Children blasted into Space Chase at Gloucestershire libraries

The Summer Reading Challenge invites four to 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 50^th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Children have teamed 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 for the Summer Reading Challenge, they receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells, including alien gunk! 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.

There is still plenty of time to take part in Space Chase as it runs until 7 September. 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.

There is a whole programme of events and activities planned at Gloucestershire Libraries for families over the summer to celebrate the Challenge, including an Everyman Theatre tour, Dogs Trust events and Fly Me to the Moon events at libraries and Gloucestershire Archives, offering the chance to learn about the moon landings and take part in rocket crafts. All children signing up will receive a passport to gain entry to the Moon exhibition at the Museum of Gloucester and a voucher for the Soldiers of Gloucester Sphinx Trail.

Jane Everiss, Gloucestershire County Council’s head of libraries, said: “We’re delighted that more than 6,000 children have already joined the Summer Reading Challenge. The space theme has been chosen to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. 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."

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for libraries, said: “Nearly 10,000 children joined up last year so we think the theme of space will really interest even more children to join up in this year. Let’s see if we can beat the record this summer.”

Look for your library on Eventbrite to see what’s on offer: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/gloucestershire-libraries-3143135002 For other ideas on the next book children can read and the chance to play interactive games you can visit this website: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

Contact your local library or go to https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/library-activities-and-services/facilities-and-activities-for-children/ to find out how to take part.