The Roald Dahl theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge proved to be very popular. Although final figures for the children taking part are not yet known it is thought to have been more then ever before.

The Challenge, a joint enterprise between local libraries and the Reading Agency, has become a regular event now – with the aim of encouraging children to read at least six books during the school holidays. They can choose any books they like and they get a prize for every two they finish.

Since this year is the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth, the challenge was themed around his wonderful books and called the Big Friendly Read. If you have been near the Children’s library in Ross-on-Wye lately you will have seen the wonderful Big Friendly Giant mural. His books provided plenty of inspiration for some special craft events.

Throughout the county children had whizzpopping fun creating dream jars, giraffes from the Giraffe, the Pelly and Me, Fantastic Mr Fox puppets and, wonderfully funny, Mr Twit beards. To add to the fun, Hereford had a Big Blue Book Bus parked at the Shirehall which attracted about 50 people a day. Ross Library hosted several crafty events with some wonderful results.

The school holidays are over now but of course the local library has good things for youngsters all year round.

In Ross there is Bounce and Rhyme – free sessions to introduce the little ones to the pleasures of books songs and rhymes – every Friday afternoon at 2.15pm.

Then for older kids there are free Warhammer Games Workshops on the first Tuesday of the month. For more information you can e-mail [email protected]. Meanwhile during opening hours the library provides a glorious children’s corner full of good things, and a quiet place to get on with homework with WiFi and computers available to help, including access to reference materials many people would not be able to afford to own at home. And of course there is a wonderful selection of reading material, from picture books to teen fiction and graphic novels. There is even a dedicated section of books called ‘Shelf Help’ to help teens face life’s trickier challenges. Something in fact for everyone.