Summer Reading Challenge proves a real blast for Cardiff kids

Thousands of busy bookworms in the city have signed up to this year's Summer Reading Challenge as Cardiff Libraries and Hubs seek to encourage more children than ever before to take part.

Almost 5,600 four to 11-year-olds in Cardiff have already signed up to read six books in the challenge, which this year takes its inspirationfrom the 50^thanniversary of the 1969 moon landings.  This year's theme is Space Chase and everyone taking part in the challenge will join the super space family, The Rockets, for a thrilling mission to track down books nabbed by mischievous aliens!

Now on its 20^thyear, the Summer Reading Challenge is co-ordinatedby the Reading Agency and delivered by libraries nationwide. Children can sign up at any Cardiff library or hub where they will be given a colourful collector's card to keep a record of their Space Chase adventure.

More than 400 children have already completed the challenge and can look forward to receiving a certificate and medal fromCardiff Libraries and Hubs service later this year.  But there is still time to sign up to read six books as the challenge doesn't come to a close until September 28.

As well as the usual activities, arts and crafts, story and rhyme times and much more in Cardiff Libraries and Hubs over the holidays, special Space Chase and Summer Reading Challenge-themed activities are also being held as part of the summer fun (see details below).

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said: "It's fantastic to see so many Cardiff children signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge. We want to beat last year's figures though so are encouraging any children who haven't already signed up to visit their local library or hub to join the fun. There's still plenty of time to read six books.

"The Challenge is a fun and engaging way to keep kids reading throughout the summer holidays and our libraries and hubs are also great places to visit for parents looking for something to do with their children. We've got hundreds of free activities organised over the school break.

"More than 600 children have joined their local library and hub since start of the holidays and we hope the Summer Reading Challenge can be the impetus for a life-long love of books among the children taking part this year."

Summer Reading Challenge events: