Local children are being challenged to join Team Read and tackle the Summer Reading Challenge 2008. Those who complete it get the chance to enter a draw for a Nintendo Wii. The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Martin Whelton, will officially launch the scheme at Pollards Hill library at 10:30am on 12 July.

The Summer Reading Challenge, hosted by Merton’s libraries, encourages children aged 11 and under to get down to their local library and read six books before the summer is out. This year the scheme runs from 12 July until 6 September and the theme is sport, which is why the Summer Reading Challenge is called Team Read.

Along the way children will be given bookmarks, stickers and certificates. Those who complete the challenge by reading the six books can enter a borough-wide draw for a Nintendo Wii.

Over 2400 children took part last year in Merton libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge continues to get bigger and better every year.

Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Maurice Groves, said, “Merton Council is encouraging all its young residents to make the most of this exciting scheme. This is an excellent opportunity for them to have a fun summer, with lots of free activities, while reading and learning at the same time.”

For more information about Merton libraries visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/learning/libraries.htm.

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