EAST Hampshire libraries including Petersfield were part of this year's “hugely successful” Summer Reading Challenge.
More than 15,500 children took part in the free, annual campaign to encourage them to read more.
Run by the Reading Agency, the nine week challenge invited four to 11 year olds to read any six library books during the summer holidays.
To mark 100 years since the birth of British author Roald Dahl – famous for novels like The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – the challenge theme was ‘The Big friendly Read.’
This year, each young reader who completed the challenge received a special edition set of Quentin Blake illustrated collectors cards, a gold medal and certificate in recognition of their achievement.
This year, libraries used targeted social media posts to generate excitement, and also hosted a number of great events and visited 340 school assemblies.
Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside, Councillor Andrew Gibson, said: “Thanks to staff and volunteers who have played an important part in this year’s hugely successful reading challenge, and shown that the Big Friendly Read is just one example of how reading books offers endless adventure and imagination for young children.
“Long may that continue.”