Plant a love of reading with the ‘Story Garden’ Summer Reading Challenge

With the theme ‘Story Garden’, public libraries in Hampshire will be encouraging children to explore the magical connection between storytelling and nature through the books they choose to read and the activities they take part in. 

Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "Establishing an early love of reading has so many clear and wide-ranging benefits, from improving children’s vocabulary and concentration to enhancing their imagination and creativity. It’s easy to fall out of the habit of reading over the summer holidays so joining our annual Summer Reading Challenge is a great incentive for children to stay on top of those important skills, ready for the start of the new school year in September. I encourage as many children as possible to take part and to get out and about in our fantastic libraries this summer – membership is free for anyone who lives, works or studies in Hampshire.” 

The Summer Reading Challenge is a national initiative provided by the Reading Agency aimed at children aged four to 11 years old. In Hampshire the challenge runs from Saturday, 12 July to Saturday, 13 September. 

Children taking part in the challenge will have access to a wide range of books in Hampshire’s libraries as well as other resources and activities, and a chance to discuss the books they have read with Summer Reading Challenge Volunteers. For anyone interested in volunteering in this role, full details are available on the Hampshire Libraries website.   

As part of the challenge, Hampshire libraries will also be holding the following events, running across the county on several dates, starting on 12 August. For full details of dates, times and locations, and to book your place, visit the Hampshire Libraries Events page. Both events form part of this summer’s Holiday Activities and Food programme and are therefore prioritised for children who receive free school meals. 

Events 

Junk Jodie: Bee...Insect-AZING! 

A free event aimed at children aged three to nine including singalongs, dancing, and a junk-tastic craft activity. Accompanied by Junk Jodie and Bobby Bee, children will explore the importance of gardens and insects and meet recycled friends like Greyson Grasshopper, Leonardo Ladybird and Betsy Butterfly.   

Steppin’ Up: Story Garden 

A series of imaginative, theme-based dance sessions where young movers will explore enchanted forests through movement and storytelling. Children will embody magical creatures and characters using street, hip hop, and commercial dance to bring stories to life and work together to 'solve' a creative narrative. 

Sessions are run by Steppin’ Up, a Fareham based dance class focused on helping young people feel confident, body-positive, and connected. Separate sessions are available for children aged four to seven, and from seven to 11. 

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge and how to sign up, visit your local library or the Hampshire Libraries website. Once children have signed up and started reading, they can collect stickers to add to their Summer Reading Challenge collector card. All children who read six books and complete the challenge will receive a certificate and a sustainable wooden medal.