This summer, Hornsby Shire Council is encouraging everyone in the community to take up more reading throughout the holidays. It is offering two free reading programs with enticing incentives to inspire readers to explore more books. People can register at any one of the Shire's library services – Hornsby, Berowra, Pennant Hills or Galston – for a chance to win exciting prizes.
Children's Summer Reading Challenge
The annual Children's Summer Reading Challenge, for children ages 12 and under, encourages children to read and explore the amazing world of books over the summer holidays. This year's theme, 'Reading Rocks', captures the excitement and adventure of reading.
Participants earn badges each week, which can be redeemed for small prizes, such as stationary, craft and heaps more. There will also be a party at the end of the challenge when the major prizes of $50 book vouchers will be awarded. Participants can join at their local library by collecting a form or they can join online to get started.
An exciting 'Reading Rocks' launch event will take place at Hornsby Library on Thursday 5 December at 4pm. Everyone is invited for an afternoon of rock 'n' roll inspired party games, craft and prizes. Every child who attends receives a 'Reading Rocks' starter pack.
Adult's and Teen's Summer Reading Challenge
Why should the kids have all the fun? The Summer Reading Challenge for adults and teens over 12 gives participants a list of reading prompts to inspire them, with each book read becoming an entry to a draw to win one of 10 $30 book vouchers. Participants can even tell library staff their reading preferences to receive their own tailor-made list of reading suggestions. They can collect a form from a Hornsby Shire Council library or complete it online to get started.
Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell explained how the Hornsby Shire Library Service summer reading programs are an important element of its initiatives to support literacy in Hornsby Shire.
"The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our community to relax with a good book and find the joy of reading over the holidays.
"Not only is this a chance to explore new books and develop reading skills, but there are also exciting prizes to reward those who participate, and we know kids love rewards! I encourage everyone to get involved, visit your local library, and let the reading challenge bring some extra fun to your summer."
The Summer Reading Challenge is taking place from 5 December 2024 until 23 January 2025. Many other programs are offered by the library, including story time for pre-schoolers, after school and school holiday activities for children, book clubs and author talks for adults, and a home library service for our older residents.
