Children across Oxfordshire are invited to join this year’s sport-themed Summer Reading Challenge at Oxfordshire Libraries this summer (until 9th September).  The free challenge is open to children aged 4 to 11 to sign up to read six books this summer, and visit the library at least 3 times, as part of the exciting, sporty and games-themed ‘Ready, Set, Read!’.  There is also a ‘mini’ challenge available for children under four.  At each of the 3 visits small rewards will be given – and at the end there will be a certificate, a medal and a badge.

We know children’s reading can easily fall behind during the long summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books. We hope this year’s sporty theme helps to encourage even reluctant readers to read for pleasure this summer. Children will be able to join the fictional superstar team – Naveen, Naomi, Noah, Sophia, Ollie and Alesha – alongside their animal mascots, all ready to have fun and keep active.

The Sonning Common library would love to see you all and we are very happy to recommend books and chat to children about what they have enjoyed reading. If you aren’t a member yet, you can sign up quickly and easily online or at the library.

Extra Events

ZooLab will be visiting the library on Wednesday 26th July, with 2 sessions at 9.30am and 11am (£5.00 per child). These visits are designed for primary school age children, not pre-schoolers, as the children have to sit patiently in a circle, on the floor (not with parents) and wait for their turn with the animals – and not grab at them, or squeeze them, or drop them…. (Parents can stay, but sit at the back). Booking is essential, with payment by cash only.

On every Saturday in August there will be a ‘Ready, Set, Read’ storytime, with craft sessions and cake sales each time, and on 19th August the author and illustrator of ‘Maximus the mouse’ (Kim Ansell and Lisa Read) will be visiting the library to read and do crafts based on their book.

Science Oxford is visiting the library on Tuesday 8th August from 11am – 12noon to do some exciting experiments! This session is aimed at 4 – 8 year olds, and it is free, but places are limited so booking is essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

During August there will again be a ‘Bear Hunt’ round the village. Visit the library in August to collect a map!