Reading Champions event encourages love of books with local pupils

Book tasting, exciting missions, and awards were part of the annual Reading Champions event to promote a love of reading and reading for pleasure.

Hosted by the Tameside Council libraries team at Dukinfield Town Hall, local primary schools signed up for the scheme and selected a cohort of children to take part.

Over 100 pupils took on the role as Reading Champions, they created eye-catching book displays, explored how to choose a book, investigated different genres, hosted assemblies and produced book reviews and promotional posters.

The students also took part in online sessions, where they exchanged ideas with other schools. These activities were designed to inspire reading both in school and at home, helping children develop confidence, enthusiasm and a lifelong enjoyment of books.

As Reading Champions, they encouraged their classmates to explore new books and helped create a positive reading culture throughout their schools.

The celebration event featured a fun book-tasting activity, giving children the opportunity to sample a variety of books and authors. Participants were presented with certificates and received a goody bag to recognise their hard work and dedication.

One child who took part said they had “learnt skills to introduce more people to reading and make it fun”, while another reflected that they had developed important “teamwork and friendship” skills.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Cllr Leanne Feeley said: “It’s fantastic to see the Reading Champions so involved in both the programme and the event. Their enthusiasm has been wonderful to see, and encouraging a love of reading among our younger residents is incredibly important. Well done to everyone involved!”