More success for the borough in the Six Book Challenge

Parents of young children at a nursery and primary school In Rochdale have been celebrating recently after earning their certificates for completing the Six Book Challenge.

Over 60 residents of the borough, for whom many English is not their first language, received the certificates at South Street Nursery on Friday 11 July and at Ashfield Valley Primary School on Thursday 17 July.

Participants were invited to pick six reads of their choice and complete a reading diary. The reading could take many forms such as newspapers, poems, books and magazines.

Working closely with Hanila Nadim, Family Learning Tutor from Rochdale Borough Council and supported by the library service, each participant received a well-earned certificate upon completion of the challenge. Karen Wilkinson, Family Learning & Partnership Co-Ordinator, also presented each person with an extra surprise gift – a £5 book token.  

Councillor Neil Emmott, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Neighbourhoods, said:

“The certificates they have received have been a result of hard work and are testament to the dedication and commitment of the learners and libraries to complete the challenge. I hope that we have many more people in the borough signing up to do the challenge in the future as it is free and is very rewarding.”

In 2013 the Six Book Challenge was been taken up by 35,000 people throughout the country. It helps to get people into reading for pleasure, often for the first time. It builds people’s reading confidence and literacy skills whilst also improving their life chances.

Crime author Martina Cole is the official ambassador of the Six Book Challenge.

Martina Cole said:

“The wonderful thing about the Six Book Challenge is that people who don’t normally read, or who think that reading isn’t their bag, are encouraged to pick up a book. When you read a book you have to picture it all in your own mind. No one tells you what you’re seeing or what you should be feeling. That’s the secret of reading – it’s such a personal thing.”

Ninety per cent of respondents in a recent survey said that they were more confident about reading after taking part in the Six Book Challenge.

Rochdale Borough Libraries has been supporting initiatives like the Six Book Challenge for several years and you can find out more at www.rochdale.gov.uk/libraries or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RochdaleBoroughLibraries