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With the school summer holidays getting underway this week, children across South Tyneside are being challenged to keep up their reading as part of a national campaign.

South Tyneside Libraries are supporting The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge 2023, promotes reading library books during the six-week holidays with youngsters aged four to 11 able to collect rewards along the way.

This year's theme is 'Ready, Set Read!' which aims to keep children's minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering children to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading.

Councillor Audrey Huntley, Deputy Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy, said: "We are delighted to support the Summer Reading Challenge. It's a fantastic annual campaign that supports children to continue reading during the school holiday break.

"As well as helping children to improve their reading, literacy and language skills in a fun and engaging way, books open up a whole new world of imagination and adventure, and this year, children can choose from a varied story selection that explores sport, games, physical activity and teamwork.

"The Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and as it's free to take part, it is an ideal activity for families that may be struggling with the cost of living. It also provides a great opportunity for people to get involved with their local library. We hope children are inspired to take up the challenge and enjoy reading for fun."

This year's Summer Reading Challenge is delivered in partnership with children's charity the Youth Sport Trust, which focuses on reading, sport and play, and is brought to life by a fictional superstar team of characters and their animal mascots.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books of their choice and they can include eBooks and titles in audio formats.

To take part, children can sign up to their local library. They will receive a collector folder on their first visit and receive rewards as they progress through the challenge. Books borrowed need to be returned before Saturday 16 September for children to complete the challenge.

The Summer Reading Challenge is running across the Council's libraries at The Word and Cleadon Park in South Shields, Hebburn Central and Jarrow Focus, as well as in volunteer-led community libraries including Boldon and Cleadon, Perth Green and Whitburn.

For further information about South Tyneside Libraries visit More details of the national Summer Reading Challenge is available at