Get ready for the Gadgeteers, coming to Kent libraries

KCC’s library service is excited to introduce Gadgeteers, the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge for youngsters

Children are invited to join the Gadgeteers - Aisha, Eddie, Leo, Maggie, James and Ajay - to discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around them.

Kent libraries and The Reading Agency are teaming up with the Science Museum Group for a special science-themed challenge that will inspire children to use their imagination and creativity.

Gadgeteers will feature amazing books, awesome rewards, and plenty of ideas for cool experiments and activities to discover and explain the science all around us. The challenge will be brought to life by top children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford.

Children can find out more about the Gadgeteers and their special skills by signing up and reading six library books over the summer period. They can read anything from the library, including stories, information books, audiobooks, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and more. When they have read their six books and completed the Summer Reading Challenge, they will receive a medal and certificate (while stocks last). And it is all free.

The challenge runs until 10 September and children can choose to sign up either by visiting a Kent Library to claim their joining pack, or by visiting summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to take part online.

Mike Hill, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “Following two difficult years due to the pandemic and its impact on children and their families, the Summer Reading Challenge 2022 is more important than ever in supporting children with their learning, reading skills and much more.

“The Gadgeteers celebrate adventure, friendship, reading and fun while helping children to discover science all around them.

“They have the whole summer to tackle the challenge and we would like as many children as possible to take part.”

Despite the pandemic, nearly 12,000 children took part in Wild World Heroes in 2021, either by visiting a library or by signing up online.

These were among the many positive comments received from parents:

“My children have special needs with ADHD and dyslexia and both are below their reading age. But reading challenges help them read books they wouldn’t at school.”

“The children enjoyed the reading challenge, encouraged them to read together and collect their prize. It has taught them to read to each other and listen to the stories.”

Find out more about Gadgeteers at any Kent library, visit bit.ly/Gadgeteers2022, KCC’s dedicated Summer Reading Challenge page or follow Kent Libraries’ social media pages – Facebook, Twitter and YouTube - to find out more about the Gadgeteers and all the exciting events and activities happening this summer in Kent Libraries.