WHEN school's out for summer, books are often the last thing on children's minds.

Literacy levels are at risk of taking a dip over the summer holiday period, with many youngsters leaving reading behind in the classroom.

The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at getting primary school children to continue reading for enjoyment over the school holiday, while maintaining reading levels for when they return to school in September. Libraries across the district are putting on more than 100 fun events to inspire youngsters.

The challenge is for children to read six books of their choice, and every child who does so will receive a certificate and medal.

The scheme, for children aged four to 11, is delivered by libraries nationwide in partnership with the Reading Agency and has been running in Bradford for 10 years, with impressive results.

Christinea Donnelly, Development Officer for Young People at Bradford Libraries, says that for the past three years there has been increased participation in the challenge. Last year's event saw more than 4,000 children participating, a 10per cent rise from 2013, surpassing the national average increase of two per cent. Fifty one per cent of children who started the challenge completed it; an increase of 16per cent.

And the number of children who joined the library over the summer to take part rose from 351 to 803.

With far too many children leaving primary school with below standard abilities in reading, any scheme aimed at raising literacy levels is to be welcomed. With literacy skills linked to confidence and enhanced achievement in education and employment, the consequences of reading problems can be dire, and far-reaching after school life.

This year's theme is Record Breakers, and the challenge will be launched on Friday at Bradford's City Library where the Lord Mayor, Councillor Joanne Dodds, will attend a record attempt for the number of pledges for a reading campaign. The attempt, organised by the Reading Agency and Guinness World Records, is taking place at libraries nationally.

Every child taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge will receive a fold-out 'Record Breakers' poster, on which to record books they have read over the summer. Along the way there are also stickers, bookmarks, fortune tellers, fridge magnets, key rings and wristbands to collect.

"The reading challenge can make a real difference to children's literacy attainment, as well as developing a passion and enjoyment for reading," says Christinea. "Research shows that the challenge improves children's enjoyment of reading, as well as their reading range, confidence and motivation, and it helps prevent the summer holiday dip in literacy skills.

"Bradford has come on leaps and bounds with the annual challenge. Out of 15 authorities, we are third on the Reading Challenge league table in Yorkshire and Humberside and we got the highest number of children joining libraries."

Bradford Libraries work with schools on the scheme, sending out resource packs. The school with the highest percentage of participants in the challenge, and the school with the highest percentage of children completing it, will be rewarded with a free author event. Last year's winners were All Saints C of E Primary School in Little Horton, with 52per cent of pupils taking part, and Keelham Primary School in Denholme, with 18per cent completing. Eight other schools were highly commended.

Parents are encouraged to get involved too, by taking their children to libraries over the summer. The schools packs include letters for parents informing them about the reading challenge, and there are family activities taking place in libraries throughout the summer holiday.

"The aim is also get children, and their families, using libraries over the summer, and hopefully to continue afterwards," says Christinea. "Every child who takes part will get their own library card. That's empowering for children."

All the events are free, which will be good news to parents trying to keep children occupied over summer on a budget, and Christinea says parents enjoy seeing the difference the challenge makes to their children's reading.

Events at libraries include "Word Wizard" and author Andrew Newbound delivering his humorous and energetic Word Records show; a Zoo Lab giving youngsters chance to handle some exotic animals; a Mad Hatters Tea Party, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland; a 'Build the Tallest Man' challenge; and 'Record Breakers' competitions between libraries.