The Henry Bloom Noble Library is calling for children to sign up to read six books this summer as part of The Big Friendly Read, Summer Reading Challenge 2016.

The Summer Reading Challenge asks four to 11-year-olds to borrow and read any six library books over the summer. It has a new theme each year and in 2016 the challenge is delivered in collaboration with The Roald Dahl Literary Estate to celebrate 100 years of the world’s favourite storyteller.

To take part all children need to do is sign up at the library. They’ll receive a special collector’s folder and as they borrow and read at least six library books over the summer, they can collect six special cards to complete it plus other splendiferous incentives! The cards all feature original Quentin Blake illustrations and explore some of most popular themes in Roald Dahl’s books such as invention, mischief and friendship.

The Big Friendly Read Summer Reading Challenge launches at the Henry Bloom Noble Library on Saturday July 23 between 9.00am and 4.00pm and runs until Saturday September 10.

There’s a whole programme of events and activities planned at the library every Wednesday morning or afternoon for children participating in the challenge.  Just contact the library on 696461 or click here here to find out how to take part.

The Reading Agency’s CEO Sue Wilkinson said: ‘At The Reading Agency, we believe that everything changes when we read and we know from our research how much fun families and children have when taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. This year we hope Roald Dahl's fantastic characters, and Sir Quentin Blake's brilliant artwork, will inspire many more children to take part and make use of their local library throughout the summer and beyond.’

Borough librarian Jan Macartney said: ‘We’re delighted to be taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge for the 10th year in a row and now we are in our new home on Duke Street we hope it will be bigger and better than ever. We’re looking forward to a fantabulous summer of reading and phizz-whizzing events!’

Families can also unlock some digital magic when they download the free Summer Reading Challenge app, which this year will include rare recordings of Roald Dahl sharing his writing tips and reading aloud, all triggered by augmented reality as children collect the cards. Created by Reading Agency sponsor SOLUS, the app will also provide a convenient way to access the Book Sorter, a unique crowd-sourced database of books in user-friendly categories that children  themselves have rated and added.