Tauranga City Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge is decades old and quietly one of Tauranga’s most well supported programmes, with more than a thousand children and teens taking part this summer.

The challenge has come a long way over the years.

What was once a strictly limited programme, with a set ‘sign-up week’, due to resource and staffing constraints, is now open to all.

These days, participants are also invited to make use of Beanstack, an app designed to help them track their reading in a fun new way.

“Interest in the programme continues to increase every year, so we’ve had to continue to find ways to help everyone and anyone participate”, says Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Youth Programme Team Lead  Lauren Jones.

“Last summer, we opened up the challenge to preschoolers and were so thrilled by the feedback from families who were delighted that their youngest members could take part alongside their older siblings.

"Preschoolers are welcome again this year, with any kind of interaction with books, including having your parents read to you, counted.”

What hasn’t changed much are the prizes and famed finale party.

“Children aged 0-10 will get a certificate, a special prize book to keep, plus an invitation to a family party event and those 11 and over get a $20 Whitcoulls voucher for their efforts.

"But that’s not all! Everyone who comes in to tell us about a book for the first time gets a swimming pool pass as well, thanks to the generosity of Bay Venues”, says Lauren.

“We love hearing what children think about the books they’ve read and being able to reward them for making the effort is such a highlight of the year for our staff and volunteers”.

Lauren feels it’s important to note that participants aged 5-18 get even more chances to win other exciting prizes by doing extra activities and book reviews.

She also stresses that check ins are “not a test”.

“Any engagement with reading over the long summer break is fantastic. Helping children avoid a slump in their reading levels during the holidays is an aim for sure, unlocking a love of reading even better, but any participation in reading whatsoever is a good thing”.

Worth mentioning beyond the summer reading challenge: all four community libraries throughout Tauranga will be hosting a combined 72 drop-in activities over the summer holidays.

These activities are for the whole whānau to enjoy and a great free option for holidaymakers looking to escape the sun for a bit, or – here’s hoping this isn’t the case – the rain.

To get started, head into your local library and grab your free Kia Kaha te Pānui - Summer Reading Challenge information pack right away. The challenge ends on Monday, January 29.

Check out the library website for more information.