MP backs Summer Reading Challenge

Diana Johnson MP is backing this year's Summer Reading Challenge, aimed at encouraging children to practice their reading over the school Summer Holidays, in a visit to North Hull's Greenwood Library tomorrow (Friday 21 July).

The MP celebrated the success of children's literature earlier this week at a House of Commons reception held by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries and Information Management.

The All Party Group heard how children's book borrowing from public libraries is increasing thanks to the hard work of librarians and partner organisations, and schemes like the Summer Reading Challenge. The Summer Reading Challenge is organised by The Reading Agency and takes a powerful new, and nationally co-ordinated approach, to inspiring children to read.

Every year, more children take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, undertaken in partnership with public libraries and supported by children's publishers. This year an amazing 700,000 children are expected to take part across the UK.

Diana Johnson MP said: "To get more children developing their reading skills, and spending a bit less time staring at screens, we need to harness the power of our public libraries in Hull.

"The range and quality of children's books is better than ever, and working in partnership with publishers and booksellers, libraries can help expand choice further. Schools and librairies help children get the reading habit early, and make it possible for parents and carers to give children access to a huge variety of books. I am pleased to support the Summer Reading Challenge in Hull.'

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