Get ready to race into books with annual reading challenge

This year’s challenge, entitled ‘Race into a Book’, invites everyone to race into six books over eight weeks, with those managing to complete the challenge receiving a medal and certificate.

The annual reading challenge aims to encourage children and adults to read over the school summer holidays.

Angus locals can take part in the challenge by choosing six titles from their local library or via ANGUSalive’s digital library - provided by the Libby app - which is a free service for library members. Participants can read whatever they like including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, joke books, picture books, graphic novels, audio books, eBooks and magazines.

Chris Longmuir, local author and winner of the Dundee Book Prize, said: “ANGUSalive Libraries are running a reading challenge again this summer and the good news is that it's not just for children - adults can take part as well. The challenge is not too difficult; in fact, I'd say it was the easiest challenge I've ever seen! All you have to do is read six books over the summer holidays, and I'm hoping participants will be able to squeeze in one or two books of mine along the way.

Laura Smith OBE, ANGUSalive’s disability and inclusion lead added: “The Summer Reading Challenge is great because absolutely anyone can take part. The benefits of reading are enormous – regardless of your age – and includes increasing general knowledge, improving sleep and reducing stress as well as being an all-round great tool to support with your mental health. We’re very proud to be part of the initiative.

Signing up to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge could not be easier. You can visit your local library to register or, if you cannot make it along to one, you can sign up online by emailing your name and library card number to [email protected].

The reading challenge will run from July 1 to August 26, with registration from July 1.