THERE will be plenty to occupy children in Crediton Library during the summer with a number of events organised to support the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs in libraries across the country throughout the summer. Designed and presented by The Reading Agency, the scheme takes a different theme each year and its aim is to keep children reading while they are on a break from school. Teachers are quick to acknowledge that keeping reading levels up over the summer puts children at a great advantage when they return to school in September.

This year’s theme is “Gadgeteers” which looks at science, technology and gadgets.

Children can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge for free in the library and receive starter materials.

The goal is to read six books by the end of the summer holidays – these can be any books: stories, non-fiction, graphic novels or audiobooks all count.

Each time they have read two books they visit the library to receive more materials to add to their pack. After the sixth book, children are given a medal and certificate and may be entered into a prize draw to win one of a number of prizes donated by local shops and tourist destinations.

There are also events running all through the summer in the library. Please contact the library on 01363 772578 or call in to sign up for any of the following:

Thursday, July 28, 2pm-3.30pm: “The Aerodynamics of Biscuits” with author Clare Helen Welsh. Listen to some stories and make your own biscuit rockets. £2 per child.

Tuesday, August 2, 3.30pm-4.30pm: “Fun Gadgeteers Coding Workshop”. Try out some fun activities on Chrome Books and Microbits. Free.

Friday, August 12, 2pm-4pm: “Make It Fly Craft Activity”. Make and fly paper aeroplanes, gliders and helicopters. No booking required, just drop in.

Monday, August 15, 10.30am-12 noon: “Space Detectives Blast Off Workshop”. Join Jo Richardson, UK Space Ambassador, to learn about rockets and space travel. You will help to build and launch an actual rocket from the library garden. £5 (£4 per additional child).

Monday, August 22, 4pm-5pm: “Balloon Powered Lego Cars”. No booking required, just drop in.

Tuesday, August 30, 10am-12 noon: “Robot Craft”. Build a robot using your imagination. No booking required, just drop in.

Children can also take part in a Gadgeteers trail around the library any time during the summer, as well as picking up colouring sheets and puzzles to take home or complete in the library.