Summer Reading Challenge – New Sponsors Announced!
The Reading Agency is delighted to announce two new sponsors for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and it’s newly launched digital platform.
OverDrive Education, the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide, is sponsoring the website’s School Zone, specially created for teaching professionals. The platform features information on how to support pupils and classes taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge, with resources to inspire students to read for pleasure, including assembly plans and teacher’s toolkits.
“OverDrive is proud to support the Summer Reading Challenge both as a sponsor and by providing twenty-six of the titles in this year’s Challenge on Primary Ebooks NOW, our digital library platform for Primary schools,” said Paul Davighi, UK Country Manager for OverDrive and OverDrive Education.
“This great selection of titles in the ‘Silly Squad’ themed challenge is available on our award-winning student reading app Sora and they’re bound to get children reading…you’d be silly to miss out!”
Hedrin (manufactured by Thornton & Ross) are sponsoring the website’s Home Zone, created with parents, grandparents and carers in mind. The zone features information on how children can sign up to the Challenge, and guidance on how to encourage children to read for pleasure and use the digital platform. Hedrin will also be providing a bookmark and discount code in Summer Reading Challenge activity packs distributed by libraries. Some of these packs will also be distributed nationwide by Arts Council England as part of their Let’s Create packs, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, with others being sent out to organisations such as the Variety Children’s Hospital at King’s College Hospital, Give A Book and Civic, who will help distribute them to families who need them the most.
Hedrin Brand Manager, Francesca Turner commented: “We are delighted to announce that Hedrin are sponsoring the home zone of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Although this year’s challenge is somewhat different in light of COVID-19, the launch of a new digital format is really exciting and we are proud to be part of the programme to keep children engaged and interested in reading despite a disrupted school year. We expect this September to be even more of a stressful time for parents as all children return to school after the pandemic, so we hope the Hedrin discount code in each pack will make it that little bit easier to prepare for the classroom.”
The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge, delivered in partnership with public libraries, encourages children aged 4-11 to read during the long summer holiday — with research showing that children’s reading can ‘dip’ severely during the summer if they do not have regular access to books. With school life disrupted and many children missing the company of their friends, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is even more vital as a way of helping parents and carers find fun, family-friendly activities, maintain literacy levels and create a safe space for children to connect with their peers.
The website is free to access, featuring games, quizzes and digital and downloadable activities to incentivise and encourage children and their families to take part in the Challenge at home. As libraries begin to re-open, they will begin to provide physical materials where possible, while also continuing to deliver the Challenge through virtual services and e-lending platforms.
About OverDrive Education
OverDrive Education is the leading digital reading platform for K-12 schools, offering the industry’s largest catalogue of ebooks, audiobooks and streaming video. As a 100% digital company serving over 30,000 schools worldwide, OverDrive combines technology with content to support learning and reading in the K-12 classroom, library and home on all major devices. Sora, the student reading app, was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2019. Founded in 1986, OverDrive – the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide – and OverDrive Education are based in Cleveland, Ohio USA. OverDrive is owned by KKR, a leading global investment firm. overdrive.com/schools
About Thornton & Ross
Founded in 1922, Thornton & Ross grew to become the largest independent pharmaceutical manufacturer in the UK, before becoming part of the STADA group in 2013.
From a base in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Thornton & Ross develop, manufacture and supply a growing portfolio of healthcare products including leading brands such as Hedrin, Covonia, Flexitol, Care and Cerumol.
Get Involved
Head to www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to join the Challenge and check out the Home and School Zones.
