This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is has now begun – with young bookworms encouraged to read six or more library books over the next six weeks.

The theme for this year's challenge, organised by the Reading Agency, is Animal Agents, and participants can collect rewards as they go along.

Children aged up to 12 can take the challenge at libraries across Wolverhampton, with more than 30 events – many of them animal-themed – also being held over the summer holidays to help them on their way.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Elias Mattu, who officially launched the Summer Reading Challenge at Central Children’s Library on Saturday (15 July), said: “Our libraries have been supporting the Summer Reading Challenge for more than 10 years and it is always very popular with families.

“Reading is essential for a child's success. It not only helps them to develop their imagination but gives them essential skills for adulthood.

“Last year over 1,200 children took part in this reading scheme so my challenge to the young people of Wolverhampton is to beat that this year!”

He added: “Holding more events in our libraries to attract new users is a key part of our Transforming Libraries Service strategy, and so we are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of young bookworms and their families through our doors during the long summer holidays.”

Participants must read any six books of their choice from their local library during the holidays, and will collect rewards, stickers and finally a medal to celebrate their success.

Summer activities at Wolverhampton's libraries are as follows:

  • Tuesday 25 July, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (under 7s), Warstones Library, 2.30-3.30pm
  • Wednesday 26 July, Summer Six story and Craft session (under 10s), Bilston Library, 11am-noon
  • Thursday 27 July, Tom Palmer, football author, quiz and penalty shootout (7+), Central Children’s Library, 11.30am-12.30pm
  • Monday 31 July, Animal story computer workshop (8-12 years), Central Children’s Library, 2-4pm
  • Tuesday 1 August, Wolves Tales story and craft session (4+), Spring Vale Library, 11-noon, and Low Hill Library, 2.30-3.30pm
  • Tuesday 1 August, The Animal Man (5+), Central Children’s Library, 1.30-2.30pm, and Warstones Library, 3.30-4.30pm
  • Wednesday 2 August, Summer Six story and craft session (under 10s), Bilston Library, 11am-noon
  • Thursday 3 August, Jungle Jamboree story and craft session (5+), Central Children’s Library, 2-3.30pm
  • Saturday 5 August, Wolves Tales story and craft session (4+), Penn Library, 2.30-3.30pm
  • Monday 7 August, Dogs Trust Story Session (4+), East Park Library 11-noon, Wednesfield Library, 1-2pm and Ashmore Park Library, 2.30-3.30pm.
  • Monday 7 August, Animal story computer workshop (8-12 years), Central Children’s Library, 2-4pm
  • Tuesday 8 August, Wolves Tales story and craft session (4+), Finchfield Library, 10.30-11.30am
  • Tuesday 8 August, Farmyard Fun story and craft session (5+), Central Children’s Library, 2-3.30pm
  • Wednesday 9 August, Summer Six story and craft session (under 10s), Bilston Library, 11am-noon
  • Monday 14 August, Dogs Trust Story Session (4+), Tettenhall Library, 10.30-11.30am, Pendeford Library, 12.15-1.15pmm and Whitmore Reans Library, 2-3pm.
  • Monday 14 August, Animal story computer workshop (8-12 years), Central Children’s Library, 2-4pm
  • Tuesday 15 August, Baby Booktime Summer Special (under 3s), Central Children’s Library, 10.30-11.30am
  • Tuesday 15 August, Jungle Jive story and craft session (under 7s), 2.30-3pm
  • Wednesday 16 August, Summer Six story and craft session (under 10s), Bilston Library, 11am-noon
  • Wednesday 16 August, Pet’s Parade story and craft session (5+), Central Children’s Library, 2-3.30pm
  • Monday 21 August, Animal story computer workshop (8-12 years), Central Children’s Library, 2-4pm
  • Tuesday 22 August, Wolves Tales story and craft session (4+), Blakenhall Library at Bob Jones Community Hub, 11am-noon
  • Tuesday 22 August, Wolves Tales story and craft session (4+), Long Knowle Library, 2-3pm
  • Tuesday 22 August, Animal Aliens story and craft session (under 7s), Warstones Library, 2.30-3pm
  • Wednesday 23 August, Summer Six story and craft session (under 10s), Bilston Library, 11am-noon
  • Thursday 24 August, Birds of Paradise story and craft session (5+), Central Children’s Library, 2-3.30pm
  • Wednesday 30 August, Summer Six story and craft session (under 10s), Bilston Library, 11am-noon
  • Wednesday 30 August, Animals of the Night story and craft session (5+), Central Children’s Library, 2-3.30pm.