SITTING IN THE STORY GARDEN: THE 2025 SUMMER READING CHALLENGE. by Penny Dolan

With schools closing for the holidays and the 2025 Summer Reading 'Story Garden' Challenge starting up, the end of July would be a busy one at my local library, and for me too, as it happens. 

Although I know the library very well, and have picked up a lot about this scheme over the years, I had never been involved in a practical way before. This year, to help with a sudden gap in the library's summer volunteer numbers, I suddenly was.

I knew where to sit  already because, at the last Storytime,  there was a new table down in the Junior Library. It was noticeably labelled, and decorated with bright, encouraging posters, a large purple flower, pots of pens, stacks of printed sheets and more, ready for the young readers to sign up for this year's version of the summer reading scheme. 

                                           

I must add that, as I sat at that table, I felt glad a Librarian would be at the official desk on the other side of the library. Meanwhile, I did try to look confident and friendly, and as if I knew what I was doing. 

Well, I almost did, didn't I?

Earlier that week, after the last regular Storytime session, the two teenage Reading Scheme volunteers at the table had explained the process. Afterwards, I turned my scribbled notes into a neat, handwritten crib card, mentally rehearsing the registration procedure as I put the thoughts into order, reminding myself about what I  might need to remember. An official info sheet was taped to the desk but I needed to know as much as I could beforehand, to be as ready as could be.

Heavens, I even found myself a small zipped case and made a pack up with the crib card, two working pens, a blank registration card and the slightly crumpled printed leaflet. I really didn't want to put any child - or parent - off the reading challenge - or the library - or reading altogether for ever - by acting like a witless old fool. 

I made a list of the facts too. The Summer Reading Challenge is for children from four years upwards, mainly of primary age. The young readers are invited to borrow and read six books over the six weeks or so of the holidays to complete the challenge, though of course they can read more, or read 'home' or other books too and there's space for that at the back of the form. The Challenge is definitely about reading for enjoyment and leisure, not 'testing reading' and all sorts of texts included: picture books, story books, fact books, graphic novels, poetry books and more. Having only 'six titles' allows space for holiday travels and for other healthy activities, as shown by the library's special reward.

The Reading Scheme leaflet is designed around a Story Garden theme, and growing readers. Each book read earns a sticker to put in the leaflet. Two books gets two sticker and a 'seed paper' that will, wettened, sprout into tiny seedlings for a garden. Two more book earns two more stickers and a brightly coloured 'fuzzy bug'. to link withthe theme of gradens and nature. The final two books earn two more stickers - of course!- plus a shiny medal on a ribbon, a certificate and, this year, a free entry voucher for one of the local swimming pools to encourage getting out and about in a healthy way. 

Children can collect their certificates and medals, and by photographed by parents by  a special mural too, if they wish. Alternatively, some primary schools arrange September 'Reading' assemblies where pupils receive their certificates. On the card, I would note about what the children - or their parents - chose. 

                                     

No wonder I needed to get all this in order in my own head! Now, all I had to do was explain all this in as friendly and encouraging way as possible, while filling in the registration form and handing out a sheet about holiday activities in the library, not once but many times. By the end of Day One, I felt a new sympathy and respect for the library staff, going through the same often simple procedures and questions day after day after day, and yet staying focused, cheerful and approachable. 

Before long, I learned to watch for those moments when I could explain all this to several children and adults in one go, and also that it was okay to pause and clear my head now and again. I also learned, after some unusual names and whispered spellings, that it was best to let the children write and spell their own names on their leaflet, and for me to copy that spelling on to the official registration card.  But I did get through it - as did the children - and came home at the end of the sessions with my brain feeling that it had had a good workout.

                                        

Best of all  - for an author used to waiting in emptied libraries - was witnessing and experiencing the happy mood when the the children's library was busy and in full working flow. From that purple-flowered desk, I saw all sorts of people. 

I came across cheeky borrowers, brandishing the next title in an easy, popular series; solemn readers ashamed of their wriggly younger sibling; shy readers wary of face-to-face attention; reluctant readers, firmly encouraged by their parents; watchful carers helping their 'new' children to choose;.

I met children whose family language was not English; people whose wide-eyed grandchildren were visiting from other countries; several older parents and grandparents casually familiar with the whole reading scheme process; older siblings affronted by the lack of reverence showed by a younger brother or sister, and even a few first-time visitors who needed registration on the system by the librarian first.

In between, I saw children and adults colouring in at the table, friends of all ages gossiping, pregnant and nursing mums resting quietly on the seating, and toddlers playing with the wooden sensory toys. Honestly, what a privilege it was to see so many people using the library service, and to have such a joyful glimpse of the community that a local library serves. 

I only wished I could have had the illustrator Shirley Hughes sitting there, capturing some of the many 'people' moments, not outside, but inside this very library.

                                             

And, by the by, on one of the days, I even had the delight of helping a young girl borrow 'Vixen', one of my own early readers, on the lending machine.  

                                              

What a very cheering moment that was and not, as I've only just had the idea, because of any connection to the Public Lending Right.  The total pleasure of knowing for sure that someone somewhere is reading your - and your illustrator's - books.

 Penny Dolan