646 children in Exmouth and 157 children from Topsham has taken part in the Summer Reading Challenge at Exmouth and Topsham libraries.   

This year, the theme of the Challenge was ‘Gadgeteers’ encouraging children in being creative and solve problems.    

Exmouth and Topsham libraries organised many themed activities, which included craft sessions, Lego Club and science workshops across the summer.  

This year has seen a record number of children not only taking part but also completing the challenge, by reading at least six books over the summer holidays.   

The World of Country Life, once again, put themselves forward to host two parties for the 577 children who completed the challenge. 

The parties were attended by some special guests including the Mayor of Exmouth, Steve Gazzard, the town crier, and the chief executive of Libraries Unlimited Alex Kittow, who came to offer their congratulations to the children. 

Families were able to enjoy the rest of the day at the World of Country Life and come to share in a love of reading and stories.  It was lovely to see such support from the community for the library service in our effort to promote the love of reading.   

Lucy Banks, reading development manager for Libraries Unlimited said: “It’s been amazing to see so many children getting involved with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge,”  

“Reading is so important for building literacy and language skills, and most importantly of all, it’s fun! That’s why we’re so delighted that World of Country Life supported us by providing a fun-filled way for children to celebrate their reading achievement.” 

Debbie Butler marketing manager at World of Country Life said: “Reading books is so important for children growing up in today’s world of technology and the Library Challenge goes a long way to encourage this.  It was a pleasure to be a part of this initiative” 

Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs the public library service in Devon and Torbay, takes part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge each year.  All 54 libraries host a variety of events and activities as well as book promotions to get children reading throughout the summer holidays.   

For further information and full contact details please visit our web page librariesunlimited.org.uk.