Join the space race for Summer Reading challenge!

YOUNG readers will be able to embark on an adventure that is out of this world with the return of the Summer Reading Challenge reports Angela J. Phillip.

East Sussex libraries are calling on children aged four to eleven to join the Space Chase and sign up to read six books over the summer holidays.

With a space theme, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, those taking part in the event will earn stickers which will lead them to the aliens responsible for stealing books from Moon Library.

Cllr Bill Bentley, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for communities and safety, said: “The six week summer holiday can have a real impact on children’s literacy skills.”

“The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge captures the imagination of young readers, fuelling their love of reading and keeping their literacy skills sharp over the summer months.”

Children have until Saturday, September 14 to read six books borrowed from the library. They can be anything they like, from joke books to fact books, printed books to audio books.

To take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, children need to sign up at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/src then visit their local county council library with the secret code word they receive when they join.

Everyone who completes the Space Chase will be rewarded with a medal and certificate.

To celebrate the space-themed event, East Sussex Library and Information Services have organised a series of events in libraries across the county, including;

Press Play Films’ Claymation Workshops in which children can work with animation software to create their own animation using clay figures and craft materials

The Astronomy Roadshow and Creative Space where children over six years old can explore the moon and gaze at the stars in an inflatable planetarium dome.

There are limited spaces on both events and booking is essential.

As part of his Summer Reading Challenge Tour, children’s poet, performer and illustrator Ed Boxall will be performing songs, poems and stories at free events across the county. Sessions will be held at:

• Hailsham Library – Thursday, July 25 at 11am

• Heathfield –Thursday, July 25 at 2pm

• Battle – Thursday, August 8, 11am

• Bexhill – Thursday, August 8, 2pm

• Hampden Park – Thursday, August 15, 11am

• Hollington – Thursday, August 15, 2pm

• Rye – Thursday, August 22, 11am

An additional event will be held at Hastings Library on Saturday, August 31, but places will be to be booked in advance at https://hastingslitfest.org/events-for-children/ed-boxall-fun-session-for-children-aged-5-9/

For more information about the events taking place this summer and to book a place, visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/activities-and-events/space-chase-summer-reading-challenge-2019/other-summer-events/

For details about the nearest participating library visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/locations/

It sounds like fun. Good luck with the challenge!

Angela J. Phillip

Images courtesy of East Sussex Library Services

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