Summer Reading Challenge kicks off
The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge has started, with author Michael Rosen acting as patron of the initiative.
Starting on Monday (July 18th), the independent charity has arranged for the scheme to form part of the London 2012 Festival.
Rosen, who was Children's Laureate from June 2007 until 2009, described it as a "massive opportunity" for families to get involved with their libraries and understand how valuable they are.
Director of The Reading Agency Miranda McKearney said she is very proud of the way the scheme is encouraging more children to read over the summer holidays.
"It's every child's birthright to benefit from the public library's support for literacy. If you care about libraries, get involved in The Summer Reading Challenge," she added.
According to the charity, 760,000 youngsters are due to take part in the initiative and 97 per cent of libraries are supporting it.
Rosen went on to label libraries "crucial" and urged all families to join their local establishment.
