Marvellous Makers: Summer Reading Challenge 2024 kicks off on 13 July

Explore invites children to fire up their imaginations this summer through the power of reading and creative activities.

Explore has been igniting the imaginations of children through Summer Reading Challenges for ten wonderful years and is delighted to announce the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge 2024: Marvellous Makers celebrating kids' creativity and storytelling abilities.

From July 13 to September 7 children are invited on a creative journey filled with storytelling, arts, and crafts, theatre, marionette making, animation, poetry and more, with a certificate and medal for all who complete the Challenge by 7 September. Activities are free or low-cost with tailored programmes for Pre-schoolers and teens as well.

Booking for the summer activities programme launches on 30 June. You can get a sneak preview from 29 June by picking up a leaflet at your local library or visiting visiting Explore York Libraries and Archives on Ticket Tailor.

Thanks to the generous support of York Archaeology, National Railway Museum, Accessible Arts and Media, York Maze, Grand Opera House York and Better Explore will be giving away some fabulous family tickets. Participants in the Challenge at Explore libraries will be entered into prize draws to win family tickets for attractions including  Wonderlab, Aquasplash, the Clip ‘N’ Climb Arena, Jorvik Centre, IMP Holiday Clubs, York Maze and Beauty and the Beast Christmas Panto.

Explore is also celebrating ten years of summer reading adventures by inviting past participants to share their stories. Did the Challenge inspire you, help you make new friends, or spark a lifelong interest? Whether you're in university or working in a field you discovered through our libraries, we want to hear your story. Send us your experiences via email at contact@exploreyork.org.uk  or share a video reel or TikTok.

Lyndsay Glover, Explore Service Developer: Children, Young People & Schools, said: "The Summer Reading Challenge is all about encouraging children to read for fun. Letting them choose books that interest and excite them is the key to children enjoying reading. I can’t wait to launch 'Marvellous Makers' in our libraries this summer. With fantastic family rewards and a wide variety of activities available, we anticipate a lively and busy season!"

The Summer Reading Challenge aims to combat the "summer dip," a learning loss many children experience during the holidays. Supported by libraries across the UK, it offers a free, fun way to keep young minds active. In 2023, over 685,000 children nationwide, including more than 3,000 in York, participated.

This year's Challenge is delivered in partnership with Create, a leading arts charity, and public libraries, featuring bespoke artwork by celebrated artist Natelle Quek. By joining the Challenge at any Explore Library in York, young readers can cultivate their creative thinking skills all summer long.