Mid Ulster libraries to take part in Guinness World Record attempt

The branches are aiming to gather as many reading pledges as possible as part of Libraries NI’s Summer Reading Challenge for children.

The Northern Ireland-wide record attempt will be judged by independent judges, stationed at libraries across the region as the pledges are collected.

Irene Knox, Chief Executive of Libraries NI believes the reading challenge is most important for encouraging young readers to pick up a book.

“Last year, over 14,760 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge,” she said, “and over 42 per cent of them were boys.”

When they sign up to their local library, children will be able to set a goal for the number of books they aim to read, collecting stickers and activity sheets and other rewards as they go.

As part of the Summer Reading Challenge a website - www.recordbreakers.org.uk - has been set up to allow children to log which books they have read.

Both Cookstown and Magherafelt libraries will be collecting young reader’s pledges on Friday July 10 between 11am-3pm.