A CHALLENGE to get children reading during lockdown has been a success.

The Summer Reading Challenge, which was available through Llanidloes Library, encouraged children to set themselves a reading challenge to help prevent the summer reading ‘dip’.

Children who completed the challenges received a medal and certificate and this year were also entered into the Co-op Silly Squad Challenge Prize Draw - a chance for a child to win their very own book.

Co-op member pioneer Zoe Brandon said: “Co-op is focused on protecting our community’s public spaces, improving the mental and physical health of people in our communities and learning new skills.

“Reading is a skill that I believe needs to be nurtured and so it was lovely to see the youngest members of our community accessing big brown bags of reading pleasure.”

Powys librarian Melanie Taylor introduced the system in Llanidloes.

“Just tell us what sort of books you like, or who your favourite writers are, and we’ll find something that you want to read. We’ll pack them, and have a bag of books ready for collection.”

The library is open every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm, and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. And from Monday, December 14, between 10am and 1pm [from Monday 14th December.] We have a variety of children’s books in both Welsh and English.”

It’s been just wonderful to see the library open again and to see families using the facility in our town. Visit powys.gov.uk/libraries or phone 01597 827460 to start your reading challenge.