This weekend sees the official launch of the annual Summer Reading Challenge in libraries across Nottinghamshire.

This year’s theme of Record Breakers celebrates the 60th anniversary of the popular Guinness World Record Book – and three county libraries will be taking part in a record attempt!

The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge initiative is managed across the county by Nottinghamshire County Council in its libraries, with children encouraged to read up to six books during the holidays and pick up a series of rewards along the way. Research has shown that keeping up with reading in the summer holidays can boost a child’s literacy skills and confidence.

The challenge officially launches on Saturday 11 July. As part of the launch, three libraries in Nottinghamshire (West Bridgford, Worksop and Mansfield Central Library) will be joining with other libraries across the UK to help to set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the Most Pledges Received for a Reading Campaign. Children, along with parents and carers, can submit a pledge.

Dave Shelton, author and illustrator of A Boy and a Bear in a Boat will guest star at both Mansfield and Worksop libraries on Saturday. Dave’s award winning book has been adapted by playwright Stewart Melton and will be the first production in Nottinghamshire’s Children’s Pop-Up Theatre Project’s in libraries this summer.

Official pledging for the record attempt will be between 10am – 12 noon at Worksop and West Bridgford. Pledges will be accepted at Mansfield Central Library between 1pm – 3pm.

Also this year Nottinghamshire Literacy Volunteers are offering their support for the Summer Reading Challenge. The charity has around 200 volunteers who together give more than 1,000 hours every week in schools to help children with developing their reading skills. Volunteers will be promoting the challenge with children, giving them a personalised invitation, with some also offering their support as Summer Reading Challenge volunteers in libraries.

Councillor John Knight, Committee Chairman for Culture at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We extend a warm welcome to authors Dave Shelton and Andy Newbound to help us launch the Summer Reading Challenge on July 11 as Nottinghamshire plays its part with the nation’s libraries trying to set a new World Record.

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful scheme which attracted 9,611 children to take part last year and further promotes the value and fun of reading for children. We always have wonderful support from volunteers and this year welcomes the additional support of the Nottinghamshire Literacy Volunteers.”

Nottinghamshire Literacy Volunteers Chief Executive Dawn Claypole said: “This is a really good opportunity to encourage children to further their love and enjoyment of books from the classroom and into the school holidays. We provide extra reading support across the county so are very pleased to be involved in the Summer Reading Challenge.”

More information is at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge