28/6/2010 - Summer Reading Challenge set for lift-off

This summer's Space Hop challenge is launched in all libraries in Cumbria on Saturday 10 July.

The UK's biggest reading event for children encourages young people to read up to six books during the summer.

Last year more than six thousand children took part in Cumbria and 57 per cent completed the challenge.

Posters, stickers and other prizes will be handed out and certificates and day glo wrist bands will be given to all those who read six books. 

All this is free, you just have to be a member of the library, and that’s free as well.

Activities in libraries across the county will including rocket workshops and science experiments. 

Rocket workshops will be taking place at the following libraries:

• Longtown & Penrith 11 August.
• Ulverston & Grange 18 August.
• Wigton 20 August.
• Barrow & Dalton 24 August.

There will be one workshop for each library, either morning or afternoon. Each workshop will last between one and a half and two hours. 

Numbers will be limited to no more than 25 per session. (this may be fewer in smaller libraries).

Rocket kits and equipment will be provided but there may be a small charge.

More details can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/libraries. Young volunteers will be on hand to help in libraries throughout the summer.

They will be talk to children about the books they've enjoyed and help with Space Hop activities.

During the summer the Space Hop website will be available, where children can play games, meet authors, write about books they've enjoyed and much more: www.spacehop.org.uk

If you need any more information about the challenge and activities please contact the librarian in your area:

• Erin at Barrow Library 01229 407369
• Caroline at Carlisle Library 01228 227324
• Frances at Kendal Library 01539 713528
• Deb at Penrith Library 01768 812104
• Kathryn at Whitehaven 01946 506408

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Paul Bell on 01228 226337.