Children invited to join the library Space Chase at Devon Libraries

Libraries across Devon and Torbay are calling for children to sign up to the Space Chase mission to read six books this summer as part of the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge. 

Anyone aged 4-11 is invited to take part in this out-of-this-world adventure by picking up a mission folder from their local library, choosing two books on each visit to the library throughout the summer and collecting stickers and rewards along the way as they rocket their way towards the finish line to claim a special medal.

Children will team up with futuristic family The Rockets for an exciting space mission as they track down books nabbed by a mischievous band of aliens. As children read library books, they will receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells. By adding these stickers to their collectable mission folders, young readers will help the Rockets solve clues, dodge asteroids and discover the missing books, having lots of fun and adventures along the way.

The Summer Reading Challenge asks 4-11 year olds to borrow and read any six library books over the summer. The theme for the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge is Space Chase, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing

To take part in Space Chase, all children need to do is sign up at their nearest library, where they will be given a collector folder to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey. Children are also invited to attend a variety of events and activities throughout the summer, from crafts and Lego clubs to alien animal encounters, robot making, astronomical visits, science talks, storytimes and a performance of Space Cats by Boo To A Goose Theatre.

Space Chase launches in libraries across Devon and Torbay on Saturday 13th July with a special launch event at Bideford Library from 10:30am with special guest and local performer Rob Pudner, who will arrive in style to entertain the children with some fun space themed stories. The Challenge runs until runs until Saturday 14th September.

There’s a whole programme of events and activities planned at libraries across the county for families over the summer to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenges, see the full list of events below.  Just contact your local library or go to www.devonlibraries.org.uk/web/arena/events to find out how to take part or visit your library’s Facebook page.

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs all 50 of Devon’s Libraries said: “This is my first Summer Reading Challenge as Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited and I couldn’t be more excited. Last year, over 11,000 children took part in the Challenge and we saw more young people complete the Challenge than ever before. There were 320 events and activities to take part in, and this year will be no different. Our libraries will be hosting a huge variety of activities and we invite you all to be there, whether it’s with your children, your grandchildren, nieces and nephews or friends. The Summer Reading Challenge is a great example of how libraries support people within their local communities not only by offering access to information but by providing art, culture and literary experiences for all to enjoy.”

Sue Wilkinson, CEO of The Reading Agency said: “At The Reading Agency, we tackle life’s big challenges through the proven power of reading. We know from our research that families and children love taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge, and we are proud to have been running the Challenge for twenty years this year. The space theme has been chosen to coincide with the 5Oth anniversary of the first moon landing. Last summer, children worked with illustrator Adam Stower to come up with ideas for the Space Chase adventure, and we hope the Challenge will inspire all children to use their local library and to read lots of great books throughout the summer and beyond."

You can find out what’s on at your local library by visiting the following websites: devonlibraries.org.uk or torbay.gov.uk/libraries, looking at your local library’s Facebook page or popping into the library.

For more details about Libraries Unlimited, visit librariesunlimited.org.uk or search /LibrariesUnlimited on Facebook or @LibrariesUnLtd on Twitter.