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School children are being invited to dive into the sights – and smells – of Beanotown in a new challenge set by Jersey Library.
They’re calling all four to 11-year-olds to read six library books for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
The theme this year is Mischief Makers, inspired by a much-loved children’s comic many parents will remember: The Beano, which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary.
The Challenge launched on Friday and will run until Saturday 8 September.
Pictured: Jersey Library, one of three places children can sign-up for the challenge.
Once registered, children will receive a map of Beanotown that they can explore as they read library books. They will also receive stickers with “mysterious smells”. If the challenge is completed before 8 September, participants will receive a medal and certificate.
Children can sign up at the Town Library, Les Quennevais Branch Library or the Mobile Library. All that is needed to take part is a Jersey Library card.
Organisers said they hoped the Summer Reading Challenge would give local children a fun-filled holiday that “impacts positively on their reading habits and literacy levels.”
Factual, fictional, audio or online books can all be read and enjoyed as part of the challenge. There is also a website including games, competitions and a ‘Book Sorter’ to help children find their next read.
Last year, more than 2,200 Jersey children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge, which is free of charge. This year, Jersey Library are hoping for even more participants.
Linne Omissi, Children’s Librarian, commented: “We are always excited about the Summer Reading Challenge! We all love talking to children about their favourite books, and we all love the Beano, so this should be a super summer.”
Pictured: It's hoped the Challenge will help support local literacy levels.
“Children love books, and they love receiving medals and certificates in the autumn term to reward them for their reading achievement. And with rumours that the Beanotown Yeti might be seen at Jersey Library, what could possibly go wrong?” Ms Omissi added.
To celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge, Jersey Library have organised a number of free events and activities for families. The events, which are being held at both the Town Library and Les Quennevais Library, include:
The Story Beast
Tuesday 24thJuly, 6pm – Jersey Library (Recommended for ages 12+)
Wednesday 25thJuly, 11am – Jersey Library (Recommended for ages 6+)
Nick Cope
Wednesday 1stAugust, 11am - Jersey Library
Wednesday 1stAugust, 1pm – Jersey Library
Heather’s House of Stories
Saturday 4thAugust, 11am - Jersey Library
Eco-active activity
Wednesday 8thAugust, 2pm – Jersey Library
The Mischief Makers: Poetry Workshop
Friday 17 August, 11am – Jersey Library
The Story Pot
Wednesday 22ndAugust, 11am Les Quennevais Library
Wednesday 22ndAugust, 2pm – Jersey Library
Steven Butler
Wednesday 29thAugust, 11am – Jersey Library
Wednesday 29thAugust, 2pm – Jersey Library
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