If you’re on the lookout for a fun, free activity for your children to do over the summer holidays – then why not take part in the 2020 Summer Reading Challenge?

Every year, thousands of families all over the country take part in the challenge – the UK’s biggest reading event for children in libraries.

“The aim is to encourage children between the ages of four and eleven to read six books from their local library during the summer holidays, with lots of fun and rewards along the way,” said Library Development Officer Laura Evans.

“What’s great about the Summer Reading Challenge is that you can choose any library book you like to count towards your rewards.”

The theme of this year’s Reading Challenge is Silly Squad, a celebration of the happiness and laughter that books can provide, with artwork from award-winning children’s author and illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson.

The 2020 Summer Reading Challenge will be focused online, with the launch of the Reading Agency’s new user-friendly web platform at: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

The free digital challenge platform includes a safe sign-up process and a personal profile area, where children can set reading goals, review books, review recommendations and access guides to e-lending.

There is also a forum for children to chat to friends and play games, as well as activities with rewards and unlockable content to keep children and families engaged throughout the summer.

The platform is also available in the Welsh Language at: cymru.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Summer Reading Challenge packs, including a certificate and medal for completing the challenge, can be requested while placing an order via the new Order and Collect service, and collected during the allocated timeslot.

The Order and Collect service, which launched earlier this month, enables library members to order items from one of five libraries: Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Tenby.

Library members can select up to a maximum of six items, and can either ask for a pre-selected collection such as romance or thrillers, or select specific titles from the online catalogue that are located at the library they wish to collect from.

When placing an order, members can also specify their preferred format, such as Spoken Word, Large Print or items in the Welsh Language.

On submitting an order, members will be allocated a timeslot on a specified date to collect their items.

Orders can be placed online via the Order and Collect form at the following link: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-reopening, or over the phone by contacting one of the five libraries operating the service.