Summer reading challenge for adults

Inspired by the Cultural Olympiad London Festival 2012, the library will play host to a programme of free events and activities for adults and families to encourage more people to pick up a book and discover the pleasures of reading. Whilst the children are enjoying their summer Story Lab activities, adults will have an exciting programme to interest them.

Events for all

The events start this Saturday 14 July at 11am with ‘Finding books for families’, when library staff will be helping adults and children to discover books they will enjoy reading, and introducing them to new authors and titles they might like. The event is free and anyone can drop in.

On Tuesday 31 July adults can bring a book or a story to share at a ‘Bring and share’ coffee morning from 10.30am to 12 noon.

On Saturday 4 August, at 2pm, you can find your perfect read at a ‘Speed dating with books’ activity. Can you tell a book by its cover? This fun activity for adults will help you to choose a great read to take home with you.

Another big date for the diary will be the one- hour performances by professional storyteller Patrick Ryan at 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturday 28 July. Patrick is a long-time favourite of the British storytelling scene, and he draws on traditional stories enthralling to adults and children alike. The performances are free and will be on the main library floor and listeners can drop in without booking.

Read and win

If you would like to join in the Summer Reading Challenge, pick up a free log book at the library and write in what you think of each book as you read it. When you've read three books, return the log book to the library, and you will receive a certificate and your name will be entered into our prize draw! If you like writing stories, you can post up some of your own stories on a library wall for others to enjoy.

Councillor Judy Heathcoat, Cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Whether you’re an avid reader or someone who would like to start reading for pleasure, or someone for whom English isn’t your first language, there will be help, advice and inspiration.

“Reading is often a journey of discovery and inspiration and so, to help people on their way, we will be giving away free log books. Here they can record what they have read and write their own reviews. 

“Our staff will be on hand to help visitors to choose books they will enjoy reading.”

What is happening near me?

You can find out what’s happening near you by checking our website www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries and looking at the events listing, or you can telephone your local library or ring 01865 810240.