Libraries NI and the Education Authority have launched this year’s Big Summer Read, a programme designed to help children in Northern Ireland maintain their reading skills during the school break.

Jim O’Hagan, chief executive of Libraries NI, and Eve Bremner, chief education officer of the Education Authority, joined pupils from Finaghy Primary School at Finaghy Library to mark the start of the initiative.

The Big Summer Read encourages children and families to visit local libraries and take part in reading challenges over the summer months. This year’s theme centres on a Story Tree, with children able to track their progress as they complete activities.

Mr O’Hagan said reading is a fundamental skill that extends well beyond the classroom. He explained that the summer programme provides a way for children to continue their reading journeys while discovering the pleasure books and libraries offer. He noted that support from the Education Authority helped broaden the programme’s reach.

Ms Bremner said helping children develop a love of reading from an early age supports their learning, confidence and wellbeing. She added that the initiative allows children to build and maintain literacy skills outside school in an engaging way. The partnership between the two organisations, she said, ensures families have access to valuable resources in their communities.

Children can sign up at any library across Northern Ireland, where free activities, reading challenges and new books are available. Libraries NI has invited families to call into their nearest branch to join and help their Story Tree grow over the summer.