As you may be aware Essex County Council announced its initial plans regarding the reopening of libraries earlier this week and full details about that can be found on their website.
In the meantime our #LibrariesFromHome offer continues and links to our e-library, (for e-books, e-audio, e-comics and e-magazines) online rhymetimes, storytimes and craft sessions can be found on our library catalogue:
The national Summer Reading Challenge is also moving online this year. The length of time the scheme runs for has also been extended and it launches today.
Children can take part by going to http://www.sillysquad.org.uk/ and signing up. The sign up process will require parental consent and parents can find more details here: https://
Although children must have an account to take part in the actual Challenge, lots of other content will be available on the Silly Squad website website and their Facebook page for everyone to explore.
Children will set their own reading goals over the summer and can then take part using their own reading materials, e-books, e-audio and e-comics from the Essex Libraries online library service or (once libraries have reopened) using books borrowed from our libraries.
Each time they finish a book, they add it to their profile and write a review. They are rewarded with activities and incentives along the way, such as online badges, games and videos.
Families are encouraged to join in and ‘Get Silly’ with downloadable activities, games, quizzes and more. With new content to enjoy each week, the fun will continue throughout the summer to keep families engaged. They also receive a downloadable certificate once they’ve completed their challenge!
This is going to be a radically different approach for the Summer Reading Challenge, but hopefully many children will still be able to take part.
Essex County Council are also going to be working with community partners to get a limited number of physical resources to digitally excluded families during the summer holidays.
Categories: News