Dudley Libraries are launching this year’s Summer Reading Challenge for children on Saturday 5 July.

The theme is Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors and the aim is to encourage reading during the summer holidays.

Children can sign up for the challenge at their local library where they can collect a poster and stickers. If they read six library books before returning to school in September, they’ll be awarded a medal.

Research carried out by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) indicates that reading for pleasure is the biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more important than either parents’ educational background or household income.

Operating under the Better brand, GLL runs Brierley Hill, Coseley, Cradley, Dudley, Gornal, Halesowen, Kingswinford, Long Lane, Lye, Netherton, Sedgley, Stourbridge and Wordsley libraries on behalf of Dudley Council.

“This year’s theme inspires children to explore the magical connection between storytelling and nature,” said Stephanie Rhoden, GLL Partnership Manager.

“There will be a whole range of free activities taking place in the libraries, including taking part in wand schools, creating wind chimes, butterfly gardens and a vegetable patch. There will also be visits from animals and authors – check our website or social media pages to see what’s happening or give your local library a call.”

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for libraries, said: "The Summer Reading Challenge is a brilliant way to spark children’s imaginations and keep them learning while school’s out. Our libraries are at the heart of the community, and through this challenge, they offer young readers a joyful journey into stories, adventure, and discovery. We're proud to support it and encourage every family to get involved."

The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries.

For more information, visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.