Six Book Challenge

Southend Libraries, in partnership with Southend Adult Community College (SACC) and local community groups are inviting adult learners to take part in the "Six Book Challenge"

Over the last few months, library staff, along with college tutors and volunteers have been working together to promote the scheme and register anyone wishing to take part. So far 70 learners have signed up for the Challenge, which starts in January 2012.

The annual Six Book Challenge is a free scheme that invites people to pick six reads (not just books but poems, magazine articles, even digital games can count) and record their reading in a diary provided by libraries. Participants are supported with incentives and receive a certificate on completion of the Challenge.

Who is it for?

The Challenge is aimed at less confident readers and people who want to get back into reading. Over 18,000 adults and young people across the UK took part in 2011 through libraries, colleges, adult and community education, prisons and workplaces - a third up on 2010

The Six Book Challenge offers a new and creative approach to improving literacy skills in a fun and accessible way. The website http://www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk/ also invites people taking part in the Challenge to share their experiences, ideas and favourite books.

Simon Wallace , Community & Diversity Team Manager for Southend Libraries said "It's a fantastically simple scheme, and it really can turn things around for learners. The Challenge also provides a real confidence boost to people's reading skills. Last year 66 people from across Southend signed up and we are hoping to encourage 100 learners to take part in 2012."

For further information contact Southend Library on 01702 215011. Please also see our related downloads section on the right-hand side of this page.