Children across Devon can join The Summer Book Quest for free at their local library from 12 July. The brand new Quest has been created by Libraries Unlimited, the charity commissioned to run the libraries in Devon and Torbay. It offers a refreshing change to the usual reading challenge with children encouraged to participate by doing a variety of activities along the theme of "Deep Sea Adventure".  

Activities include drawing a sea creature (real or imagined), trying a water activity like swimming or rock pooling, and telling a member of staff an underwater fact. To promote inclusion, children can either count how often they read for 10 minutes or logging how many books they read. 

Saturday 12 July sees family-friendly activities held in all libraries to celebrate the launch. Barnstaple Library will welcome children for face painting, a deep-sea diver meet and greet, interactive games and more. Paignton Library is encouraging fancy dress for a fun party with music, crafts and games. St Thomas Library is celebrating with a free screening of Moana 2 and fun-filled activities, in collaboration with Alibi Theatre and Zero Mile Gardens. Most libraries will be hosting a launch event to encourage children to find joy in reading over the summer holidays. It’s free to sign up at all libraries.  

“We’re so excited to launch The Summer Book Quest on Saturday 12th July across all our libraries!” said Sophie Crofts, Libraries Unlimited Reading Development Manager. “This new initiative is all about welcoming every child - especially those who might not yet see themselves as readers. With our fun-filled Deep Sea Adventure theme, children can dive into stories, meet ninja starfish, enjoy creative activities, and explore their local libraries however they like. It’s a celebration of every child’s reading journey and a reminder to care for our seas and beaches. We’ve made it easier than ever to get involved, and we can’t wait to see the joy it brings!” 

The summer will bring a range of Deep Sea Adventure-themed children's events and activities to libraries. Exeter Library for example, will host The Big Fin-Tastic Family Quiz on 15 August and Cullompton Library will be exploring the magical world of printmaking with Double Elephant artist Simon Ripley 31 July. Pirate Mayhem is coming to Okehampton Library 11 August. Paignton Library search for ancient sea monsters in a Small World Animations workshop on 28 July.  

Some libraries are working with their local swimming pools and sports centres to offer children free swimming sessions. Mid Devon Leisure, Fusion Lifestyle and Smart Swim are just a some of the pools teaming up to support children getting active over the summer. Some regions even have exclusive swimming sessions for The Summer Book Quest finishers. 

Sea Science Adventures, a Devon Science collaboration with Libraries Unlimited, is coming to 19 libraries over the summer holidays. These science workshops will involve slime-making, creating a bubbling lava lamp and a magnet fishing game. 

Libraries Unlimited has also partnered with Surfing England to share information at surf clubs, Surfers Against Sewage to provide educational resources like their online Ocean School, and Active Devon to encourage families to enjoy active time together through swimming and outdoor activities. 

The Summer Book Quest aims to engage children with not only reading but also the fun and knowledge their local library can bring.  

To find out more about The Summer Book Quest activities at your local library pop in or visit the Libraries Unlimited website.