Our councillors visited Bexley’s libraries to encourage children to read and explore nature this summer as part of our new Library Strategy and to mark the Summer Reading Challenge, which has now concluded.
The scheme is one of the key ways that libraries help to foster a love of reading that supports the educational development of children.
Our latest figures show that 3,223 children across 12 libraries joined the scheme this summer, an increase of 10% when compared to the previous year.
Inspiring children to read is part of our Library Strategy commitment to promote reading and literacy across Bexley.
Cllr Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Education and Cllr Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, were both on hand at the Sidcup Storyteller in August to speak with staff and volunteers about the initiative.
Children were invited to read six or more books of their own choice over the summer holidays and collect fun rewards.
Cllr Newton said:
Reading and building on children’s literacy skills is paramount to their growth and future.
Children who keep reading throughout the summer are much better prepared for the start of the new school year and are ready to hit the ground running.
The Challenge is one of many ways we encourage young people to read and shows Bexley is committed to delivering on its goal of promoting Reading and Literacy across the borough to residents of all ages.”
Cllr Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said:
Our libraries are key to the borough and serve as hubs in the community for learning, exploring new ideas and having fun.
We are delighted to see so many using our library’s services and are really excited about their direction under this new Strategy.”
As part of its new Strategy ‘Turning the Page’, Bexley Council is making Reading and Literacy a priority by aiming to:
- ensure very child receives library membership when they are born
- develop collections to reflect what our changing communities want and need
- promote the love of reading and ensure that all residents have free and equal access to books, eBooks and other reading resources
- invest in new library stock and resources to ensure our customers have the materials they need and want
- embrace our role as an enabler of health and wellbeing benefits through providing access to books and information
- work to improve access to our services for older people and people with disabilities
- work with nurseries and school library services to promote library memberships to local children and families