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Family HAF Camp

Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Story Garden

Friday 15th August, 10am – 11.15am, Children’s Library, Central Library

Meet the Author Camilla Chester

Join us on a fascinating journey through Luton’s past!

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<h1 style="line-height: 1.5;">Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Story Garden</h1>
&nbsp;
Throughout the summer, children joining the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge 'Story Garden' can discover new books, participate in free activities at their local library, and explore the link between reading and the great outdoors, where nature and imagination come together.
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Recent research shows that children&rsquo;s enjoyment and engagement in reading is in decline, despite research from the OECD showing that reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child's future success &ndash; more important than either parents' educational background or household income!
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The Summer Reading Challenge supports children to get excited about reading throughout the summer, helping to maintain their reading at a time when engagement can often dip. There's also a host of FREE and fun activities taking place across libraires to get involved in each week.
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How do I take part?&nbsp; Signing up is easy! Simply visit your local Luton Library. Or, join online via <a href="www.summerreadingchallenge.co.uk">www.summerreadingchallenge.co.uk</a>
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What do I have to do? Simply read 6 books of choice before 6th September. Each time you finish a book, visit the library. You will collect a special stickers and rewards along the way!
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Swim for only &pound;2.50 This summer, anyone who joins the challenge, can also swim at their local Active Luton swimming pool to enjoy a Fun Time Splash session for only &pound;2.50 per child! Ts&amp;Cs apply. <a href="https://www.activeluton.co.uk/terms-conditions">Find out more</a>.
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You can also get involved in a host of fun activities each week at your local library.&nbsp;
Whats happening at your local library&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/185687060@N03/54637742717/in/dateposted-public/" data-flickr-embed="true"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54637742717_4aa5ae4b03_b.jpg" alt="SRC Story Garden Timetable" width="1024" height="135" /></a>
Stories and Craft with the Wildlife Trust Join us at Lewsey Library for a wild and wonderful storytelling adventure in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants! Listen to nature-inspired tales full of bees, bugs and butterflies, then enjoy a creative craft session to make something special to take home. It&rsquo;s part of this year&rsquo;s Summer Reading Challenge &ndash; where stories bloom and imaginations grow. &pound;2.50 per child (pay on the day) (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Book your place now</a> &nbsp; Inflatable Theatre Magic Show Prepare to be amazed! The Inflatable Theatre Magic Show is a spellbinding mix of laughter, wonder and imagination &ndash; perfect for families taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Expect surprises, giggles, and magical storytelling, all inspired by the Story Garden theme. Tickets &pound;3.75 per person (children &amp; adults) &ndash; pay at the enquiry desk (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Join the fun &ndash; book here</a> &nbsp; Taleshakers &ndash; Next Generation Youth Theatre Let imaginations bloom with Taleshakers, a vibrant mix of storytelling, music, games and movement! Designed for little ones aged 0&ndash;6, each joyful session supports creativity, early language and confidence &ndash; all through play and rhythm. &pound;5.30 per child &ndash; pay at the enquiry desk on the day (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult).&nbsp; <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Reserve your spot today</a> &nbsp; Circus Workshop with Splats Circus Roll up, roll up! The Story Garden comes alive with our exciting Circus Workshop Learn to juggle, balance, spin and more with Splats Circus &ndash; perfect for ages 3 to 11. Whether you&rsquo;re a tiny acrobat or just love to clown around, this hands-on session is packed with fun! &pound;5.30 per child &ndash; pay at the enquiry desk on the day (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Secure your place now</a>

Summer Reading Challenge 2025

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They were female soldiers in a war Britain wanted to fight without conscripting women. It was a vain hope, by December 1941 for the first time in British history women were called up and a generation of girls came of age in khaki, serving king and country. Barbara trained to drive army-style in giant trucks and Grace swapped her servant's pinafore for battledress and a steel hat, Martha turned down officer status for action on a gun-site and Olivia won the Croix de Guerre in France. Commemorating the 80th anniversary of conscription for women, this book captures remarkable stories from the last surviving veterans who served in Britain's female army and brings to life a pivotal moment in British history. Precious memories and letters are entwined in a rich narrative that travels back in time and sheds new light on being young, female and at war.

Army girls : the secrets and stories of military service from the final few women who fought in World War II

Army girls : the secrets and stories of military service from the final few women who fought in World War II

By: Dunlop, Tessa, author.

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