SUMMER has started and so has Wollongong City Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge, which is running until Friday January 18.

The annual challenge is held over the Christmas-New Year holidays, and encourages school-aged children to keep reading during the break.

For 2012-13 the challenge has three divisions; junior (0-11 year olds), young adult (12-17 years) and – new to this year – adult (library members over 18 years). This year the theme is ‘Untangled Tales’.

To participate, people are encouraged to register at either Corrimal, Thirroul or Helensburgh Libraries. Juniors should enter any books they borrow and read into a reading log for their chance to win prizes.

Winners for each division will be drawn on January 25 for the youth and adult competitions, and at the Summer Reading Challenge parties in Wollongong on January 23 and Corrimal on January 22 for junior winners. There are also weekly prize draws and events during the challenge as well as other activities such as QR code scavenger hunts, Friday Fairytales and Science Workshops.

“Parents and teachers know that if kids don’t read over the summer holidays their reading levels can drop. This is a great initiative that helps counteract that,” Jenny Thompson, Manager Community Cultural and Library Services said.

‘’Plus, it’s a good way to get people to see the huge range of books, CDs and videos at our libraries. And I love the theme for this year. ‘Untangled Tales’ is all about rediscovering fairytales, myths and legends.’’

Bookings are a must for the Challenge parties, events and workshops.

Summer Reading Challenge parties:

• Monday January 21, Warrawong Library, 11am,  prize presentation and puppet show
• Tuesday January 22, Corrimal Library, 2pm,  prize presentation and movie screening: Brave
• Wednesday January 23, Wollongong Central Library, prize presentation and screenings of Brave, 10.30am-2.30pm.