The Reading Quest launches in Suffolk

Suffolk Libraries is introducing a new summer reading programme, Reading Quest, which has been created to encourage children and their families in Suffolk to embark on a reading adventure together this summer. 

Children's librarian Erin Hamilton (pictured), who has been leading the project, explained, "Suffolk Libraries made the decision to create a new summer reading programme after months of conversations with families, teachers and library staff.  We have a creative staff and Suffolk is a wonderful county filled with stories so it seemed a brilliant pairing to create something bespoke for our children." 

Those discussions lead to the creation of Reading Quest, an ambitious project to engage children and families in a new reading for pleasure-based programme.   "The Summer Reading Challenge has always been very successful in Suffolk but we wanted to create something that didn't focus on reading a specific number of books," Hamilton said. "We have created a list of fun activities instead that entire families can do together such as "build a cosy den to read in", "discover more about Suffolk myths and legends" or "re-read a favourite picture book"."

Family focus

The library authority's overall aim is to increase reading for pleasure in the entire family. "While the focus is on the children, we hope the activities will inspire whole families to get involved and begin spending more time with a book."

Children sign up with their local library and collect their map of Suffolk, which features 12 Suffolk stories, some real and based on local legend, others made up for fun. The activities are listed on the back of the map and children are encouraged to see "Where will reading take you this summer?" "We hope they will discover new genres or styles of text as well as finding time to read in new places," said Hamilton. "With each activity achievable by a wide range of ages, it is truly something for the entire family." 

Planning for the Reading Quest

The organisation started planning, researching and having conversations about the project in May 2023, aiming to launch in July 2024. "It has been a long process and one that has ensured our focus be on reading for pleasure and building literacy skills through this," Hamilton said.  "We want to see an increase in children signing up and 'questing', as well as an increase in book borrowing!"

The team planning for the Reading Quest initially included 12 people from across different departments in Suffolk Libraries, from the communications team to marketing to graphic design."We also had the stock team, library managers and volunteer manager involved so we could be sure everyone had a voice and an understanding of the aims and goals of this new programme."

Hamilton added, "At first, libraries and staff have been cautious and asking lots of questions about the practical side of offering this new programme. We created a webinar for staff to watch that answered the main questions and concerns for staff and feedback has been positive. As with any new programme, there will be hiccups, but we are confident that we have created something truly special." Feedback will be sought after the project ends in September, to see what the successes and challenges of the pilot year have been.

Time frame

Reading Quest will launch on 13th July and will end on 13th September. "This is mainly for families who take holidays across the summer and to give our libraries time to ensure children have finished and collected their medals and certificates," Hamilton explained. "It also gives us a clear time frame to gather data from." Suffolk Libraries hopes that between 9000-10000 children will take part during the pilot year.

Schools have had a package mailed to them including a letter from Hamilton, explaining the new programme, as well as some bookmarks, links to a video and a sample of the resources, which have been received positively. "We have great feedback from schools and requests for library staff to visit to lead assemblies."

Measuring outcomes

As for the aims of the programme, Hamilton explained, "We hope for an increase in children taking part in a summer reading project and for an increase in families reading together." Feedback forms have been created for children and their families to complete throughout the challenge. Staff and volunteers will also be providing feedback in September.  "We are hoping to speak with school staff to see if any impact has been noticed within the first term of the 2024 school year," Hamilton added, showing the ambitions for the programme in supporting children's reading during the summer break, when reading levels traditionally dip. An impact report will also consider the entire process of planning, preparing and delivering.

Hamilton is keen to have conversations with other library authorities who might be interested in finding out more. "We would love to share this widely across the UK so if other authorities or libraries are keen to learn more about our process, research and aims, then they can certainly reach out.  We would welcome conversations outside of Suffolk."

If you'd like to find out more, email [email protected] or visit Suffolk Libraries website.