Celebrating reading challenge success

Now in its 20th years, 3,200 children took part in the challenge during the six week summer holidays.

An out-of-this-world 54 per cent managed to complete the challenge which meant reading six or more books. In addition to collecting space-themed incentives and receiving a certificate and medal on completion, families enjoyed a host of free events at their local library throughout the summer.

This year to celebrate the children’s achievement Bradford Libraries hosted a Space Chase Summer Reading Challenge Celebration in partnership with the Science and Media Museum at the Pictureville Theatre on October 22.

Schools with the highest participation and those with the highest completion were invited, along with schools with significantly improved participation and completion. In addition library branches each nominated their own Summer Reading Champion from amongst their young customers.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Doreen Lee attended and presented awards to schools and individuals. The children also enjoyed some Space Chase fun with children’s author Andrew Newbound and found out how reading about the Moon shaped the career of Physicist Mark Wrigley.

Bradford Libraries and the Science and Media Museum worked in partnership throughout the summer, with the Science & Media Museum bringing How to be an Astronaut Workshops to libraries, and with Bradford Libraries taking the Space Chase Summer Reading Challenge to the Bradford Science Festival. The importance of reading to enable discovery and aspiration is recognised by both partners.

Invited schools included Addingham Primary: Ashlands Primary; Ben Rhydding Primary; Burley Oaks Primary and Menston Primary.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “This challenge gets better each year with thousands taking part. It really inspires our children to read and it is great that we are celebrating its success.”