Over 13,000 children have already signed up to Merton’s Summer Reading Challenge 2015, the highest number of children to ever participate in the scheme. This year’s record breaking theme is very much living up to expectations with children across the borough reading six books over the summer break to win rewards and prizes.
Prisha with her sister celebrating completing the summer reading challenge 2015 at Chipotle
The Summer Reading Challenge finishes on 12 September 2015 and there is still time left for children to sign up and complete the scheme. The challenge is suitable for four to 11 year olds who can read whatever they like – fact books, joke books, picture books, audio books – just as long as they are borrowed from the library.
Children receive rewards as they work their way through the challenge and, for those who finish, a medal and certificate are issued along with the chance to win one of many fantastic prizes. As part of the rewards, Merton Libraries has teamed up with Chipotle Mexican Grill in Wimbledon to give every child, who completes the challenge, a free meal.
Prisha Singhal (9), who finished the challenge and received her free meal at Chipotle, said: “I love reading books of a variety of genres. It helps me to develop my writing skills. I also look forward to each year’s Summer Reading Challenge. The first time I heard about the Summer Reading Challenge was in Wimbledon library. This year’s competition has been my third and favourite so far. Every year it gets better and better and at the same time I feel my reading and writing skills are also improving. I am looking forward to the next one.”
Merton Council cabinet member for community and culture Councillor Nick Draper said: “It’s fabulous news that we’re seeing record numbers of young people getting involved in the Summer Reading Challenge. Reading opens up new worlds for our children and challenges them to discover even more whilst improving their literacy skills. There are still a few days left to take part, so get reading.”
Jerome Tafani, executive director of European Business Development for Chipotle comments: “We are committed to being part of our local community, and through our partnership with Merton Libraries are proud to support the Summer Reading Challenge 2015. We were extremely pleased to host Prisha, her little sister Namyaa and her family today, and hope to see more children complete the challenge over the next two weeks.”
-ENDS-
Notes to editor:
ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Through its vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that—where possible—are sustainably grown and Responsibly Raised® with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food.