The Big Friendly Read, the Summer Reading Challenge for 2016, has launched at the Henry Bloom Library, with the first day of registration seeing the challenge fully subscribed, after it attracted 136 children.

 Borough librarian Jan Macartney with Morgan, 11, Gary, 10 , Archie, eight and Jamie, five, Burns

The Summer Reading Challenge tasks four to 11-year-olds to borrow and read six library books over the summer. The 2016 challenge, The Big Friendly Read, is celebrating 100 years of the world’s favourite storyteller, Roald Dahl.

 Volunteer Juan Clarke and borough librarian Jan Macartney with Bobby and Lilee Venables, four and six respectively

Children taking part 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.

 Borough librarian Jan Macartney and volunteer Juan Clarke with Emily Hall and Kelsey Whipp, both aged eight

The Big Friendly Read Summer Reading Challenge is now fully subscribed.