A creepy house with creepy characters form the theme for the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge supported by the Henry Bloom Noble Library and sponsored, for the sixth year in succession, by Scottish Widows.

The successful format, designed to encourage children to discover the world of books, encourage creativity and widen their reading range, will see them take part in spine-tingling reading activities and collect pungent-smelling stickers to complete a collectable Creepy House poster.

Children are challenged to read six library books during the summer holidays. They can also go on the website (see panel opposite) to create a profile, chat about books and get help on what to read next, via the digital Booksorter which also works on mobiles and tablets.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, an initiative of independent charity The Reading Agency that aims to help people become confident readers, has attracted the support of a number of famous names including Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman, football star Frank Lampard and children’s author and illustrator Charlie Higson.

Over the summer there will be weekly workshops with a creepy theme open to challenge participants only. Entry to the workshops is by tickets only, priced £1 per child. Full details are given in the goodie bags that come as part of the registration package.

All children who complete the challenge will be invited to a presentation ceremony where they will receive a medal and certificate from Her Worship the Mayor of Douglas Councillor Carol Malarkey JP.

Borough librarian Jan Macartney said: ‘We’re delighted Scottish Widows is sponsoring the Summer Reading Challenge for the sixth year. Research shows the challenge increases children’s enjoyment of reading and helps combat any dip in children’s literacy levels during the break from school.

'We're also delighted that once again the Summer Reading Challenge at the Henry Bloom Noble Library has been accredited by the Isle of Man Children's University as a learning destination, which means every child with a "Passport to Learning" will be entitled to earn a stamp for every book they read and every workshop event they attend.'

Registration for Creepy House begins Saturday July 13th at 09:15. Children can register Monday to Saturday at the ground floor counter of the library.

The Henry Bloom Noble Library is at 10 Victoria Street, Douglas.