Sidmouth Library is offering free activities for children aged 4 to 11 as part of the Summer Reading Challenge, starting on Saturday, July 6.

In partnership with Create, a leading arts charity, and public libraries, this year's Challenge celebrates children's creativity and storytelling abilities. Children will be encouraged to explore new books and stories while taking part in free activities including arts and crafts, music and dance.

By reading books and collecting incentives at Sidmouth Library, young readers can develop their creative thinking skills over the summer break.

Children are invited to come and meet the Legendary Library Llamas, Harry and George, while signing up for the Summer Reading Challenge on Saturday, July 13, from 10am until 11am.

Every week of the summer holidays there will be at least one new, free, 'maker' activity to take part in.

The Summer Reading Challenge aims to prevent the 'summer dip' learning loss many children experience during the long school holidays. In 2023, more than 685,000 children across the UK participated.

Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: "The Summer Reading Challenge sparks children's creativity and imagination through reading. Developed with Create, this year's 'Marvellous Makers' theme will inspire kids' inner storytellers and makers. We're thrilled to work with libraries to provide an engaging environment for exploring new ideas through books and activities."

For more information on the activities at Sidmouth Library, visit https://www.facebook.com/LibrarySidmouth