A COLLECTION of exotic creatures will be touring Bradford’s libraries this summer as part of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

There will be 22 Zoo Lab workshops taking place at the district’s libraries during the six-week break, allowing children to get up close and personal with a range of exotic animals.

The sessions are aimed at children aged between four and 12, and the children also need to be registered on the Council’s Summer Reading Challenge. This year the theme is Animal Agents.

The challenge is a national initiative delivered by libraries in partnership with the Reading Agency, which aims to encourage children to continue reading throughout the summer holidays.

Research has shown children who engage in reading during the break gain more enjoyment, confidence and motivation in reading and do not suffer a dip in literacy skills.

All children who take part receive a wallet and stickers, and there are also bookmarks, fortune telling devices, keyrings and wristbands to collect, and every child who reads six books during the summer will receive a certificate and medal featuring artwork by best-selling children’s illustrator Tony Ross.

Zoo Lab workshops will run at the following times and places:

  •  Monday, July 31; Burley 11am to 12pm, Allerton 2.30pm to 3.30pm;
  •  Tuesday, August 1, Bingley 11am to 12pm, Silsden 2pm to 3pm
  •  Wednesday, August 2, Thornton 11am to 12pm,
  •  Thursday, August 3, Clayton 11am to 12pm, Bolling Hall 2pm to 3pm;
  •  Friday, August 4, Manningham 11.30am to 12.30pm;
  •  Monday, August 7, Holme Wood 2pm to 3pm;
  •  Wednesday, August 9, Keighley 2pm to 3pm
  •  Thursday, August 10, Laisterdyke 2.30pm to 3.30pm
  •  Friday, August 11, Wyke 11am to 12pm, Thornbury 2.30pm to 3.30pm
  •  Monday, August 14, Wibsey 11am to 12pm, Idle 2pm to 3pm
  •  Tuesday, August 15, Eccleshill 2.30pm to 3.30pm
  •  Wednesday, August 16, Shipley 11am to 12pm, City 2pm to 3pm
  •  Thursday, August 17, Ilkley 11am to 12pm, Wrose 2.30pm to 3.30pm
  •  Friday, August 18, Denholme 11am to 12pm; Monday, August 21, Baildon 2pm to 3pm.

Booking for Zoo Lab workshops is essential.

To avoid disappointment and to secure a place, people are advised to visit their local library.