Dear Editor,

SUMMER has arrived in a big way and here at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), we’re delighted to say it’s time to launch our fantastic library events for children as part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Developed by The Reading Agency, the annual Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged four to 11 to sign up at their local library or online at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk. They’ll set a reading goal and collect rewards for their reading – including a certificate when they reach their Challenge goal.

The theme of this year’s challenge is Story Garden – Adventure in Nature and the Great Outdoors, brought to life with artwork by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola

RNIB is partnering with The Reading Agency to encourage local libraries to run events which will get children making and thinking creatively about stories and books. The aim is to encourage more children with vision impairment to join the Summer Reading Challenge and to help sighted children develop an understanding of sight loss.

Activities include writing a nature-inspired story, creating a piece of art based on natural objects or running a sensory treasure hunt or story walk.

To complete the Summer Reading Challenge, children can read any books they like, including from RNIB’s library at www.rniblibrary.com in whichever accessible format they prefer and these will count towards their Summer Reading Challenge.

Additionally, RNIB has created a special guide for library staff to help ensure events are as inclusive as possible The guide can be downloaded for free from The Reading Agency’s website at https://readingagency.org.uk/resources/14404

For more information about the books available from RNIB and to find titles in accessible formats, visit www.rniblibrary.com

For more information about Summer Reading Challenge events happening in your area, pop in to your local library or visit the Summer Reading Challenge website here https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/join-in and click on ‘Library Zone’. Alternatively head to your library’s website.

Lara Marshall
Library Engagement Manager
RNIB