Bracknell

Bracknell Children will be inspired to read their way through the school holidays, with a little help from Bracknell Forest Borough Council's libraries, in this year's annual Summer Reading Challenge which gets under way this week.

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

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

Each 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 at drop-in activity sessions to help children on their way and suggest interesting books for them to try.

Sessions will be held at all of Bracknell Forest's libraries as follows:

Birch Hill Library, Leppington, Birch Hill, Bracknell

10.15-11.30am
Monday July 31
Monday August 7, 14, 21

Ascot Heath Library, Fernbank Road, Ascot

2.15-3.30pm
Monday July 31
Monday August 7, 14, 21

Harmans Water Library, Neighbourhood Centre, The Square, Harmans Water, Bracknell

2.15-3.30pm
Tuesday August 1, 8, 15, 22

Great Hollands Library, Neighbourhood Centre, The Square, Great Hollands, Bracknell

10.15-11.30am
Wednesday August 2, 9, 16, 23

Crowthorne Library, 162 High Street, Crowthorne

2.15-3.30pm
Wednesday August 2, 9, 16, 23

Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road, Binfield

10.15-11.30am
Thursday August 3, 10, 17, 24

Sandhurst Library, The Broadway, Sandhurst

2.15-3.30pm
Thursday August 3, 10, 17, 24

Whitegrove Library, 5 County Lane, Warfield

10.15-11.30am
Friday July 28
Friday August 4, 11, 18, 25

Bracknell Library, Town Square, Bracknell

10.15-11.30am
Saturday July 29
Saturday August 5, 12, 19, 26

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

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

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.

Fiona Atkinson, Libraries' Community Services Manager at Bracknell Library, said: "We are hoping lots of local children will get involved this year and take up the reading challenge.

"Our staff are looking forward to helping our young readers make the most of the great range of books available to them at our libraries.

"It's also an ideal opportunity to give children lots of summer fun while helping them develop their reading skills."

For more information about how your child can get involved in the Summer Reading Challenge call 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