To launch this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, people across the city are being invited to join in a flash read and show their support for children’s reading!

This reading equivalent of a flash mob, aims to inspire more children and their parents to take a few minutes to share the pleasures of a good book, which is a key component of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The flash read will take place on Friday 11 July at 11am when Explore is urging everyone to stop what they’re doing for a few minutes, pick up a good book and read. It only needs to take a few minutes but it will be a city-wide, fun event to remind everyone of the pleasures of reading. To spread the word, readers are invited to take a reading selfie and tweet it at #yorkflashread, or simply tell us what or where they are reading and join in.

All libraries will be taking part as well as schools and other organisations in the city. A class from Burton Green will visit Waterstones book shop and Big City Read author Tom Harper will be joining in.

The flash read not only launches but highlights an element of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Called the Mythical Maze, children across the city are being challenged to read six books in two months which will win them a prize for every book read, plus a medal and certificate if the whole, six-book challenge is completed. Even the busiest children who manage a quick read a few times each day will soon find they’ve finished a whole book in no time!

The challenge will run in every Explore York Library between Saturday 12 July and Sunday 14 September 2014 and everyone who completes it will also be put into a draw to win a Hudl.

The challenge is aimed at children aged 4 – 11 years but anyone younger can also take part and win stickers for any books which are read to them. They can also get a certificate for collecting six stickers.

And that’s not all that is happening. As well as the challenge there will be lots of events and activities happening in libraries over the summer holidays when the creatures from the Mythical Maze will emerge. Meet our A-mazing magician who’ll be pulling some top tricks out of a hat at Explore Acomb, Dunnington, Fulford and Poppleton or come to discover Greek Myths at Explore Acomb and much more. Pick up a brochure from your local libraries, look in Shine magazine or go to http://www.exploreyork.org.uk/ for more details.

Frances Postlethwaite, Explore York’s Children and Young People’s Librarian, said “Just over 4,000 children took part in the challenge last year and had a great time and we would love even more to take part this year.

“Reading is so important for children at all stages of their lives, and it should always be fun and enjoyable. It would be wonderful if everyone in York could show they support children’s reading by taking just five minutes to be a part of Flash Read.”