Authors back record attempt at libraries

FAMILIES have been quick to sign up for the Record Breakers Summer Reading Challenge, which has launched in all West Sussex libraries.
Author Julia Donaldson at Steyning LibraryAuthor Julia Donaldson at Steyning Library
Author Julia Donaldson at Steyning Library

The free scheme encourages children to borrow books, then collect stickers and other rewards for those they read.

This year’s challenge was accompanied by an official Guinness World Record attempt last Saturday, to set a new record for the most pledges received for a reading campaign.

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Hundreds of pledges were received, including one from Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, at Steyning Library and another from Sam Watkins, author of Creature Teacher, at Worthing Library.

The successful launch for Record Breakers at Chichester LibraryThe successful launch for Record Breakers at Chichester Library
The successful launch for Record Breakers at Chichester Library

Kerry Brookes, children’s librarian, said: “Julia visited Steyning Library to lend support to the campaign, sign children’s books and pose for photographs with families. The library saw a four-fold increase in the normal number of visitors for a Saturday.”

Elsewhere, the pledging campaign was launched with West Sussex county councillor Janet Duncton in Chichester. She welcomed children from St Anthony’s School, who all pledged their support and took part in some fun record-breaking activities.

Kerry added: “The results of the record attempt will not be revealed until all pledges have been counted and verified nationally, but we are confident in West Sussex that hundreds of families have pledged their support.”

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Libraries across the county are expecting to register more than 13,000 children for the scheme over the school holidays.

Author Sam Watkins invites children to create an image of a creature from their own imaginationAuthor Sam Watkins invites children to create an image of a creature from their own imagination
Author Sam Watkins invites children to create an image of a creature from their own imagination

Children can join at any point in the summer and have until Saturday, September 12, to read six books and earn a medal.

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