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Portsmouth children break city reading challenge record

Last updated: 14 September 2012 10:18

A record number 1200 children aged four to eleven have completed this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, reading over 7200 books between them.

It is expected that the majority of these children, and their families, will attend a winners' event at Southsea Castle on 15 September 11am - 3pm, where they'll be presented with a certificate and medal.

The challenge is coordinated by The Reading Agency and run in most UK public libraries throughout the summer holidays, with incentives, activities and events designed to encourage reading.

David Percival, library service learning and engagement manager said: “We’re delighted that so many children have taken part this year. Parents and teachers know this is a great way to keep kids reading throughout the summer. Best of all it’s great fun and they often read a lot more books than the six needed to complete the challenge."

In addition to the challenge, over 45,000 children’s books have been borrowed since July, many by children using libraries for the first time after all school pupils were issued with a library card before the start of the holidays.

Date : 14 September 2012