Pawesome library challenge

With animal themed events, animal books, puzzles and animal crafts, children across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to keep readingduring the summer holidays.

Simply bring your child along to the library and sign up for the challenge to read any number of books of your own choice (choose your personal target between 2 and 25 books), collecting an activity booklet and bookmarks along the way.

Bring your Pawesome Reading Challenge membership card to any library or mobile library and get a paw stamp for every book you read. Once you have reached your reading target, you will receive a Pawesome award certificate.

Irene Knox, Chief Executive of Libraries NI explains: “One of Libraries NI’s key aims is to help children and young people develop a love of reading and the annual Big Summer Read has been devised to encourage children to keep up their reading habits during the holidays.

“We are inviting all children to get involved, with adults being encouraged to take part too. Almost 14,500 children took part last year in libraries across Northern Ireland and we hope to break that record this year!”

Everyone is invited to sign up to the Pawesome Reading Challenge at their local library or mobile library from 27 June, when they will be given some fun materials to get them started.

The challenge lasts until 31 August and it’s free and retired Ulster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions rugby player Stephen Ferris got behind the campaign when he launhed it in Moira Library.!

For more information, call into your local or mobile library or go to the Libraries NI website

www.librariesni.org.uk/big-summer-read where children can log the books they have read, find other recommended books, enjoy activities and play games.

On Saturday, July 23 and Saturday, August 13 there will be a Animals Crafts and Stories event in Lurgan library for 4 to 8 year olds, running from 10.30am to 11.30am.

To become a library member, bring along a means of identification (which includes a home address) and make use of the many free membership benefits.