Bracknell

Children around Bracknell Forest will be on a mission to read this summer with the annual Bracknell Summer Reading Challenge.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Libraries and Information team is looking to inspire young people to read their way through the school holidays.

Four to twelve year-old children will be set the challenge of reading six or more books of their own choice during the holidays and those who complete the mission qualify to become special reading agents.

Each Bracknell participant will receive a reading mission pack in the style of a special agent attaché case, containing full details of their challenge, code-busting puzzles, tips on reading and help with charting their progress through the six books.

Library staff will be on hand to help children on their way and suggest interesting books for them to try and events, author visits and activities across the UK will all help to fire children’s imagination.

Mission accomplished medals and certificates will reward those who finish the Bracknell challenge, offering a great incentive for children to build a love of books and improve their reading skills.

The 2006 reading mission is a national campaign run by the Reading Agency in libraries around the UK.

This year the theme is around Alex Rider, the junior MI6 hero from Anthony Horowitz’s bestselling series of children’s books and forthcoming movie.

A dedicated website at www.readingmission.org.uk has been set up to support the reading mission throughout the summer. Children can post reviews of the books they are reading on the website and look at others comments.

Doreen Murgatroyd, Children’s Librarian at Bracknell Library said: "We hope as many local children as possible will accept this exciting mission and enjoy a summer of reading.

"Staff at our libraries will help children explore the wonderful world of books, and parents will find it’s the perfect way to keep their youngsters happy in the long summer break!"

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "This is a great way to give children a fun summer while helping them develop their reading skills.

"It offers a personal challenge to the children taking part and the chance to talk about the books they have read with family and friends.

"If they enjoy the books they read and develop a love of reading we hope they will quickly discover what their local library has to offer and become frequent visitors."

For more information contact Doreen Murgatroyd on 01344 423149, email doreen.murgatroyd@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Visit www.readingmission.org.uk and www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries

Bracknell Forest Borough Council