Families across the Yorkshire Coast can enjoy three weeks of free, sports-themed storytelling and craft events at local libraries this summer to help boost children's reading habits.
Free books, crafts, and sports-themed storytelling sessions will entertain families across the Yorkshire Coast this summer.
Events aimed at children aged up to eleven will take place at libraries in Eastfield, Filey, and Whitby over a three-week period. The sessions are designed to encourage families to develop a love of reading by connecting it to an existing passion for sport.
The initiative comes as recent research reveals that just over a third, or 35.4 per cent, of children and young people aged between eight and eighteen in the Yorkshire and Humber region report enjoying reading in their free time. While this represents a modest rise over the last year, literacy experts warn that these levels remain critically low.
The upcoming activities will promote the message of this year’s National Year of Reading, highlighting that children who love sport or other hobbies can become experts by reading extensively about their interests.
Helen Williams, Manager for the National Literacy Trust Yorkshire Coast, said:
"We know that reading is most strongly embedded in children and young people’s lives when it feels relevant, meaningful and supported by people around them. This summer, people across the country are talking about major sporting events and the incredible winning moments that bring us all together. Through our Summer of Sport and Stories events, we're helping families discover how books and stories can be part of the activities children already enjoy. Whether it’s the World Cup, dance challenges or sea-swimming adventures, we’re helping children enjoy stories connected to their interests in a way that works for them."
The programme kicks off with a football theme during the first week. Activities will take place at Whitby Library on July 27th, Filey Library on July 29th, and More Than Books in Eastfield on July 31st.
A dance and movement theme will follow during the second week. These sessions will visit Whitby Library on August 3rd, Filey Library on August 5th, and More Than Books in Eastfield on August 7th.
The final week of the programme will focus on water-sports. Families can join the fun in Whitby on August 10th, Filey on August 12th, and Eastfield on August 14th.
For all of the scheduled dates, an early years story and craft time will run from 10am until 11am. This will be followed by dedicated activities for children aged seven to eleven between 11am and 1pm.
Organisers confirm that every event is completely free to attend. Families can simply turn up on the day with no pre-booking required, and visitors will also receive a free book to take home and enjoy together.
The Summer of Sport and Stories programme has been organised by the National Literacy Trust Yorkshire Coast in partnership with North Yorkshire Council. The events are supported by generous funding from the Woodsmith Foundation, aiming to inspire children to enjoy reading and encourage parents to support their children’s reading engagement throughout the year.
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