Mythical Madness at Walton Library!

Alexia Lavender, Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer, Walton Library

Being a volunteer at this summer’s Mythical Maze Reading Challenge at Walton Library was a very rewarding experience. With the help of special stickers, wristbands, and crazy characters, I saw the participants of the challenge right through, start until finish – from sign up day to having read all 6 books.
Parents with pushchairs, chattering children and babbling toddlers – everyone took part in the challenge. Whether it was reading all 6 books, or colouring in a slippery snake for the Medusa head, everyone had a part to play and had fun with it! The Mythical Maze artwork for the reading challenge, by Sarah McIntyre, really brought the characters and challenge to life. Both parents and children expressed their delight at the magical 3D character models (created by our own volunteers and staff!) dotted around the library.
The aim of the Summer Reading Challenge is to keep children reading throughout the summer when they’re not practicing this skill at school, whilst rewards and colourful characters make reading fun and enjoyable. Taking children to visit a library and discover the wealth of resources they have to offer is a valuable activity to do, especially in this digital age where everything seems to be a click away. The ultimate goal of this challenge is simple, and is something that I have had the privilege of seeing happen through volunteering on the scheme this summer: for children to develop a lifelong love of reading.