Libraries boosted reading over summer holidays

Challenges and events arranged by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Library Service boosted reading during this year’s summer holidays.

The Summer Reading Challenge for children and the Adults Read Two scheme have been a great success across the borough both in libraries and on-line.

The Summer Reading Challenge is for children under 13 and takes place during the school holidays each year. There is a mini version of the challenge for the under fours. The 2025 theme, chosen by The Reading Agency, was Story Garden, which inspired children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature. 

The Adults Read Two challenge encourages adults to read more and celebrate their love of books and reading.  Entrants needed to read two books between 5th July and 7th September.  They could choose from a library book, eBook or eAudiobook and this year 13 to 15-year-olds could also enter again with parental permission.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Fairer Futures, Cllr Lisa Denson said:

“By the end of the Summer Reading Challenge an impressive 4,697 children had signed up to take part and 2,233 had completed it, figures both slightly up on last year. This year an amazing 113,191 children’s books were borrowed across our borough over the holidays.

“It’s wonderful to see that so many children were able to boost their reading over the summer months before the new school term. It can make all the difference to their reading confidence.”

There was a variety of events too, sessions from Animals Takeover (15 events), Fun Science (15), Explore Learning (6), Wilderness Tribe (5), Circus Academy (4), Nick Sharratt (4), Cheshire Archives and Local Studies (4), UK Research and Innovation (4), Bugfest (3), Cambridge Hands On Science (3), Facepainting (3), Noodle Performance Arts (3), John Kirk (3) Kate Pankhurst (2) and Matt Whelan (2).

Medals were awarded to all children who completed the challenges, and they were also entered into a prize drawer to win a Bug House and a “50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4” book. Those that completed the mini challenge, got the chance to win one of 23 Gruffalo soft toys, one per library. 

Cheshire West and Chester Libraries would like to acknowledge the generosity of two sponsors:

Thornton-Le-Moors located Hayrack Church Farm outdoor farm park/safe play/cafe which donated 5,000 free children’s tickets and Climbing Hut in Ellesmere Port who gave discounted tickets to those who started the Challenge. 

The Adults Read Two programme saw a 8% increase compared to last year with 755 participants. Just for fun we encouraged customers once again to take part in our #BooketList. Staff selected their 30 favourite reads from the last 12 months including ‘The Best of Everything’ by Kit De Waal, ‘The Vipers’ by Katy Hays and ‘The Life Impossible’ by Matt Haig.

The list could be used for ideas for reading over the summer. Staff sent in images of their books, and we posted them on Facebook, X and Instagram. Extra stock was purchased for all libraries and shelves were created on Borrowbox.

It is free to become a member of the library. You can join in person, online or over the phone. It only takes a minute or two to join, and you don’t need to bring any ID with you, so its quick and easy.  The approval of a parent or guardian is needed for children to join. It is free for under 16s to ask for books to be delivered from other libraries.

Once you have joined, you can borrow books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers access free wi-fi and computers and enjoy free refreshments and social activities. You can also borrow an iPad if you need to use one at home.

Find out more here:

Cheshire West and Chester Council libraries

Pictured - Pupils from Grosvenor Park C of E Academy helped the Council's Library Service spread the word about the Summer Reading Challenge.