Council calls all young gadget fans, budding scientists and bookworms to join Summer Challenge

Hillingdon Council is encouraging young people of all ages to join the science-themed Summer Reading Challenge during the school holidays.

If you’re trying to keep children entertained during the school holidays, then this year’s challenge could be just the solution.  

The ever-popular annual initiative, run by Hillingdon Library Service in conjunction with the Reading Agency, launched earlier this month with kids being encouraged to explore science with this year’s theme, ‘Gadgeteers’.

To take part, children aged from four to 11 will need to visit their local library four times during the school holidays and borrow any books they like. When they complete the challenge, they’ll receive a medal and certificate, and there are bonus incentives to collect along the way!

This year’s challenge – which encourages children to keep up their reading during the summer break – is also being run in conjunction with the Science Museum and is aimed at inspiring young readers to think about everyday science and how it impacts their lives.

It’s a great time to focus on the importance of science as more and more young people taking interest in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Free events, including Lego and science-themed activities, will run until Sunday 18 September across the borough’s libraries.

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge never fails to inspire the borough’s youngsters, so it’s fantastic to see it back.

“This year’s Gadgeteers theme is already inspiring budding young scientists – and many other children – to pick up a book this summer, so any families interested in getting involved should visit their local library right away.”