The Summer Reading Challenge 2015 was launched last Saturday 11 July. You can sign up at any library throughout the summer, but if you want to help break the world record, head to a branch library (excluding Beddington and the mobile service).

Readers aged from around 4 to 11 years and their families are encouraged to make a pledge to complete the challenge, which could go towards setting a new Guinness World Record for the Most Pledges Received for a Reading Campaign. The annual campaign encourages young readers to devour six or more titles of their choice over the summer holidays. Children will receive collectable incentives and rewards and, at the successful completion of the challenge, a certificate and medal.

The theme this year is Record Breakers, bringing together fact and fiction, and encouraging young readers to explore astonishing real-life achievements and world records.

Collecting stickers as they go, young readers will discover the weird, wonderful and wacky records from around the world in six different categories: Cool Tech, Way to Go!, The Big Stuff, Animal Magic, People Power and Action! Adventure! The Summer Reading Challenge is a popular national reading initiative, created by The Reading Agency. Last year nearly 2000 children in Sutton took part in the Mythical Maze, with 50 per cent  of those reading all six books and completing the challenge, which is a record achievement for the borough.

Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of Sutton Council’s Environment and Neighbourhoods Committee, said:

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a wonderful initiative which makes reading truly fun for children of many different ages. I am delighted that our libraries are launching it with a bang this (last) Saturday and I would encourage all local children to come along and make their pledge. The borough already has an excellent track record of young readers completing the annual challenge, so I am certain that we can make a huge contribution to breaking the world record. Let’s get reading!”

Signing up for the Summer Reading Challenge is free.

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge 2015, go tohttp://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ or contact your local library branch.