Popular reading challenge returns to Southend libraries

January 24, 2022

The Reading Agency and Southend libraries are excited to announce the launch of the Reading Ahead reading challenge from today (Monday 24 January).

The annual event is aimed at young people and adults and is designed to improve reading confidence, literacy and language skills.

Participants are invited to choose six reads and to share their thoughts via their own personal reading diary, earning a certificate upon completion.

Read, rate and review whatever appeals to you whether it be books, letters and magazines or websites, recipes and audiobooks - it's entirely up to you!

Cllr Anne Jones, cabinet member for communities and housing, said: “I am delighted to see the return of the Reading Ahead challenge which has proven to be extremely popular in previous years.

“Research indicates that when people read for pleasure they benefit from greater opportunities in everyday life, education and employment. Reading Ahead can provide a gateway to these opportunities, aiming to reach the one in six adults in the UK who struggle to read and the one in three who no longer read regularly.”

The programme successfully inspires thousands of emergent readers each year across the UK, through libraries, colleges, workplaces and prisons and is supported by seven high profile author ambassadors committed to promoting reading and literacy, including Andy McNab, Adele Parks, Dreda Say Mitchell and Martina Cole.

It’s free to take part and anyone can join in. Please ask at your local library for a registration form. For more details of this challenge contact: lizallen@southend.gov.uk