Keep reading this summer and become a ‘Gadgeteer’ with Southend Libraries

Southend Libraries and The Reading Agency are excited to introduce ‘Gadgeteers’, the Summer Reading Challenge for 2022 which will run from 23 July to 31 August for children aged four to twelve. There will also be an Early Years Challenge for children under four as part of the fun.

3 children exploring pieces of an invention

The Gadgeteers theme will encourage children to engage in a fun reading activity focused on creating new inventions. The challenge opens children’s inventiveness and problem-solving skills while helping to maintain their literacy levels during the summer holiday.

A fold-out map will show six areas where the Gadgeteers must work together to solve hitches and hiccups with their inventions. As children read each book they will receive a sticker to transform each area. After reading six books you can collect your certificate, medal and swimming voucher from your local library.

Children who complete the challenge will be entered into a prize draw to win Adventure Island wristbands in September and tickets to see this year’s pantomime at the Cliffs Pavilion.

You can sign up in any Southend City library from Saturday 16 July. Just fill out a joining form, and checkout your books. You can discuss the books you read with our Gadgeteer volunteers at any branch from 10am – 2pm and if you write a review or draw a picture you can email it to us and we’ll share it on our social media channels.

Cllr Laurie Burton, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “It’s great to have children involved in something that helps them maintain their comprehensive skills over the summer. This year’s challenge is sure to be a good one with an exciting new theme that encourages children to think more creatively and exercise their problem-solving skills. These skills are invaluable and it’s important to help our children develop them for later life through fun activities like the reading challenge.”

Performance Poet Justin Coe will be delivering his new show ‘The Gift of the Gadget’ at Kent Elms and Leigh Libraries. Join Justin at Kent Elms Library at 11:00am on Saturday 6 August and Wednesday 24 August, as he experiments with comedy, rhyme, and a pair of balloon shoes for this fun and interactive family show. The events are suitable for children aged five and over and will cost £3 per child. You can buy your ticket at the host library’s welcome desk.

Southend Libraries will also be holding free Gadgeteer themed craft events including:

Kaleidoscope Craft - Tuesday 26 July 10.30am - 11.30am at The Forum (Drop-in)

Kaleidoscope Craft – Monday 1 August 2.30pm - 3.30pm at Shoeburyness Library*

Lego event – Thursday 11 August 2.30pm - 3.30pm at Southchurch Library*

Lego event – Wednesday 17 August 10.30am - 12.30am at Westcliff Library (Drop-in)

*Please book your place at the host library’s welcome desk to avoid disappointment.

Published: 30th June 2022

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