Southampton mum and her nine-month-old baby smash the Summer Reading Challenge

Karen Anovcin discovered in July that she could sign up her baby Andy to the Summer Reading Challenge at her local library

Within the first two weeks they had read over two-hundred books together.

The Summer Reading Challenge, presented by The Reading Agency and funded by Arts Council England, is the UK’s biggest free reading for pleasure programme for children. Taking place annually, the Challenge encourages children to keep reading during the summer holidays to build their reading skills and confidence.

Every child taking part can set a personal challenge for the number of books they want to read, and the suggested target is six books.

Karen and Andy have set their target at one thousand books.

Karen said:

“When I found out that I could sign Andy up for the Summer Reading Challenge, I knew I had to do it. We are regular library visitors and I have been reading to him since he was in my tummy and the day he was born. Andy’s dad also reads to him in Slovakian as that is where my husband is from, and I think this is important for bonding and for Andy to be familiar with our voices. I think it will be good for his language development and imagination too. Plus, he loves it! He always touches the books, lifts his arms in the air and laughs and smiles.”

Karen has always loved reading and her love for the library goes back twenty years when she took part in a book trail for which she still has the log sheets for today.

When asked about the library Karen added:

“Weston Library is just amazing. I am always so impressed with the friendly staff, and they have truly become like family. Regular library visits have done wonders for my confidence. Thanks to other library-goers and the fantastic volunteers at Weston Library, I’ve picked up new hobbies and learned new skills in the knitting and crochet groups.”

Southampton Libraries have delivered the Summer Reading Challenge since 1999, over the past 10 years 2012-2022 24,200 children in Southampton have participated in the scheme.

Councillor Alex Winning, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning said:

“I find Karen and Andy’s story incredibly inspiring, and I hope families across Southampton do too. On average 10,738 children’s books are loaned each year over the 6-week summer holiday break from our libraries and I hope that young people continue to enjoy all that our libraries in Southampton have to offer.”

The Summer Reading Challenge is set to finish on Saturday 2 September and is still open for children and families that wish to take part. Children can read any book of their choice; fiction, non-fiction, picture books or books they share with parents and carers, and audio books too.

To get started, those interested should visit their local library.

Visit the website for more information on The Summer Reading Challenge.