CHILDREN are being invited to take part in a summer reading challenge.
East Lothian libraries have launched the Story Garden challenge, which runs until Saturday, August 23, and encourages children aged four to 11 to read for fun during the summer holidays.
The programme launched earlier this summer at Musselburgh Library with local author Tom Nicoll, members of the Musselburgh Library Junior Gardening Club and families keen to take part.
Councillor Colin McGinn, cabinet spokesperson for community wellbeing, said: "We know that encouraging children to read for pleasure not only helps with learning, it also boosts their confidence, self-esteem and mental wellbeing.
"And what a great theme for a summer challenge – all about celebrating adventure and the great outdoors.
"Our libraries have a fantastic line-up of events to add to the fun of the challenge.
"I would encourage as many of our young people as possible to take part and enjoy a world of books and adventure this summer."
East Lothian libraries received £2,500 in additional funding from the Julia Rausing Trust to expand the programme.
Mr McGinn said: "This extra £2,500 is a real boost to the summer reading challenge, which is already attracting a number of young readers keen to take part.
"This funding will allow us to work with the lunch club at Ross High School, as well as groups in Wallyford to support young people who may not otherwise attend our libraries.
"Our libraries teams will encourage these readers to complete the challenge through reading together, curating exciting collections of books, and engaging them in activities to make the challenge more flexible and achievable.
"This will build on the existing activities and partnerships of our library service, focusing our outreach more on literacy and reading for pleasure for those who need it most."
The Story Garden theme for 2025 features artwork by illustrator Dapo Adeola and celebrates stories that explore nature and imagination.
Children can visit any East Lothian library to sign up and borrow their first book.
The challenge is to read six library books over the summer, with stickers to collect along the way.
Those who complete the challenge will receive a certificate and entry into a prize draw.
Libraries across East Lothian are also hosting free events throughout the holidays to help families get involved and celebrate stories, nature and the outdoors.
For more information about events and how to take part, families are encouraged to visit the East Lothian Libraries website or contact their nearest library.
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