relevant members of staff.

No pervious experience is needed as volunteers will receive an induction session before they start. All that’s needed is an enthusiasm for reading together with good interpersonal skills, including an ability to talk and listen to young children in a friendly and patient way, to remain calm at busy times and cope when things are quieter.

Once signed up for sessions volunteers would be expected to attend punctually and to notify staff in good time if unable to do so.

For more details, visit www3.hants.gov.uk/library/libraries.