Kirklees Libraries has launched a reading programme to encourage more children to read for pleasure and improve their long-term literacy skills.

The Library Adventures programme is aimed at children aged four to 11 who can pick up an Adventure Pack from their local library at any time during the year and start their journey through a series of exciting themes – Animal Planet, Magical Lands, Oceans, Rainforests, Space Explorer and Spooky.

The themes will be on rotation at each Kirklees library for two months so children can have a taste of every theme.

The children’s quest is to complete the fun activities by attending free events at their local library, reading fun books and collecting stickers, bookmarks, certificates and more along the way.

Kirklees Libraries engaged with local children who told staff what they would like to see in a reading programme – the result is an innovative pilot programme imagined by children, created by Kirklees Libraries.

This work also builds on a previous online programme, Library Adventures Live, which was launched during the Covid lockdown to support children as they switched to learning from home.

Clr Habiban Zaman, deputy leader and Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Library Adventures will provide a fantastic opportunity for children, enabling our future generation to reach new literacy heights, through reading for fun and creative activities.

“The programme will assist young children in taking an interest in reading from an early age enabling early language development and attainment for all ages that will improve their literacy skills.

“It will also help parents give their children the start they need to aspire and achieve academic ambitions now and in the future.”

The fun adventures are designed to encourage reading for pleasure and stimulate creativity. The diverse programme will include sessions designed to engage reluctant readers, offer playful activities for younger children and give updates on what is trending in children’s fiction.

For more information go to www.kirklees.gov.uk/library-adventures.