Gadgeteers reading challenge will ignite curiosity

08 Jul 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

A Summer Reading Challenge that will help banish boredom and get children interested in the science behind how things work launches tomorrow (Sat 9th July) in Northumberland.

The “Gadgeteers” programme, run by The Reading Agency and Northumberland Library Service, is free for school age youngsters up to 11 and explores topics from fashion and technology to cooking and music.

Cllr Jeff Watson, Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: “Gadgeteers is a fantastic idea with six characters brought to life by renowned children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford.

“It is a fun way to show children how interesting and exciting reading can be - sparking their curiosity and feeding their imagination.

“This type of initiative is vital as research has shown that post-pandemic literacy levels in young children are an area of concern.

“The Challenge – to read as many books as possible during the summer holiday - helps give youngsters in Northumberland a head start and prepares them for school in September.”

A packed summer programme of 40 fun-filled events in support of the Challenge kicks off with launch parties tomorrow (July 9) at Blyth Library at 10am and Morpeth Library at 1pm, hosted by storyteller Robin Simpson.

Families can see the full itinerary, register for events and pick up everything they need free of charge from their local library or via the Summer Reading Challenge website at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk 

Other events include “Light Fantastic Sheep” workshops with Northumberland Wildlife Trust; “Big Science Parties” with a bubble theme; Gadgeteers drawing workshops with popular illustrator Liz Million.

Children can make and programme robots during “Robot Lab” digital sessions and there’ll be a visit from bestselling children’s science author Nick Arnold, who will bring his award-winning Horrible Science Show to Blyth.

Each week there will be prize draws for children taking part in the challenge with the chance to win fun science kits.

Places are limited, so booking is essential go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/summer-reading-challenge-events-691289. Or phone, or pop into one of Northumberland’s 30 libraries.