Record breaking book challenge comes to East Sussex

LibraryBooksYOUNG book fans can be part of a world record attempt by taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2015.

East Sussex County Council is encouraging four to 11 year olds to sign up for the annual event by borrowing books from their local library. This year’s challenge follows the theme of record breaking and is being run in partnership with Guinness World Records.

By joining the challenge each child could also become a Guinness World Records title holder, as the Summer Reading Challenge 2015 is attempting to achieve the ‘most pledges received for a reading campaign’.

The world record attempt will take place at Uckfield and Seaford libraries on the first day of the Challenge – Saturday, July 11 from 10am to 2pm – and as many children and adults as possible must pledge their commitment to reading by completing a pledge card and posting it in the official ballot box.

Children can borrow any book that takes their interest and those who cannot read yet can also get involved by borrowing audio books or sharing books.  This year for the first time children can also join the Challenge online and download books from the e-library.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs until September 12 and to complete the challenge participants will have to read six books.

Cllr Chris Dowling, lead member for community services, said: “It is a fantastic event as during the summer holidays children’s reading ability can drop. Taking part in this challenge will be an exciting, new experience for them and maintains their reading.

“There is also the added bonus this year of being part of an exciting world record attempt and I am looking forward to attending the launch in Uckfield on Saturday, pledging my support and encouraging others to do the same,” he added.

Those taking part in this year’s challenge, which is being supported by Veolia in East Sussex, will be able to achieve world record related prizes including stickers, medals and certificates.   To find out more, visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge