VALERIE VAZ MP SUPPORTS THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

Valerie Vaz MP has backed a campaign in Parliament run by The Reading Agency to encourage all children to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge which launches across England and Wales on Saturday 14 July 2018.

Valerie Vaz MP said:

“This year’s challenge is called Mischief Makers, inspired by the much-loved children’s title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary. Children and young people of all ages can get involved. For pre-schoolers there is a mini-challenge while young people (aged 13 to 24) can volunteer and support younger children taking part, as part of The Reading Agency’s Reading Hack programme.

“Last year 1,784 children in Walsall took part in the challenge. I hope we can increase that number this year and remind local libraries what a valuable asset they are to us and our community.”

“I opposed Walsall MBC’s closure of Pheasey, Pleck and South Walsall libraries last year. Walsall Central Library is currently closed for refurbishment work and I am concerned that an important resource is being lost. I will continue to support our local libraries and call for them to be re-opened so that every child in Walsall South has the opportunity to explore the world of literature.”

“Research shows that reading for pleasure is a more powerful factor in life achievement than socio-economic background and that children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers.”

“I encourage all parents, grandparents and carers in Walsall South to take their children to the library over the summer to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge which launches across England and Wales on Saturday 14 July 2018.”