Summer Reading Challenge

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

This year's Summer Reading Challenge - developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries, is about nature and the outdoors.

This week we welcomed into school our local Islington librarian, Raksha Agheda, to talk to our children about the SUMMER READING CHALLENGE and how to join in.

Raksha was helped with her presentation by two of our Junior librarians, Perez and Sorayah (Violet Class). She talked to the children about why and how to join in with the challenge.

Teachers will be sharing the fun video promoting the challenge with their classes before the end of term.

To launch this year’s Summer Reading Challenge Islington libraries will be holding a Family Fun Day on 5^th July with free fun activities.

There are two ways you can take part:

You can join the Challenge at your local library. A librarian will give you a special sticker booklet and help you choose from books, ebooks, or audiobooks. You’ll collect stickers and other rewards along the way.

Alternatively, take part in the Challenge online by going to Summer Reading Challenge. Set a reading goal and log your books on your profile. Reach your goal and unlock digital badges and a certificate.

Please note, the in-person and online Challenges are separate.

It's a super easy way to motivate children aged 4-11 to have fun reading during the holidays. Children collect rewards for reading whatever they like and there'll be lots of free activities to enjoy along the way.

Take part for free either at the library or online at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk 

Summer Reading Challenge

 

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

The Summer Reading Challenge, delivered in partnership with public libraries across the UK, is back for 2025! The Challenge invites children to embark on an exciting reading journey, either through their local library or online. This year’s theme, Story Garden, encourages young readers to explore nature and the great outdoors through reading.

In the Library

Visit your local library and sign up. Your child will set a reading goal, choose anything they like to read, and collect special stickers and rewards for their reading. Libraries offer lots of free activities and events throughout the summer.

Islington Libraries Family Fun Day on Saturday 5th July

Online 

Sign up on the official Challenge website to take part online. Children can set a reading goal and get tips for accessing books for free at home. As they read books, they’ll unlock digital rewards, including a printable certificate.  

Children set a reading goal and collect rewards for reading anything they enjoy. Children can sign up at their local library or online, and it’s FREE to take part.

JOIN IN FROM 5th JULY TO KEEP CHILDREN READING OVER THE HOLIDAYS!

Baroness Floella Benjamin - Virtual Event

 

Author Virtual Event

Baroness Floella Benjamin

Wednesday 11^th June

Children in Year 1, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 5 had an exciting morning listening to 

Baroness Floella Benjamin when they joined in with the ‘live-streamed’ event.

This event not only celebrates the 30^th anniversary of her ever-popular memoir ‘Coming to England’ but Windrush Day on 22^nd June. This year also sees the release of a brand new board book, illustrated by Joelle Avelino, which introduces the story to the youngest children.

There was an introductory video from the Migration Museum showing how relevant the themes of book are still today.

The Baroness was then introduced and appeared on the classroom screens smiling and resonating joy. She explained that she was inspired to write her story as she felt it important that we all have an opportunity to see ourselves reflected in the books we read.

The Baroness said that ‘Coming to England’, recounts her experience at the age of ten of setting sail from the Caribbean to a new life in London with her family. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn’t at all what she had expected...Her mother taught her that all you need is love and that “education is your passport to life". Using these principles she worked hard and her achievements led her to winning honours and even meeting the Queen.

The Baroness' final message was to keep smiling and it will give you strength. Throughout her talk she was filled with optimism and joy and her experiences of moving home and making friends resonated with the children.

The Baroness is a truly inspirational speaker.

Thank you to Pickled Pepper Books, our local bookshop, for inviting us to this event and to the publishers, Macmillan, for organising.

Bookykid Workshop

 BOOKYKID Workshop

Wednesday 21st May

Library

12:20 -12:50

Today we had our first BOOKYKID Workshop. 

The children were very excited to meet BOOKYKID!

Junior librarians, Cillian and Sadie, demonstrated to a group of Year 2 children how BOOKYKID, our library robot assistant, works.

Sadie and Cillian showed the children how BOOKYKID helps children to choose books by asking them a series of questions and then selecting answers using a computer.

First -  Choose your Year Group

Second -  Pick a Category  

FANTASY - Press F

DRAGONS and DINOS - Press D

COMIC - Press C

ADVENTURE - Press A

MAGIC - Press M

SCARY - Press G

LANGUAGE - Press X

SCIENCE - Press S

TOPIC - Press T

RELIGION - Press  R

LUCKY DIP - Press L

Listen carefully and BOOKYKID will suggest some books to help you find the perfect one.

Enjoy Reading!

ROBOT WORKSHOPS

 BOOKYKID WORKSHOPS

Our Library Robot Assistant

Wednesday Lunchtimes

in the Library at

12:20 - 12:50

Our junior librarians, Sadie and Cillian, will be running lunchtime workshops to demonstrate how to use our library robot assistant - BOOKYKID.

Come along and find out how BOOKYKID can help you choose your next book.

Half Term Activities

 HALF TERM CRAFT EVENT

at 

Archway Library

YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY – FREE BOOKS

Have you joined your local library? 

Did you know that anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough can join Islington Libraries?

Our nearest library is at Archway, near the underground station. A perfect place to go to after school and during the holidays to share a story!

Membership is FREE giving you access to amazing FREE books, eBooks eAudiobooks and many other resources. 

To find your local Islington libraries click here

Join today and help St Joseph’s children be happy, confident readers.

NEW BOOKS

 NEW BOOKS

Another bus load of books have arrived at the library.

These books were bought with the funds we raised at the 

BOOK FAIR.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Scholastic Book Fairs and helped us raise money to spend on books for our library.