Carmarthenshire Libraries are participating in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat. Starting on Saturday, July 4, this year’s challenge is celebrating the connection between reading, music and creativity.

The challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to visit their local library, register for the scheme and enjoy six books of their choice over the summer holidays. Children who complete the challenge will receive a certificate and medal, with rewards available along the way. An online version of the challenge is also available. The challenge is open to all children living in Carmarthenshire. There is no requirement to be an existing library member, as memberships can be created free of charge when children sign up for the challenge.

Delivered nationally by The Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge aims to inspire children to continue reading throughout the summer break, helping to build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of books.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented:

The Summer Reading Challenge is one of the highlights of our library calendar, inspiring children to keep reading, learning and using their imaginations throughout the summer break. It is wonderful to see young people across Carmarthenshire taking part each year, discovering new books and developing a lifelong love of reading.

One local author, Mark Llewelyn Evans, whose work is featured in this year’s reading list added:

The Summer Reading Challenge reminds us that reading can open doors, build confidence and inspire creativity. It is also a wonderful reminder of the message that has guided everything I do: Any Body Can. No matter where you start, what challenges you face, or what path you take, great things can happen when you believe in yourself and keep going.

Throughout the summer, Carmarthenshire Libraries will host a wide range of free activities and events for children and families across the county. Details of upcoming events will be available from local libraries and through Carmarthenshire Libraries’ social media channels.

Children under the age of four can also take part in the Mini Challenge, collecting stickers for each of the six books they read or share with a parent, carer or family member.

Good luck to all those children and families taking part in this year’s challenge.