All libraries are closed until further notice. You can access newspapers and magazines and e-books and e-audio online.
Return dates for loaned items have been extended until the end of July so you don't need to renew. All fines for overdue items will be waived. You cannot reserve or return books at present – please keep hold of your borrowed items and do not put them in library book drops or letterboxes.
Reading throughout the summer is very important for children. A total of 722,731 children across the UK took part in the 2019 Summer Reading Challenge. Around 3,500 children took part in Thurrock, more than half of whom managed to read 6 or more books and received a medal. Many went on to get the limited edition Space Chase kit bag for reading 8 books.
'Silly Squad' is this year's Summer Reading Challenge, which takes place from 11 July to 12 September.
It will be a celebration of funny books, happiness and laughter. Children will join the Silly Squad, a crew of fun-loving animals who enjoy exploring lots of different types of funny books. Step inside their colourful funhouse for a side-splitting adventure celebrating the joy of reading – just watch out for a mysterious baddy who is up to no good!
The 2020 Summer Reading Challenge is expected to be run online rather than in local libraries – we'll give more information nearer the time.
Children are invited to explore with us and take up the challenge of reading 6 books over 6 weeks to collect special stickers and a fridge magnet.
Those who complete the 6-book challenge are awarded a limited edition medal and certificate. Certificates are sent to primary schools during the autumn term. Those who manage to read 8 books also get an awesome limited edition orange 'Silly Squad' bag too.
Children not yet at school can take part also in their own mini-challenge, where they collect stickers for each book they share at home. They could earn a sticky gold medal of their own, and a certificate that can be collected directly from their library.
Although this year's Summer Reading Challenge is expected to be online rather than in local libraries, we're still asking for volunteers aged between 13 and 18 years-old to help us with the challenge through late July and August. If you are interested in taking part, read our volunteering pages then download and return the application form, below.
Library Summer Reading Challenge volunteer application
