Inspire, which delivers library services on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, is urging youngsters to go on a science-filled adventure.

Gadgeteers,  Summer Reading Challenge 2022 invites children aged 4-11 to borrow and read any six library books over the summer.

Through taking part in the Challenge, with free packs from public libraries, children will be able to join six fictional characters – Gadgeteers – as they use creative thinking and special skills to prepare for a summer party.

To take part in Gadgeteers, all children need to do is to head to their local library from Saturday, where they will be given a collector poster to start their reading journey.  It’s completely free to join. Children choose the books they want to read on their challenge; stories, fact books, joke books – all reading counts!

There’s a certificate and medal for every child who completes the challenge by reading six books.  Plus, a bookmark, pencil, and very smelly stickers as rewards along the way.

More than 7,400 children participated in 2021.

Coun John Cottee, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Communities Committee, said: “I am always very proud to support the Summer Reading Challenge. It’s such a great scheme to encourage reading from an early age and to keep up the reading habit over the summer.

“Our libraries across Nottinghamshire are vital to help inspire and enhance a love of reading, and we hope that local young people will visit their local library, borrow and read six books over the summer holiday.”

Peter Gaw, Inspire chief executive, added: “I am delighted that we can fully welcome children and their families back into libraries to enjoy a summer of reading. It has never been more important for children to keep reading over the summer break with reported attainment gaps following the covid pandemic.

“Yet again the Summer Reading Challenge is inspiring reading through fun and with rewards. We hope children really enjoy this year’s science theme and join in reading and taking part in workshops and activities.”

Arc have supported the production of a promotional postcard that will be distributed through libraries and in schools.

Mansfield Central Library will host a Summer Reading Challenge-inspired exhibition, Library Lab, from 9 July to 11 September.

As part of Inspire’s Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation funded work, artist Pete Gray and author Alice Harman, Inspire’s 2022 Artist and Author in residence, have been working with pupils from eight Mansfield Primary schools to create an exhibition inspired by Gadgeteers. It will feature interactive artworks and writings.

Pete and Alice are also delivering Library Lab: family workshops at 12 libraries during the summer.

How the Summer Reading Challenge works;

• Children sign up at the library, collecting a pull-out poster, to keep a record of their reading journey.
• Children choose the books they want to borrow and read.  Staff and volunteers will be on hand at the library to chat to children about books they have read.
• For every book read, children will pick up stickers and other rewards.  The stickers will reveal the inventive ways the Gadgeteers are getting ready for their summer party.
• Every child who completes the challenge by reading 6 library books will receive a medal and certificate.

The annual event is produced by The Reading Agency and runs in libraries across the country. This year’s challenge has been developed in partnership with the Science Museum Group, the world’s leading alliance of science museums. Gadgeteers will be running in Inspire libraries from 9 July – 4 September. www.inspireculture.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge