Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 25 September 2025 10:25
860 children completed this year's challenge with the support of East Renfrewshire libraries. The Summer Reading Challenge runs in partnership with the Reading Agency, with this year's theme of 'Story Garden'. Children are encouraged to sign up at their local library and read six books over the summer holidays, with a 'mini' challenge available for children under the age of four.
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure hosted a series of special presentation sessions across its libraries in September and early October, inviting young readers who completed the challenge along to celebrate their success.
Scott Simpson, Head of Libraries and Information Services at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure said: “Our library team is proud to support young readers and we have been delighted to see so many children participating in the Summer Reading Challenge during the school summer break.
“It is fantastic to welcome everyone back to our libraries as they complete the challenge, with special ceremonies, certificates and medals to celebrate their success. Well done to all the young readers who took part this year!”
East Renfrewshire libraries have also lined up a series of 'Love Libraries' events, as part of a nationwide campaign to celebrate the impact and value of libraries in our communities.
The libraries launched a Creative Writing Competition where entrants are encouraged to submit a short story, fiction or non-fiction around the theme of love and friendship, featuring libraries. The competition closes on 31 October, with the winning entry published online and will receiving Waterstones vouchers.
Libraries Throughout the Years, an exhibition showcasing Heritage resources including photos, newspaper articles and staff memories, will be shared around East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's libraries. Giffnock Library will host a special quiz night on Thursday 9 October, with entrants encouraged to gather a team and get ready to battle it out to be crowned champions at the BYOB event for ages 18+.
Scott added: “We are excited to join the National Library for Scotland’s centenary celebrations and Love Library campaign, hosting a series of events and activities for adults and children.
“Budding and established local writers can get creative with our writing competition, which is based on the theme of love and friendship and feature libraries, and our team can’t wait to read the entries. We look forward to welcoming everyone along to our quiz night, heritage sessions and to visit our local libraries to take part in fun scavenger hunts.
“Our Love Libraries Wall of Comments, featuring customer comments on why they love their libraries, have been collected over the past four months and these are proudly displayed at each local library. Our libraries are at the heart of our local community and we hope everyone joins in the Love Libraries fun to help us celebrate!”
Children can join in the centenary celebrations at their local libraries, posting about their favourite book on Love Heart Walls and participating scavenger hunts, which take place during the last week in September and the first week in October.
Find out more about library events: www.ercultureandleisure.org/libraries
For more about the Love Libraries competition, visit: www.ercultureandleisure.org
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