Kirklees Libraries are launching an exciting reading program to boost children’s literacy

Kirklees Libraries has launched a reading program to encourage more children to read for pleasure and improve their long-term literacy skills.

The Adventures in the Library program is aimed at children aged four to 11, who can pick up an adventure pack from their local library at any time of the year and start their journey through a range of exciting themes – Animal Planet, Magical Lands, Oceans, Rainforests, Space Explorer and Spooky.

The themes will be rotated through each Kirklees library for two months so that children can get a taste of each theme.

The kids’ quest is to complete fun activities by attending free events at the local library, reading fun books, and collecting stickers, bookmarks, certificates, and more along the way.

Kirklees Libraries engaged with local children who told staff what they would like to see in a reading program – the result is an innovative child-imagined pilot program created by Kirklees Libraries.

This work also builds on an earlier online programme, Library Adventures Live, which was launched during the Covid lockdown to support children as they transitioned to learning from home.

Clr Habiban Zaman, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Library Adventures will provide a fantastic opportunity for children, enabling our next generation to reach new heights of literacy through reading for fun and creative activities.

“The program will help young children take an interest in reading from an early age, enabling early language development and reaching all ages, which will improve their literacy skills.

“It will also help parents give their children the start they need to aspire and achieve their academic ambitions now and in the future.”

Fun adventures are designed to encourage reading pleasure and stimulate creativity. The diverse program will include sessions designed to engage reluctant readers, provide playful activities for younger children and provide updates on what’s trending in children’s fiction.

For more information go to www.kirklees.gov.uk/library-adventures.